More than products, skincare ingredients have drawn the most questions. And most of these questions are centered around their effectiveness and recommendations. For instance, does hyaluronic acid work?
Sometimes, it sounds too good to be true that a pea-sized moisturizer will moisturize your skin in seconds and make it look radiant. However, if you have used a hyaluronic acid-based product before, you will certainly not argue this fact.
But if you haven’t, there is enough proof to clear your doubts.
Hyaluronic acid (HA) does work to address a wide range of cosmetic problems. This acid naturally occurs in the body and has proven effective in providing and retaining moisture.
Read on to see answers to your many questions about the effectiveness of this acid.
Does hyaluronic acid work for face?
Hyaluronic acid is a very soothing face moisturizing ingredient.
Whether in serums, creams, lotions, or face hydrating masks, HA works to hydrate facial skin and smoothen the skin cells. Also, this skincare acid is best for every skin type.
Dry skin, most especially, benefits from this humectant which keeps facial skin hydrated and moisturized. However, it works for every skin type, including sensitive skin, which is very prone to irritations and breakouts.
Hyaluronic acid synergizes with other products in your routine to even your skin tone, plump your face and make it look supple. Therefore, it helps to improve the overall appearance of your facial skin.
Does hyaluronic acid work for hair?
The humectant property of hyaluronic acid is not only beneficial to the skin. HA is also included in many hair care products.
In case you’re wondering if HA is for everyone, yes, it is. Dr. Beth Goldstein, a board-certified dermatologist affirms that hyaluronic acid is suitable for every hair type.
This acid revives limp hair, which is characteristic of old age and alopecia. It moisturizes your scalp and strands, preventing hair loss.
In addition, people with type 3 and type 4 hair understand the battle with frizz and breakage. Haircare products that contain hyaluronic acid can help prevent and treat such hair issues.
This makes it a potent ingredient in a hair care routine if you’re looking to grow out your hair with fine texture, keeping breakage and split ends at bay.
Does hyaluronic acid work for acne?
Hyaluronic acid is a good additive in acne treatment.
It does not exfoliate your skin or zap zit off your face, but it can stop the formation and promote healing.
This still has to do with the moisturizing property of HA. Oily and acne-prone skin is characterized by an overproduction of sebum which leads to clogged pores and, eventually, acne. And sometimes, dry acne skin can get acne breakouts too.
HA regulates oil production, retains moisture, soothes inflamed acne, and helps to keep you from popping pimples and having spots.
While using reactive ingredients like alpha and beta hydroxy acids or retinol, hyaluronic acid is the balm that soothes your skin and prevents it from drying out. Moreover, it helps to stimulate your skin to tissue repair and wound healing, which is good for fading acne scars.
Does hyaluronic acid work for lips?
Hyaluronic acid lip balms, lip fillers, and other supplements are good for your lips.
This acid draws moisture to your lips and helps to maintain a luscious pout. Of all the skin on the body, the skin on the lips does not produce sebum, so they are prone to losing moisture fast and getting chapped.
Using hyaluronic acid-based products on your lips can help prevent this from happening. The moisture boost keeps your lips hydrated even in harsh weather conditions. Furthermore, HA can be used to treat chapped lips (if you already have them).
Does hyaluronic acid work for wrinkles?
Yes, it does.
If you are looking to get rid of fine lines and facial wrinkles, you need hyaluronic acid in your skincare routine.
Apart from being a strong humectant, hyaluronic acid is a good antioxidant. It strengthens your natural barrier and protects your skin from environmental aggressors that can trigger the formation of free radicals.
These free radicals, in turn, cause premature aging with the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Hyaluronic acid dermal fillers fill in these lines and wrinkles and plump your skin back to its youth.
Does hyaluronic acid work for stretch marks?
Hyaluronic acid is a great moisturizer and enhances wound healing.
These benefits combined make it a good topical treatment for new and old stretch marks. The moisture retention ability of this acid makes it promotes collagen production.
