"Unlocking Hydration: The Transformative Benefits of Hyaluronic Acid for Radiant Skin" – Keya Seth Aromatherapy

"Unlocking Hydration: The Transformative Benefits of Hyaluronic Acid for Radiant Skin"

Hyaluronic acid has become a staple ingredient in skincare nowadays. It works like a moisture magnet, keeping the skin hydrated, plump, and youthful. Let’s explore the depths of this renowned ingredient to uncover its profound impact and unrivaled contributions to the skincare world.

From Moisture Retention to Plumper Lips: The Power of Hyaluronic Acid Revealed

Hyaluronic acid is a natural molecule found in our bodies responsible for maintaining moisture levels in our skin. As we age, our natural hyaluronic acid levels decrease, leading to drier skin and the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Luckily, the skincare industry has harnessed the power of hyaluronic acid and incorporated it into a range of products that can help restore moisture and promote a more youthful complexion.

Hyaluronic acid doesn't stop only Face care. It can also work wonders for your lips. Smoking, licking & picking the lips breaks the protection of the superficial barrier of the lips. It is also affected by makeup, sun exposure, seasonal changes & temperature, and makes lips dehydrated & tends to rough, dark & crack. Moreover, Lips tend to lose volume and become thinner as we age, but hyaluronic acid can help make lips soft & smooth, plum them up, and give them a more youthful appearance.

In this article, we will delve deeper into the power of hyaluronic acid and explore how it retains moisture in the skin and plumps up the lips.

Hyaluronic acid structure

Hyaluronic acid is also called Hyaluronan or Hyaluronate and Restylane. It is a mucopolysaccharide composed of alternating residues of the monosaccharide’s glucuronic acid and glucosamine. Forms hydrogen bonds with water molecules. (M.Ahmed, 2016).

It is a gooey, slippery substance that the body produces naturally. It is a naturally occurring substance in the human body that acts as a lubricant and shock absorber in joints and as a moisturizer on the skin. It is a long chain of sugars found in high concentrations in connective tissues throughout the body, including skin, joints, and eyes. The research said, hyaluronic acid helps in many ways and can be used in drugs and topical application. (Arafat, 25)

There are different types of hyaluronic acid available in the market. One commonly used type of hyaluronic acid is sodium hyaluronate, the most used form in skincare products due to its ability to penetrate and deeply hydrate the skin. The «best» type of hyaluronic acid depends on individual needs and preferences and the product's intended use. (Arafat, 25).

The science behind hyaluronic acid

Hyaluronic acid was first discovered in 1934 by scientists Karl Meyer and John Palmer, who isolated the substance from the vitreous humor of cow eyes. However, it wasn't until the 1980s and 1990s that hyaluronic acid began to be used in medical and cosmetic applications (Arafat, 25)

Hyaluronic acid can bind to water molecules and hold up to 1000 times its weight in water. This makes it incredibly effective at keeping the skin hydrated and plump. It acts as a humectant, drawing moisture from the environment and locking it into the skin, preventing it from evaporating.

Hyaluronic acid natural sources

Hyaluronic acid can be found in various natural sources, including:

Animal sources: Connective tissues, such as skin, joints, and cartilage of animals, contain hyaluronic acid.

Plant sources: Some root vegetables like Sweet potatoes and certain fruits like Citrus fruits and Bananas contain hyaluronic acid precursors that can support their production in the body.

Sweet potatoes contain plenty of Magnesium and are rich in fiber vitamins A and C. Magnesium enables your body to produce hyaluronic acid efficiently. (AGRICULTURE, 4/1/2019)

Adding oranges to the diet can be beneficial for maintaining optimal levels of hyaluronic acid in the body. Naringenin, an antioxidant found in oranges, helps prevent hyaluronic acid breakdown by inhibiting hyaluronidase's activity. Consuming oranges regularly may support skin hydration, joint health, and overall tissue integrity by preserving hyaluronic acid levels. (Bahare Salehi, 2019), (Jung, 2020 )

Bone broth: Bone broth from animal bones and connective tissues can provide hyaluronic acid as bone broth is made by simmering animals' bones and connective tissue in liquid for 12–48 hours. This results in a flavorful product rich in many nutrients, including hyaluronic acid. (Kathy W. Warwick, 2021)

Fermented foods: Fermented foods like miso, tempeh, and kimchi may contain hyaluronic acid due to fermentation.

