What is Hyaluronic acid?
Hyaluronic acid is a polysaccharide naturally found in the human body, particularly in the skin, connective tissues, joints and eyes. Hyaluronic acid has the ability to bind and retain water for up to 1,000 times its weight.
Skin's Hyaluronic Acid Content
About 50% of hyaluronic acid content in the human body is in the skin. The hyaluronic acid content of the dermis (the middle layer of the skin) is significantly higher than the hyaluronic acid content of the epidermis (the top layer of the skin). Hyaluronic acid gives human skin its compactness, firmness and elasticity. Skin's hyaluronic acid content declines with age, and therefore it is crucial to restore it.
3 Best Skincare Ingredients to boost hyaluronic acid content in the skin
Studies showed that some skincare ingredients increase the hyaluronic acid content in the skin. Here are the top 3 skin's hyaluronic acid boosters:
1. Sodium Hyaluronate
Sodium Hyaluronate is a hyaluronic acid derivative with a low molecular weight which enables it to penetrate deeper into the skin and boost the skin's hyaluronic acid content from the deeper layer of the skin. Sodium hyaluronate is the best hyaluronic acid booster for all skin types.
2. N-Acetyl Glucosamine
N-acetyl glucosamine is a basic component of hyaluronic acid. Studies showed that n-acetyl glucosamine increases collagen and hyaluronic acid synthesis in the skin by more than 100%. It significantly enhances skin cell regeneration and reduces visible signs of ageing including age spots (hyperpigmentation). N-acetyl glucosamine is the best hyaluronic acid booster for mature skin.
3. Hyaluronic Acid
Due to its higher molecular weight than those of sodium hyaluronate and n-acetyl glucosamine, hyaluronic acid skincare products increase the hyaluronic acid content on the skin surface but unable to go deeper into the skin. However, it is still the best hyaluronic acid booster more suited for younger skin which has no visible signs of ageing yet.
Can all skin types benefit from boosting the hyaluronic acid content?
Yes, absolutely. Every skin type from oily to dry, young and mature; all can benefit from hyaluronic acid. Increasing skin's hyaluronic acid content helps strengthen the skin and slow down skin ageing. Choose hyaluronic acid skincare products which suit your skin type. If you have an oily skin, choose hyaluronic acid skincare products with a light, oil-free formula. If you have dry skin, choose hyaluronic skincare products with a rich, nourishing formula.
Is it better to wait until your see the signs of ageing appearing before using hyaluronic acid skincare products?
No. Every adult, woman and man can benefit from using hyaluronic acid skincare products. Hyaluronic acid improves your skin's ability to retain water. Your skin's water content is more about skin health rather than anything else. Dehydration and dryness weaken skin barrier function, make your skin prone to sensitivity, irritation and damage. Obviously, restoring your skin's water content will also help delaying the signs of ageing.
When is the best time to boost skin's hyaluronic acid content?
You can boost your skin's hyaluronic acid content at anytime both during the day and night. Keeping your skin well hydrated throughout the day and night is very crucial to your skin's health. If you want to use hyaluronic skincare products during the day, always check and make sure that the other main ingredients in the products are not phototoxic; for example, skincare products which contain retinol are not recommended to be used during the day. Retinol is known to be phototoxic.
The Best Hyaluronic Acid Skincare Products
Hyaluronic Acid Super Hydrating Serum with sodium hyaluronate, pro-vitamin B5 and japanese cherry blossom extract to instantly increase skin water content and make skin looks plumper, smoother and revived learn more >>>
Rose Royale Supreme Anti-Ageing Serum is a super potent, ultra-concentrated serum with sodium hyaluronate, n-acetyl glucosamine and 24 karat gold to restore, renew and protect the skin from all ageing factors learn more >>>
White Orchid Ultra Brightening Serum with sodium hyaluronate, n-acetyl glucosamine and niacinamide to boost skin cell renewal, help erase dark spots and signs of ageing including wrinkles and fine lines learn more >>>
Author:
Henry Tianus is a multi-award-winning Anti-Ageing Scientist with 25 years experience in skincare research and product development. Henry Tianus's articles have been read by people in more than 100 countries with USA and UK at the top of the list. Join Henry Tianus eNewsletter to receive the latest health and wellbeing tips.
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Scientific Sources: (1) Low Molecular Weight Hyaluronic Acid: Its Effects on Epidermal Gene Expression & Skin Ageing, International Journal for Applied Science, English Edition, SOFW-Journal, 134, 11-2008. (2) Reduction in the appearance of facial hyperpigmentation by topical N-acetyl glucosamine, Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2007 Mar, 6(1): 20-6. (3) N-Acetylglucosamine modulates function of the skin fibroblasts, International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2013 Oct, 35(5):472-6. (4) The effect of N-acetyl-glucosamine on stratum corneum desquamation and water content in human skin, Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2009 Jul-Aug, 60(4): 423-8. (5) Topical n-acetylglucosamine provides fast acne-reducing benefits and mildness demonstrating its potential utility in enhancing conventional Rx or OTC acne treatments, Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, February 2007, Volume 56, Issue 2, Supplement 2, Page AB19. (6) Oral N-acetylglucosamine supplementation improves skin conditions of female volunteers: Clinical evaluation by a microscopie three-dimensional skin surface analyzer, Journal of Applied Cosmetology 20, 143-152, April/June 2002. (7) A Firming Neck Cream Containing N-Acetyl Glucosamine Significantly Improves Signs of Aging on the Challenging Neck and Décolletage, Joel Schlessinger, MD1 and Barbara Green, RPh, MS2 and Brenda L. Edison, BA2 and Lynn Murphy, MA2 and Yamini Sabherwal, PhD. (8) Differential metabolic effects of glucosamine and N-acetylglucosamine in human articular chondrocytes, Osteoarthritis and Cartilage, 2009 Aug, 17(8): 1022–1028. (9) N-acetylglucosamine reduces inflammatory response during acute peritonitis in uremic rats, Blood Purification, 2006, 24(3): 274-81. (10) Genomic expression changes induced by topical N-acetyl glucosamine in skin equivalent cultures in vitro, Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2007 Dec, 6(4): 232-8. (11) Cosmeceuticals for Hyperpigmentation: What is Available?, Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery, 2013 Jan-Mar, 6(1): 4–11. (12) Hyaluronic acid: A key molecule in skin aging, Dermato Endocrinology, 2012 Jul 1; 4(3): 253–258.
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