Hyaluronic acid serum - How and why to use it?
Long known for its use in cosmetics, hyaluronic acid is recognized for its skin benefits. All skin types benefit from its properties, with its primary action being to intensely hydrate. In fact, hyaluronic acid can hold 1000 times its weight in water! It also helps to plump the skin, smooth out fine lines and wrinkles, and control sebum production.
Understanding Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic acid is a molecule found in skin tissues, making up between 50% and 70% of their composition, depending on the depth of the different skin layers. It captures and retains water in the body.
It plays the same role as collagen and elastin, helping to form the skin's structure. However, like other molecules, its production decreases with skin aging, leading to a loss of elasticity, firmness, and the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. By the age of 50, its quantity is halved.
It can come from different sources:
- Human body: It is naturally present in the dermis.
- Synthetic: Primarily derived from rooster combs. When synthesized, it forms a thick, transparent gel, and its properties are almost identical to natural hyaluronic acid.
- Natural: Obtained from plant sources like wheat. The powdered form of hyaluronic acid, when mixed with water, transforms into a dense, transparent gel that shares the same characteristics as its synthetic version.
Benefits of Hyaluronic Acid Serum
A serum containing hyaluronic acid should be included in your beauty routine from a certain age, as it provides several benefits for the skin:
- Deep Skin Hydration
The benefits of hyaluronic acid serums include providing intense hydration to the skin while preserving the extracellular matrix, especially the connective tissue that gives skin a plump appearance.
- Reduction of Fine Lines and Wrinkles
However, it's important to have realistic expectations; while hyaluronic acid offers benefits, it won't miraculously erase wrinkles. Depending on its molecular weight and concentration, it will work to reduce the signs of aging and give the skin a plumper look!
- Improved Skin Elasticity.
It also acts on the elastin fibers in the skin, working like a sponge to help maintain elasticity.
- Anti-inflammatory and Healing Effects
It promotes the production of new skin cells and speeds up the healing process. This helps reduce redness, swelling, and irritation. The strengthening it provides to the skin barrier prevents infections and protects the skin from harmful environmental influences.
How to Use Hyaluronic Acid Serum?
To properly prepare your skin before applying the serum, you should cleanse it with a makeup remover and a cleansing gel.
Next, apply your serum. It's best to apply it morning and evening. A small amount is enough!
Compatibility with Other Skincare Products
Hyaluronic acid does not work alone in maintaining skin health. It is generally combined with collagen or elastin. Although they have varied functions, they are closely interconnected and play a role in maintaining the skin's structure, flexibility, mobility, and hydration level. Hyaluronic acid and collagen are often used in topical products (serums, creams, masks).
Recommendations and Precautions
Feel free to use a hyaluronic acid serum from the age of 25, as skin starts needing more hydration and also benefits from prevention against sagging. It's important to’use a product tailored to your needs. It's also important to combine it with an anti-aging cream when it becomes necessary.
In any case, the ingredients in the serum must be suitable for your skin type. So, don't forget to carefully read the ingredient list on the packaging to ensure the serum is right for you!
Consultation with a dermatologist for specific skin problems.
Although rare, allergic reactions can occur. If symptoms such as itching, a rash, or swelling appear, do not hesitate to consult a doctor.
In conclusion, using hyaluronic acid serum offers great benefits for the skin, but it's best to start using it from the age of 25; otherwise, it's not necessary! Hyaluronic acid's exceptional ability to retain moisture and boost collagen production provides intense hydration that minimizes fine lines and wrinkles, improves skin texture, and promotes a youthful appearance. Additionally, its anti-inflammatory properties make it a valuable ally in treating skin irritations. When choosing a hyaluronic acid serum, it's important to consider your skin type and the list of ingredients in the product. Incorporating this powerful ingredient into your skincare routine will help keep your skin healthy and radiant in the long term.
Learn more about hyaluronic acid:
Depending on the problem being treated, aesthetic medicine, which regularly updates its innovations, can use different techniques. These include filling techniques like hyaluronic acid injections, and stimulation techniques like microneedling and chemical peels, which boost the activity of dermal cells.