Supplements: Hyaluronic acid supplements derived from microbial fermentation or animal sources are also available, although they may not be strictly considered "natural" sources.

Benefits of hyaluronic acid for skin

Hyaluronic acid has numerous skincare benefits, including hydration, antiaging, soothing, wound healing, skin barrier protection, and antioxidant properties.

Human skin aging is a complex biological process. It is associated with loss of skin moisture. The key molecule in skin moisture is hyaluronan or hyaluronic acid, which has a unique capacity to bind and retain water molecules. It can absorb more than 1,000 times its weight in water as a humectant. (Eleni Papakonstantinou, 2012)

Hydrating the skin also slows down wrinkle formation and improves deep fine lines and already-developed wrinkles that generally appear with age. Hyaluronic aid's skin hydration and antioxidant effects also promote cell regeneration and stimulate collagen production due to its nutricosmetic effects. (Syed Nasir Abbas Bukhari, 2018)

Hyaluronic acid helps to bind water to collagen, trapping it in the skin so that skin can appear plumper, dewier, and more hydrated. Most importantly, hyaluronic acid supports collagen in our dermis, forming the skin's structure. Natural Hyaluronic Acid is bound to collagen on one side and links to water molecules on the other, giving skin its plumpness.

As we age, we lose collagen and hyaluronic naturally, dehydrating the skin more quickly. Also, harsh weather, heat in the summer, cold during the winter, certain skin-care products, and underlying skin conditions can cause tiny breaks in the protective skin barrier, allowing water to escape. Hyaluronic Acid helps to repair and prevent TEWL (trans-epidermal water loss).

In addition to its hydrating properties, Hyaluronic acid, as a potent antioxidant, helps protect the skin from free radical damage, which can lead to premature aging. By neutralizing free radicals, hyaluronic acid helps keep the skin youthful and radiant. (Prasad N Sudha, 2014)

Hyaluronic acid is also known for its soothing properties. It can help reduce redness and inflammation, making it an ideal ingredient for sensitive or irritated skin.

Hyaluronic acid (HA) has been known to play an essential role in the wound healing process. It helps to reduce inflammation and activates keratinocytes & fibroblasts during the healing process to promote wound healing. (Dr. Yayoi Kawano, 2021)

Hyaluronic acid in skincare products

The skincare industry has fully embraced the power of hyaluronic acid, and you can now find it in a wide range of products, from serums and moisturizers to masks and cleansers. When choosing a hyaluronic acid product, it's essential to consider the concentration of hyaluronic acid and the other ingredients in the formula.

Look for products that contain a high concentration of hyaluronic acid, ideally at least 1%. This ensures that you are getting enough of the ingredients to see noticeable results. It's also essential to choose products free from harsh chemicals and fragrances, as these can irritate the skin and negate the benefits of hyaluronic acid.

Hyaluronic acid for lips

The lips are a central defining feature of the lower face, distinct from the surrounding skin. The appearance of the lips significantly affects the aesthetic perception of the female face. Full and well-defined lips impart a sense of youth, health, and attractiveness. A thin stratum corneum layer covers the lips and has poor skin barrier function and low moisture capacity.

As a result of poor barrier function and low water-retaining capacity, the lips are highly susceptible to environmental effects, such as wind, sun, smoking, and temperature extremes. This environmental damage and certain medications can cause the lips to become dry, chapped, and dull in color. In addition to the environmental effects, the lips have age-related changes. (Nathan S. Trookman, 2009 )

The lip care products contain hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid acts as a biologic humectant, thus retaining water in the skin, making it useful as a topical moisturizing ingredient. According to a study, hyaluronic acid can enhance the appearance of the lips with its hydrating, healing, conditioning, moisturizing & antioxidant properties; it improves lip texture by reducing dryness & chaps and increases lip fullness and volume by providing a more youthful appearance. (Nathan S. Trookman, 2009 )

