What is hyaluronic acid?

If you've ever wondered what hyaluronic acid is, we're here to explain. It's a special kind of molecule that's found in the skin and other parts of the body. Hyaluronic acid molecules are made up mostly of water and can hold onto water molecules like tiny sponges. This helps keep your skin looking plump and youthful.

Hyaluronic acid is a carbohydrate molecule made in the body. It is found in the skin and connective tissue, and as hyaluronic acid loves water, it has the ability to plump out the skin for use in anti aging formulations. As we age, our natural hyaluronic acid decreases, contributing to wrinkles and sagging of the skin, which is why it it important to incorporate hyaluronic acid serum and other skin care products containing this divine ingredient.

What exactly is hyaluronic acid?

Hyaluronic acid is a natural component of the skin and connective tissue, helping to lubricate your joints and keep them flexible. In fact, as you age, your body naturally begins producing less hyaluronic acid. This can lead to drier skin and joints - hence the popularity of hyaluronic acid based anti aging creams! Hyaluronic acid is a component of connective tissue, and it's what gives your skin its bounce and elasticity.

In the body, hyaluronic acid lubricates and cushions joints, helping to increase range and movement. In connective tissue, hyaluronic acid is needed to bind collagen to elastin. Often referred to as the fountain of youth, hyaluronic acid in the skin supports collagen formation and moisture, providing anti aging benefits.

The aging process causes the human body's natural levels of hyaluronic acid to decrease over time - hence why we need external sources like supplements or injectables! Hyaluronic acid supplements are often used for beauty treatments and joint pain relief.

How is hyaluronic acid made?

Hyaluronic acid is also known as a "humectant," meaning it attracts water to cells, which helps keep them hydrated.

In fact, the body produces hyaluronic acid naturally. It's found in many different organs and tissues, including the eyes, skin and joints. In addition to being made by our bodies, hyaluronic acid is extracted from animals, most commonly roosters and cows or even fish scales! But did you know that hyaluronic acid can actually be found in plants?

Yes! It's true. And when it comes to hyaluronic acid from plant sources, there are a lot of benefits to using it over the synthetic variety. For one thing, it's vegan! So if your beauty routine is cruelty free and sustainable, this is a great option for you.

But why would you want to use vegan hyaluronic acid? Well… there are a few reasons! First of all, plant based hyaluronic acid doesn't have any animal by products in it (so no gelatin). It also has antibacterial properties because of its ability to attract water molecules - which means your skin will stay hydrated longer than using traditional hyaluronic acid.

As Sassy Organics is 100% vegan store, we don’t stock any products that contain animal ingredients. Therefore, products sold in our store which contain hyaluronic acid are derived from plant sources. Vegan hyaluronic acid is made from plant sources like seaweed, algae, and even apples. Plants produce hyaluronic acid as part of their own cellular processes, so when we extract it from plants, we're actually just taking advantage of a natural process that occurs within living cells.

Hyaluronic acid benefits

We all know that hyaluronic acid is great for our skin, but did you know it's also good for your body? Check out these hyaluronic acid benefits.

Increased hydration: Hyaluronic acid helps to retain moisture in the skin and is a powerful humectant. This means that it attracts and binds to water, which can help slow down the aging process and keep your skin feeling soft and smooth.

Reduced swelling: Hyaluronic acid works with other antioxidants to reduce swelling in the body, which can help relieve pain and discomfort caused by injuries or illness.

Improved joint health: Hyaluronic acid can help improve joint health by reducing inflammation, improving flexibility and mobility, and even increasing collagen production - all of which help keep your joints functioning properly!

Hyaluronic acid for skin

Hyaluronic acid is a natural substance that is found in skin, and it helps skin retain moisture. Hyaluronic acid can be used to make creams and serums to help improve the appearance of your face, neck and hands. It's a natural substance that acts as a lubricant, helping keep your skin smooth and wrinkle free.

Its gel like properties give it the ability to hold 1000 x its weight in water, making it an excellent moisturiser for your skin - and one of the best ways to help aging skin stay firm and supple! These days, hyaluronic acid is found in most moisturisers because of its ability to attract moisture from the air and hold it on your skin.

Hyaluronic acid can be manufactured in a lab to be used in cosmetic medicine and skin care. In fact, it is the main ingredient in cosmetic filler (hyaluronic acid injections in the face and lips). When applied to the skin, hyaluronic acid serum has the ability plump, tighten and add moisture back into the skin for a more youthful appearance.