Sufficient levels of collagen and elastin enhance your skin’s ability to withstand and resist excessive stretching- the beginning of stretch marks.
HA is good for preventing and treating stretch marks. If you apply stretch mark creams containing hyaluronic acid over the affected area every day, you should notice a less prominent appearance with time.
Does hyaluronic acid work in dry climates?
Using hyaluronic acid on your skin in dry climate conditions is good for your skin but it can be quite tricky.
Hyaluronic acid moistures your skin by attracting moisture from the environment, binding to the water molecules, and retaining it in your skin.
However, in dry climate conditions, the air around is dry and contains little or no moisture. So, there is no moisture to supply your skin. In such a situation, using hyaluronic acid on your skin can be harmful.
If there is no moisture in the environment, HA rather strips your skin of moisture and makes it dehydrated. But if you use hyaluronic acid correctly, your skin will not have to go through this.
If you’re using a hyaluronic acid serum, layer an occlusive moisturizer over the serum to trap moisture.
Does hyaluronic acid work orally?
You can ingest hyaluronic acid via pills or food and fruits like sweet potatoes, soy-based foods, nuts, avocados, and bananas.
Oral ingestion of hyaluronic acid supplements works to heal joint issues like arthritis. HA is naturally found in joints; when this supply runs out, oral supplements can make up for it and lubricate your joints.
Lubricated joints glide and function smoothly, reducing the risks of friction and pain. Additionally, oral intake of HA can improve the overall appearance and function of your skin. It also works to promote wound healing and tissue repair.
How to use hyaluronic acid for skin
Hyaluronic acid can be found in moderate concentrations in OTC products like cleansers, toners, serums, creams, gels, face hydrating masks, moisturizers, and boy lotions.
If you’re using it as a serum, HA should come after cleansing your skin and before you layer moisturizer. If you do not use a moisturizer, it may turn against your skin. Also, do not use HA too frequently; two to three times a week will do.
Other than that, use hyaluronic acid two times a day, every day, to moisturize your skin and keep it supple. Also, remember to apply it to damp skin.
How to use hyaluronic acid for hair
Just like with your skin, apply hyaluronic acid to damp hair. Asides from shampoos and conditioners, products like hair serums, hair mists, mousses, and masks contain hyaluronic acid.
After washing your hair, apply hyaluronic acid serum and evenly distribute it with a comb before you style your hair. Furthermore, you can mix HA with oils like argan oil and jojoba oil to replenish moisture and add a natural glow to your hair.
To use a HA hair mask, apply it to damp hair and leave it for up to five minutes before you rinse it out. Also, do not overuse hyaluronic acid on your hair.
FAQs
How quickly does hyaluronic acid work?
On application, hyaluronic acid moisturizes and plumps your skin in a few minutes.
As a topical treatment for scaly skin, you should see improvements in two weeks. Hyaluronic acid injections increase your moisture level almost immediately.
Can you use hyaluronic acid every day?
Yes, you can.
Use hyaluronic acid every day to replenish and restore moisture levels. Use hyaluronic acid as part of your morning and evening skincare routine.
Can hyaluronic acid be bad for your skin?
Hyaluronic acid is naturally present in the skin.
It is least likely to irritate your skin or cause breakouts. However, if applied to dry skin, used without a moisturizer in dry weather conditions, or overused, hyaluronic acid can dry out your skin.
Conclusion
Does hyaluronic acid work? Yes, it does, and for many beauty purposes. If correctly used, you can reap maximum benefits from this mild acid.
Hyaluronic acid works for your face, hair, and skin conditions like acne and facial wrinkles. Every skin and hair type needs this acid to look its best and thrive regardless of weather changes.
Also, it practically works well with other ingredients, enhancing their effectiveness and even protecting your skin from their harsh downsides. What you need to do is, get the right products and apply them correctly.
Thanks for reading.
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