Hyaluronic acid is a polysaccharide molecule (large complex hydrocarbon), also known as hyaluronate. It is produced by our cells and occurs naturally in our body. Along with collagen and elastin, it is one of the main components of the connective tissue that surrounds our skin cells, where it provides hydration and firmness to the skin. Young, healthy skin contains large amounts of hyaluronic acid, but with increasing age, its production and amount in the skin decrease.
Strong ability to bind water
Maintaining optimal hydration is key to healthy skin: without the right amount of water, skin dries out and is less effective than a protective barrier. Visually, it loses radiance and strength. Hyaluronic acid is a very effective moisturizer – it acts as a magnet that attracts water to the skin. It has the ability to bind 1,000 to 10,000 times its own weight in water (i.e. one gram of acid binds one to ten liters of water). Cosmetic products containing effective hyaluronic acid benefit all skin types, in any case they are especially effective for skin that is naturally dry and for people from 25. the year of the age when skin begins to show the first signs of ageing.
Effects of hyaluronic acid
- moisturizes the skin (gives it sufficient moisture),
- strengthens the skin barrier,
- tightens, brightens the complexion, rejuvenates the complexion,
- reduces small lines on the skin, fills deep wrinkles when injected,
- promotes collagen production,
- gives the skin elasticity and firmness,
- promotes skin regeneration and wound healing,
- improves joint function (found in joint sebum – reduces friction of cartilage and bone during movement),
- relieves symptoms of dry eyes (active substance in eye drops – so-called artificial tears),
- improves the quality of hair and nails,
- fights cellulite and stretch marks,
- has antioxidant effects
Types of hyaluronic acid
- High molecular weight hyaluronic acid (also known as long-chain hyaluronic acid): stays on the skin’s surface and effectively improves hydration of the outer layer of the epidermis, where fine lines and wrinkles are formed.
- Medium-molecular hyaluronic acid (also known as medium-chain hyaluronic acid): acts in a similar way to high-molecular weight hyaluronic acid.
- Low molecular weight hyaluronic acid (also known as short-chain hyaluronic acid): Containing molecules 40 times smaller than high-molecular weight hyaluronic acid molecules, it penetrates deeper into the skin’s epidermal layers, where it stimulates its own production of hyaluronic acid and replenishes hydration where deeper wrinkles develop.
