7 Facts About Hyaluronic Acid That You Probably Didn't Know

Posted on Thursday, 2 April 2020 - By Courtney

Hyaluronic Acid is an ingredient that's popping up more and more in our skincare and now we're seeing it starting to appear in some makeup as well. Some of us know a bit about it, some don't know much at all, so today I bring you a bunch of facts about one of my favourite ingredients!

1: It's Found In Our Skin

Our skin cells produce Hyaluronic Acid naturally. 50% of our body's stores can be found in the skin, with most of it being in the deeper layers of the dermis. However environmental factors (e.g. too much sun-exposure) can cause our natural production to run a little low.

2: It Can Go By Several Names

Depending on it's molecular structure, Hyaluronic Acid can have different properties and go by many different names.

Hyaluronic Acid; protecting, softening and stays on the surface layer of the skin.
Hyaluronan, Sodium Hyaluronate; penetrates slightly deeper into the layers of the skin and has moisture locking abilities.
Sodium Hyaluronate Cross-polymer; penetrates deep into the dermis layer of the skin and has long lasting moisturising effects which help to smooth out fine lines.

3: It's Expensive To Produce

Hyaluronic Acid is expensive to produce which is why it normally comes with a price tag to match. However, recent developments have allowed cult brands like Deciem's The Ordinary to provide Hyaluronic Acid products at a fraction of the cost they used to be.

4: It Hydrates your skin so it appears more youthful

As you become older your skins ability to retain water lessens, which can cause the skin to appear less plum and makes fine lines more prominent. Collagen is mainly made of water and is what keeps skin looking youthful. Hyaluronic acid helps to re-hydrate skin for a plumper appearance which then helps to minimise the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

5: It Maintains Good Moisture Levels

I've mentioned it before but, in the bodys organ rating system the skin is far less important than organs like the heart and brain so water we drink or get from foods isn't prioritised for the skin. Skin dehydration can occur because of external influences so topical applications of products, like Hyaluronic Acid, can help as Hyaluronic Acid helps to maintain good moisture levels in the skin and helps to repair damaged skin.

6: It Can Bind A Lot Of Water

Hyaluronic Acid is a humectant, which means it draws in and binds moisture. In fact, it can hold up to 1000x its own weight in water. A concentration of 1% Hyaluronic Acid can bind 99% water. That's a whole lot of moisture it can bring to your skin!

7: Surprise!

I saved this fact for last as it's probably my favourite fact about Hyaluronic Acid. Hyaluronic Acid isn't an acid! It's actually a type of sugar called Glycosaminoglycan.