hyaluronic acid moisturizer

What Is Hyaluronic Acid?

hyaluronic acid serum Technically, it’s a group of sugar molecules called polysaccharides, according to research. These molecules work to cushion and lubricate, and they’re found naturally in the body’s connective tissues, notes the Cleveland Clinic.

Over time, your body’s stores of hyaluronic acid decline. Age is one reason, research shows, but environmental factors — such as smoking and air pollution — also accelerate this process, according to another study. That’s the bad news.

What Are the Benefits of Hyaluronic Acid?

The key benefit of  acid is  and that unbelievable ability to retain moisture. To understand how important moisture is for the skin, you have to first know that dehydrated skin — when the top layer of skin doesn’t have enough water — appears dry, rough, and flaky, Marchbein says.

It’s not just a matter of aesthetics. Dry skin can be dangerous. “Poorly hydrated skin is unable to maintain an appropriately intact skin barrier, leaving the skin more vulnerable to damage from external and environmental sources,” Marchbein says. When the skin barrier is not intact, it can let bacteria in, which can lead to infection, according to a study. 

The 3 Types of Hyaluronic : How They Differ

There are three types of hyaluronic acid:

1. Hydrolyzed hyaluronate acid is hyaluronic acid that has been broken down into elements small enough to penetrate the skin, Gasquet says. It’s moisturizing, but not the most moisturizing option, so it’s best for people who have oily or combination skin, since these skin types want to avoid over-moisturizing.
2. Sodium hyaluronate  goes deeper into the skin and delivers even better results, though the effects aren’t very long lasting, Gasquet says. “ Sodium hyaluronate is best for people who have normal skin because it will allow moisture to seep in, but you don’t really need a heavy-duty, long-lasting effect.” This is the ingredient you’ll likely find in serums.
3. Sodium acetylated hyaluronate has the benefits of sodium hyaluronate but with longer-lasting results. It’s best for people who need moisture, such as those with dry skin, those who live in dry climates, or those looking for a product for the dry winter months.