When it comes to using hyaluronic acid as an ingredient in your skincare routine (or any other type of product), there are several different ways that you could incorporate it: on its own as a face serum or moisturiser; mixed with Vitamin C and retinol for anti aging benefits; added into products like lotions and creams for extra dry areas like elbows or heels; as well as many other options depending on what kind of results you're looking for! Hyaluronic acid and retinol alternative ingredient bakuchiol in Antipodes Glow Ritual Vitamin C Serum instantly illuminates for luminous, dewy skin while offering protection from free radical damage.

Luxury Organic Skincare brand Vanessa Megan incorporates hyaluronic acid into some of their products including Vanessa Megan Collagen Boosting Gel (personally my favourite product). You will also find hyaluronic acid in Antipodes hyaluronic acid moisturiser.

Some formulations may combine hyaluronic acid and vitamin C such as Eco Tan Face Tan Water. As vitamin C is a cofactor for the formulation of collagen in the skin, combing vitamin c with hyaluronic acid helps to increase the beneficial effect. Plus, you will benefit from beautiful glowing tan. Eco Tan Face Tan Water is made with anti aging and anti acne properties, so this really is one of those product that you just have to have in your bathroom. A little goes a long way and a bottle of face tan water will last you for several months. It is great for all skin types, even for rosacea, eczema and acne effected skin.

Hyaluronic acid for acne

There are a few mechanisms by which hyaluronic acid can benefit acne. One is by providing moisture to often red and flaky lesions. Bacteria produced on the skin in acne sufferers can actually decrease the skin’s natural hyaluronic acid. Another is by providing free radical scavenging activity. Oxidative damage caused by inflammatory cytokines (molecules caused by inflammation) can be neutralised by the natural antioxidant support of hyaluronic acid. 

Ere Perez Green Booster Serum is made with spinach - high in folate, antioxidants & vital minerals and vitamins and considered helpful in treating acne, improving skin tone and relieving dryness. which help to reduce inflammation and clear acne scars, but also contains hyaluronic acid, which is hydrating for skin and oxidant combating. As mentioned earlier, Eco Tan Face Tan Water also contains anti acne formulation, vitamin C, hyaluronic acid and is a non comedogenic formula, which means it will lock in moisture on your face without clogging your pores.

Hyaluronic acid mask

Nowadays, you can find hyaluronic acid in serums, moisturisers, and masks. It hydrates your skin by attracting water molecules from the air around you - so it's great for dry, dehydrated skin types!

Using a mask containing hyaluronic acid is extremely beneficial to exert the anti aging benefits, as allowing the mask to sit on the skin will increase the uptake of hyaluronic acid into the cells. Ensuring you are sufficiently hydrated by drinking fluids throughout the day will also help the hyaluronic acid exert its full potential. It doesn't get better than La Mav Firming Treatment Mask. In addition to hyaluronic acid, this natural and organic face mask contains vitamin C & turmeric, providing you with glowing and refreshed appearance.

Hyaluronic acid supplement

Hyaluronic acid can be taken as a supplement, similar to collagen which is also available in supplemental form. Hyaluronic acid supplements are an easy way to get the benefits of this natural substance in your body, whether you have a certain condition or just want to help keep your skin healthy and hydrated.

By taking a hyaluronic acid supplement, however, you can generally replenish the amount of hyaluronic acid in your body and maintain healthy levels for years after taking the supplement. And while there aren't any specific studies on how effective hyaluronic acid supplements are at preventing aging or maintaining skin health long term, many people report that they notice visible improvements in their skin after taking them consistently for several months or more.

Hyaluronic acid side effects

Hyaluronic acid is generally well tolerated, however in very few people an allergic reaction may occur, involving skin irritation and redness. If you have very sensitive skin that is prone to reactions, a patch test on the skin is recommended before applying to a large area.

The most common side effect is mild redness where the product is applied. This is usually temporary, and can be easily treated with an ice pack or an over the counter pain reliever. If you notice any other unusual symptoms after using hyaluronic acid, contact your doctor immediately.

Hyaluronic acid in pregnancy

Hyaluronic acid is particularly important during pregnancy. It helps to maintain healthy joints and muscles by reducing pain and inflammation caused by stretching ligaments and tendons as the body grows larger. It also protects against infection by skin abrasions as well as reducing scarring from wounds.

Although there is likely no harm in using hyaluronic acid supplements in pregnancy, anything that does not have clinical studies against it cannot be recommended in pregnancy. If you are pregnant and are considering using hyaluronic supplements, we recommend consulting your health care practitioner first.

Final thoughts

We hope that this article has been helpful to you and answered your questions about hyaluronic acid. If it did, feel free to share it with friends and family, or let us know if you have any other questions!

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