What Is Hyaluronic Acid and How Does It Help Your Skin?

Can skin quality be improved? Our Little Rock-based Dermatology Group of Arkansas team knows that patients are routinely searching for treatments to make their skin clearer, smoother, and even healthier.

One of the best-known powerhouse ingredients for the skin is hyaluronic acid. Chances are good that you have heard of this ingredient before, since facial fillers and many types of topical products contain it. Even if you know the words, however, you may be wondering what exactly hyaluronic acid is and how it works.

Hyaluronic acid can often be the key to getting a plump and glowing look. To put it simply, this ingredient works by increasing water content in the skin. It’s a strong hydrating ingredient—medically known as a humectant—that absorbs water from the environment and holds it in the upper layers of skin. The molecules can even retain up to 1,000 times their own weight in water, so hyaluronic acid is great for keeping your skin dewy and luminous throughout the day.

It has many benefits, such as:

• Making the skin look and feel more supple

• Speeding up wound healing

• Smoothing the texture of the skin

• Decreasing the depth of wrinkles

• Enhancing skin firmness and elasticity

• Reducing symptoms of mild to moderate eczema

• Acting as an antioxidant to protect the skin against damaging molecules called free radicals

It's best to use toners, essences, serums, and moisturizers that contain hyaluronic acid. Water or gel-based products are ideal for those who have oily skin, while oil-based products will be the better choice for those with dry skin. It’s perfectly safe to use products that contain hyaluronic acid every day, but it’s important that you use them the correct way to get the most from them.

Always apply hyaluronic acid products to clean and damp skin, then lock it all in with a layer of moisturizer. Remember that hyaluronic acid fillers come in different “sizes.” Products with a lower molecular weight can penetrate the skin more deeply and are longer lasting. Hyaluronic acid fillers can also be injected directly into the skin to reduce the depth of wrinkles and give it a smoother appearance.

Want to know more about improving skin quality? Our team at the Little Rock-based Dermatology Group of Arkansas will explain more about how cosmetic procedures can enhance your appearance. Call us at 501-227-8422 or submit a contact form online and schedule a consultation.