Hyaluronic Acid is powerful stuff. But don't let the word “acid” fool you. This gel-like water-holding molecule is a moisture-binding ingredient that helps keep skin plump and hydrated. And, it's actually something our bodies naturally produce.
Hyaluronic Acid helps retain over 1,000 times its weight in water within the cells of skin, making it an excellent moisturiser.
Scientific studies have shown that Hyaluronic Acid helps improve skin hydration and production of collagen, fight free radicals, maintain skin elasticity, and even has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that help with wound healing. Yes, please!
So why do we need more if our bodies already produce it?
Well, the average human body contains about 15 grams of Hyaluronic Acid. However, one third of that gets degraded and synthesised on a daily basis. We also produce less and less as we age. So we want more, which is why many anti-ageing products contain Hyaluronic Acid. Plastic surgeons often inject Hyaluronic Acid into sunken areas of skin to plump it up, but you don't need to get injections to reap its benefits. Just choose a serum or moisturiser that contains Hyaluronic Acid (also commonly listed as Sodium Hyaluronate) for softer, smoother, more hydrated skin.