It seems like hyaluronic acid is on every skincare label these days. This ingredient appears to have taken the skincare world by storm, but what is a hyaluronic acid serum, and most importantly – do they work?
What is hyaluronic acid?
A humectant is a substance that retains water, and hyaluronic acid is a highly potent humectant. This substance is naturally found in many parts of the human body and can bind to over a thousand times its weight in water. It has several different beauty applications, including use as an injectable to counter the volume loss of aging. More recently, it has become a wildly popular ingredient in topical serums.
What is hyaluronic acid used for?
As we age, our bodies stop producing a lot of substances that are vital for maintaining a youthful look. Hyaluronic acid, along with collagen and elastin, is one of those substances. When our bodies no longer make hyaluronic acid, the result is skin that is duller, dryer, and has less volume.
Since it is so good at holding on to water, one of the hyaluronic acid’s primary uses is as an injectable filler, but more and more lately, it is showing up on skincare and makeup labels. You can find hyaluronic acid as an ingredient in everything from lip gloss to night cream, and sometimes it can be hard to tell if all the hype is warranted.
So, do hyaluronic acid serums work?
Whether or not a serum works depends on what you want it to do. Topical hyaluronic acid will never have the same extreme plumping effects as its injectable counterpart. However, it makes an incredibly effective moisturizer due to its water retention properties. Dry skin primarily benefits from hyaluronic acid serums, but anyone with skin of any type that desires a little extra smoothing may find it helpful. Foundations or other cosmetic products containing hyaluronic acid help create a light, dewy, and fashionable complexion.
Hyaluronic acid works best for plumping and smoothing when injected, but it is an excellent ingredient in cosmetics for those who need an added moisture boost. If you think hyaluronic acid might be for you, or you want to inquire about hyaluronic acid fillers, get in contact with us here at Advanced Dermatology, and we’ll be happy to provide a tailored consultation to help you get the care you need for your unique and individual skin!