Hyaluronic acid sunscreen

Excessive exposure to UV radiation is one of the major factors that causes skin aging, skin burns, pigmentation & redness. Therefore, sunscreens are commercially available to protect the skin from harmful UV radiation. Hyaluronic acid can protect the skin by inhibiting free radical generation under UV rays, has moisturizing and anti-inflammatory effects, and is non-toxic, biocompatible, and biodegradable. It is widely used in cosmetics, dermal fillers, and tissue engineering. Therefore, Hyaluronic acid-based sunscreen provides multiple functions such as UV protection, antioxidants, cooling, and moisturizing effects. (Min A. Gwak, 2021)

Unveiling the Beauty Benefits of Hyaluronic Acid for your Skin & Face

In conclusion, Hyaluronic acid, a potent skincare ingredient, offers myriad benefits from facial rejuvenation to lip care. Its efficacy in promoting a youthful complexion is unmatched, from boosting collagen production to retaining moisture. Whether combating dryness, enhancing volume, or reducing fine lines, its versatile properties make it a must-have ingredient for hydrated, glowing skin and luscious, plumper lips. Embrace the transformative power of hyaluronic acid to elevate your beauty routine and unlock a more youthful, supple skin and pout.

References

AGRICULTURE, U. D. (4/1/2019). Sweet potato, cooked, boiled, without skin. FDC. Retrieved from https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/168484/nutrients

Arafat, M. (25, 2023 07). BENEFITS OF TOPICAL HYALURONIC ACID FOR SKIN QUALITY AND SIGNS OF SKIN AGING. The International College of Cosmetology, 1(3), 105-119. doi:https://doi.org/10.18372/2786-5487.1.17686

Bahare Salehi, P. V.-R.-R. (2019, Jan 10). The Therapeutic Potential of Naringenin: A Review of Clinical Trials. Pharmaceuticals , 12(1). doi:https://doi.org/10.3390/ph12010011

Dr. Yayoi Kawano, D. V. ( 2021, March 28). Wound Healing Promotion by Hyaluronic Acid: Effect of Molecular Weight on Gene Expression and In Vivo Wound Closure. Pharmaceuticals, 14(4). doi:https://doi.org/10.3390/ph14040301

Eleni Papakonstantinou, M. R. (2012, Jul 01). Hyaluronic acid: A key molecule in skin aging. Dermato-Endocrinology, 253-258. doi:https://doi.org/10.4161/derm.21923

Jung, H. (2020 , Jul 15). Hyaluronidase: An overview of its properties, applications, and side effects. Arch Plast Surg, 47(4), 297–300. doi:doi:10.5999/aps.2020.00752

Kathy W. Warwick. (2021, September 20). 7 Healthy Foods That Are High in Hyaluronic Acid. Healthline. Retrieved from https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/hyaluronic-acid-diet

M.Ahmed, R. (2016, March 18). Hyaluronic acid. Health & Medicine. Retrieved from https://www.slideshare.net/RawaMAhmed/hyaluronic-acid-59737622

Min A. Gwak, B. M. ( 2021, November 30). Hyaluronic acid/tannic acid hydrogel sunscreen with excellent anti-UV, antioxidant, and cooling effects. International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 191, 918-924. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2021.09.169

Nasr, M. (2008, February ). Intra-Articular Drug Delivery: A Fast Growing Approach. Recent Patents on Drug Delivery & Formulation, 2(3), 231-7. doi:DOI:10.2174/187221108786241651

Nathan S. Trookman, R. L. ( 2009 , Dec). Clinical Assessment of a Combination Lip Treatment to Restore Moisturization and Fullness. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. , 2(12), 44–48. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2923945/

Prasad N Sudha, M. H. (2014). Beneficial effects of hyaluronic acid. Adv Food Nutr Res, 137-176. doi:DOI: 10.1016/B978-0-12-800269-8.00009-9

(4/1/2019). Sweet potato, cooked, boiled, without skin. SR Legacy.

Syed Nasir Abbas Bukhari, N. L. ( 2018, October 4). Hyaluronic acid, a promising skin rejuvenating biomedicine: A review of recent updates and pre-clinical and clinical investigations on cosmetic and nutricosmetic effects. International Journal of Biological Macromolecules. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2018.09.188