Your Guide to Hyaluronic Acid: Benefits and Uses

What is Hyaluronic Acid?

Hyaluronic Acid is a naturally occurring molecule in our body that is commonly known as HA. You may have heard of hyaluronic acid being used for healthier, hydrated, plumper skin. Many beauty brands have labeled it the “IT” ingredient and have jumped on board to incorporate it in their skincare products. Hyaluronic acid is a gooey substance found naturally in our bodies to retain water and keep our tissues moist and lubricated. ¹ There are surprisingly many benefits and various uses for hyaluronic acid besides skincare.

Benefits of Hyaluronic Acid

1. Wound Healing

Hyaluronic acid is known for its wound healing properties. It speeds up wound healing by helping the skin maintain moisture, and regulating inflammation levels which aid in the tissue regeneration process.² With its antibacterial properties, it has been shown to reduce the risk of infection. Applying hyaluronic acid directly to wounds has been shown to decrease pain as well. Research also suggests that HA can facilitate faster-wound healing and improve the skin’s ability to heal.³

2. Anti-Aging

Like with any naturally-occurring substance in the body, the amount of hyaluronic acid that is produced by your body declines as you get older. HA is a well-known anti-aging and wrinkle-reducing aid. It provides moisture to dry skin and has been used topically to reduce early signs of aging. It helps with skin elasticity and enhances its firmness by up to 55% according to a recent study.² Taking hyaluronic supplements orally can increase skin moisture and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and even soothe redness.¹ Although, this versatile ingredient is found in many products today, we advise you to be cautious and always consult with a doctor before you inject it or take it as a supplement.

3. Helps Joint Pain

Something people may not know is that hyaluronic acid can help to alleviate joint pain. Hyaluronic acid is also found in our bones and keeps our joints nicely lubricated. The lubrication provides a cushion for the bones so they don’t grind together. Studies show that taking 80-200 mg daily of hyaluronic supplements a day can help individuals with osteoarthritis by relieving knee pain. Some people may even have hyaluronic acid directly injected into their joints for pain relief.¹

4. Dry Eyes

Hyaluronic acid is also great for the eyes. Our eyes naturally contain high levels of hyaluronic acid, so when applied in the eyes as drops, it helps to relieve dry eyes and can improve overall eye health.¹

Is Hyaluronic Acid for you?

One of the best things about Hyaluronic Acid is that it is generally safe to use on all skin types. Those with oily, sensitive, or acne-prone skin can also benefit from using HA. However, there is always a possibility that one may have a reaction to anything that is applied to the skin. Thus, a patch test is recommended for any new addition to your skincare regimen.

Pro Tips

Using hyaluronic acid together with other ingredients creates a synergistic effect to maximize benefits and level up your skincare routine.

Vitamin C and HA combined work together to result in an anti-aging duo that fights and corrects aging from all angles by addressing texture, tone, moisture, fine lines & wrinkles, and dark spots to reveal healthy, hydrated skin.

Retinol and HA are also a great pair that keeps the skin’s surface hydrated and glowing. Common side effects when using retinol are dryness, flaking, and irritation. When used together, HA helps balance these effects by replenishing hydration back into the skin.

Hyaluronic acid is easy to integrate into your overall routine because it’s compatible and friendly with so many ingredients found in skincare.

The Bottom Line

Keeping your skin hydrated is one of the first steps to maintaining healthy skin. The numerous benefits of HA make it a dynamic, powerhouse ingredient to incorporate into your daily routine.

Whether you’re using it for your skin, eyes, joints, or wounds, there really isn’t anything hyaluronic acid can’t do to make you look and feel good.