What’s the Deal with this Hyaluronic Acid trip?

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If you’re familiar with Hyaluronic Acid (HA), good for you!

It’s one of the more technical, nerdy skincare ingredients, but it’s also one of the most currently buzzed-about topics in the biz’ right now.

Is it a mere coincidence that all of the major skincare companies are focusing on this ingredient? (Not exaggerating, SkinCeuticals just launched their HA serum — hot on the heels of their amazing HA mask. SkinMedica premiered their HA gel a couple of months ago, cosmetic companies are adding into their products left and right, and the HA-train doesn’t show any sign of stopping.)

So, really. What is the deal with Hyaluronic Acid everywhere, and in everything? 

Usually thought to be a moisturizing substance (and a great one, at that!) there’s a lot more nerdy fun-facts about HA than you probably know.

Read on for the top 7x things that you don’t know about hyaluronic acid. (Because if the powers-that-be at SkinCeuticals, SkinMedica, etc. think this information is super-valuable, you may as well benefit from it too.)

1. Hyaluronic Acid is in your body, right now!

Hyaluronic Acid has been found in all bodily connective tissue, and in especially high concentrations in the viscous-fluid that cushions your joints. It’s like nature’s version of WD-40, it keeps everything working smoothly and properly.

2. Its probably also in your makeup.

If your lipstick claims to have lip-plumping abilities, or your foundation promises hydration, there’s a good chance they contain HA. (Other cosmetics that contain HA include tinted moisturizer, eye shadow and primer. It’s an easy, fail-proof way to allow makeup to adhere to the skin in the nicest way possible.)

3. It can hold 1,000 times its weight in water.

HA is extremely hydrophilic (water-attracting), and it can absorb moisture right out of the air, holding on to 1,000 times its own weight! What does this mean for you? HA products truly are a great means of hydration for your skin. Products containing HA can plump the skin by drawing water to the skin’s surface, thereby diminishing the appearance of fine-lines and wrinkles.

4. It works even better when combined with an occlusive.

“Occlusives” are a class of skincare products that create a barrier between your skin and the surrounding environment. (I always think of occlusive products as being akin to a piece of saran-wrap, nothing gets in, and nothing gets out.) Applying an occlusive product on top of an HA will allow your hydration to reach deeper, more thorough levels. If your skin is especially dry, sensitized, or irritated, the combination of HA and occlusive moisture lock-down could be just the thing your skin needs. Products that list lecithin, propylene glycol, cetyl alcohol, petrolatum and/or paraffin as an ingredient are usually considered to be occlusive. (Please note: If you are prone to break-outs or acne, occlusive products are not a good fit for you.)

5. It’s a popular dermal-filler.

Better known as Juvéderm or Restylane, Hyaluronic Acid is one of the main ingredients in the most popular dermal-fillers.

6. It’s unlikely to cause an allergic reaction.

Due to the fact that the human body naturally produces HA, it is easy to surmise that this is an ingredient that indeed works, and that every skin-type should be able to safely, comfortably benefit from.

7. It works best when used regularly.

Maximize the cosmetic, antiaging, hydrating, skin-plumping effects of topical hyaluronic acid by applying the product twice a day.

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