What is Hyaluronic Acid, and How Can It Help My Skin?

In honor of Hyaluronic Acid Day on January 21, we're taking a look into this widely-used skincare ingredient. What is hyaluronic acid? How can it help your skin? What are the best ways to use it? We've got the answers to all these questions and more.

What is hyaluronic acid?

According to the Cleveland Clinic, hyaluronic acid is "a gooey, slippery substance that your body produces naturally." It's been found in the joints, eyes, and skin. Hyaluronic acid has many functions in the body, including helping your joints to move smoothly, keeping your body hydrated (hyaluronic acid is good at retaining water, which is why it's often found in products like eye drops, serums, and moisturizers), and it keeps the skin flexible (it reduces wrinkles and lines and has been proven to help wounds heal faster and remove scarring).

Because it's naturally found in the body, it's safe to use hyaluronic acid. Reports of adverse effects are rare, but always consult your doctor if you are concerned.

How can I use hyaluronic acid?

Hyaluronic acid comes in a few different forms. We'll divide them up by over-the-counter and prescription.

Over-the-counter:

1. Internal: Hyaluronic acid is available in supplement and pill form, as well as a powder than can be mixed with liquids. Taking hyaluronic acid internally can help with arthritis pain, improving skin health, and more.

2. External: Hyaluronic acid is easy to find as a featured ingredient in many products, such as shampoo and conditioner, body lotion, facial moisturizers, serums, and more.

Prescription:

1. Injection: Healthcare providers may inject hyaluronic acid into the joints to help relieve pain from arthritis, and is sometimes used in medications given though an IV.

2. Fillers: Fillers containing collagen and hyaluronic acid may be injected into the skin to help restore its natural shape and appearance, such as for treating acne scars or injecting the lips.

3. Nasal: Medications with hyaluronic acid taken through the nose is thought to help the body absorb the body absorb them better.

4. Inhaler: Some healthcare providers are using hyaluronic acid with medications in inhalers and nebulizers to help treat asthma and respiratory infections.

What are the benefits of using hyaluronic acid?

1. For hair: Hyaluronic acid's ability to help retain moisture is especially good for those with dry hair. It can also help calm itchy, inflamed scalps, treat frizz, adds shine and softness, and is lightweight enough for all hair types. It promotes healthy hair growth and can assist in repairing color damaged hair.

2. For skin: In addition to (and because of) the deep hydration that hyaluronic acid offers the skin, it's also anti-aging by plumping the skin, improves elasticity and firmness, strengthens the skin barrier, speeds up the repair process in wound healing, soothes redness (and can help eczema), and even enhances the benefits of other skincare products.

3. For nails: In addition to intensely hydrating the nail and cuticle, hyaluronic acid helps to reduce brittleness (in turn lessening peeling, cracking, and breaking), prevents the cuticles from becoming dry and strengthens the skin for better barrier function, promotes healthy nail growth, and adds shine and smoothness to the nail.

Salon Patrice offers many skincare products for purchase and has many custom facial treatments to help repair damaged skin and keep healthy skin looking vibrant. Call (815) 223-8643 or find all of our skincare services here.