What Is Hyaluronic Acid?

Hyaluronic acid is typically used in cosmetics for the purposes of hydrating the skin. Hyaluronic Acid can also be used in a medical setting to treat bed sores, ulcers, burns and other injuries to the skin. It is a naturally occurring substance in the body specifically in the fluid of the eyes, joints and skin.

There are a lot of hyaluronic acid sizes and weights of the molecule that are used in cosmetics. The smaller it is the better your skin absorbs it. The molecular weight also plays a factor in how the skin absorbs hyaluronic acid. In my formulas I have 1-1.5 mil daltons which is industry standard. It is also a very expensive ingredient, when not bought in quantities of 1 KG or more, it can run at about $3 per gram. 

Hyaluronic acid is able to bind and retain water molecules. It can draw in moisture from the air maintaining skin hydration. If you live in a dry environment hyaluronic acid can do this thing called pilling. It basically peals off the skin because it has nothing to bind to.

I live in a dry environment and I’ve only noticed this with hyaluronic acid serums not moisturizers. I stopped pilling by dampening my face with some water as I put on the serum so that the hyaluronic acid has something to bind to.

Most recent studies have found that that hyaluronic acid is an extracellular matrix molecule the that lies between cells, in addition to providing a constructive framework, they exert major effects on cellular function. Basically, hyaluronic acid helps hydrate and repair the skin.

Over time aging and exposure to UV light reduces the amount of hyaluronic acid in your skin. 

If you need hyaluronic acid, I recommend using a moisturizer that has hyaluronic acid in it. You can get it injected into your skin usually by a dermatologist, however the effects of this aren't clear. You can also use a serum or face mask that contains it as well. The Royal Glow Moisturizer in our shop is perfect if you're looking to pick up a high quality product with hyaluronic acid.