Hyaluronic Acid (HA) is a naturally occurring molecule found in the body that plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy and youthful-looking skin. It is a glycosaminoglycan, a type of carbohydrate that is found in connective tissues throughout the body. In the skin, HA is primarily located in the dermis, where it helps to provide moisture and elasticity.
One of the reasons HA is so important for youthful-looking skin is its ability to hold water. HA can hold up to 1000 times its weight in water, which helps to keep the skin hydrated, plump, and smooth.
Hyaluronic Acid (HA) also helps to improve skin texture and firmness by stimulating the production of collagen. Collagen is a protein that is found in the skin and is responsible for providing structure, elasticity, and firmness.
Now, here’s the rub . . . . As we age, our bodies produce less Hyaluronic Acid (HA). The decrease in HA production begins around the age of 30, with a gradual decline thereafter. Studies have shown that the average person's HA levels decrease by approximately 6% every ten years after the age of 30. This means that by the time we reach our 50’s, we may have lost up to 30% of our HA levels compared to when we were in our 20s. A decrease in HA production is a natural part of the aging process and is one of the reasons why our skin becomes drier and dull looking, saggy and more prone to wrinkles and fine lines over time.
Other factors that can contribute to a decrease in HA levels include lack of proper hydration, exposure to UV radiation, smoking, and poor diet, as well as alcohol consumption. You may have noticed people who smoke or drink, especially excessively, tend to look older than those their same age who do not. These factors can accelerate the aging process and further reduce the body's ability to produce HA.
So, what’s the best way to get the HA we need to help maintain our skin’s healthy, youthful glow?
Topical application of HA has been shown to be most effective. While there are oral HA supplements on the market that claim to improve skin health and reducing the signs of aging, it is still a topic of debate among researchers, as there have been no substantive findings of any difference between the effects of oral HA supplements and a placebo. So, we focus here on topical application of HA, which has been proven effective.
When HA is applied topically to the skin, it can easily penetrate the skin and bind to water molecules, which increases the skin's moisture content. This increased hydration helps to smooth out the skin's surface and improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It also has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to soothe and calm irritated skin.
Studies have also shown HA to stimulate collagen production. Collagen is a protein that is found in the skin and is responsible for providing structure, elasticity, and firmness. Like HA, as we age, our bodies produce less collagen, which can contribute to the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, and sagging skin. The collagen-stimulating and hydrating properties of hyaluronic acid work together to improve skin texture and firmness, leading to a more youthful and radiant complexion.
Furthermore, HA has antioxidant properties that help to protect the skin from free radical damage caused by environmental stressors such as UV radiation and pollution. This protection helps to prevent the breakdown of collagen and elastin in the skin, which can further reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
Overall, clinicians highly recommend incorporating Hyaluronic Acid as an invaluable ingredient for your skin care regimen. Used in skincare products, it helps to maintain skin hydration, improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and promote a more healthy and youthful-looking complexion. Young Ever After advocates the use of and realizes the incredible value of HA, and it can be found as a star player in YEA’s Max Revital-Eyes and Premium-C+ Skin Optimizing Serum.
Learn more about Hyaluronic Acid in YEA’s products by clicking on either product link above.
