In order to fully appreciate what hyaluronic acid is, it's important to know where it exists and all of the functions it serves within the skin. The first five outer layers of the skin are considered the epidermis, which has the same thickness as a Kleenex tissue. Located underneath the epidermis is the dermis. The dermis is 25 times thicker than the epidermis, making it the thickest section of the skin structure. Within the dermis, there are two layers: the papillary layer and the reticular layer. The papillary layer connects the epidermis and the dermis together. The reticular layer sits underneath the papillary layer. It is within this deep layer of the dermis that hyaluronic acid and collagen and elastin fibers exist.
Hyaluronic acid is the jelly-like substance that acts as a cushioning device, filling up the space between the collagen and elastin fibers in the reticular layer. Hyaluronic acid provides the volume and thickness within the dermis. By acting as filler, hyaluronic acid helps to keep fine lines and wrinkles at bay. Hyaluronic acid is also a transportation system within the body that helps move essential nutrients from the bloodstream to living skin cells and removes toxins. In terms of skin care, hyaluronic acid’s most popular function is that it maintains the hydration levels within the skin by acting like a sponge and holding up to 1,000 times its weight in water. This sponge-like capability not only helps to keep the skin hydrated, but it also gives the skin a plump, moist, soft and juicy texture, helping to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
How to Use Hyaluronic Acid In Your Skincare Routine
Hyaluronic acid can be added to the skin topically to help bind moisture to the skin through the use of concentrated products such as serums and concentrated treatments.
One of the products we love and is our July Staff Pick is the SkinCeuticals Hydrating B5 Gel because it helps keep the skin hydrated, preventing it from getting flaky or dry. This gel can be worn under a daily moisturizer for an extra boost of hydration. It goes on lightweight and doesn’t feel sticky or tacky underneath makeup or other skincare products.
Serums and concentrated treatments should always be applied first because they need to be as close to the skin as possible. Only apply these products to clean and exfoliated skin. By removing debris and dead skin cells from the surface of the skin through exfoliation, these products are able to penetrate deeper into the skin, making them more effective. Then be sure to always lock in the serum or concentrated treatment with a moisturizer for maximum effectiveness.
The key to treating aging skin is to prevent it from prematurely aging in the first place. Wear sunscreen on a daily basis to protect your skin from damaging UV Rays. Protect your skin from free radical damage by giving it healthy dose of antioxidants, both topically and orally everyday. Always keep your skin hydrated from the inside out. Worried about fine lines and wrinkles? Use topical products that contain hyaluronic acid in your at-home skincare routine for extra plumpness, fullness and hydration.
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Disclaimer: Information and content within this blog is provided for informational purposes only. This blog is not intended to provide medical advice, and anything read here should not be construed as such. Reading this blog or communicating with our staff does not create a physician-patient relationship. If you have questions about any health issue, including something you may have read here, please consult a licensed, trained physician or health professional immediately.
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