Everything you need to know about hyaluronic acid
Words Floriane Reynaud
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It's everywhere: in magazines, on advertisements, in YouTube videos, and yet hyaluronic acid remains a mystery to many. To shed light on this essential ingredient, we highlighted some of its benefits and uses in men's skin care products. Read on to learn more!
What is hyaluronic acid?
Behind this somewhat scary word lies a molecule that already exists within our body, especially in our skin. Hyaluronic acid, together with collagen and elastin, helps maintain the skin's elasticity. As you might have already guessed, it's an essential active ingredient when it comes to preventing skin ageing, retaining the skin's hydration, and regulating any pigmentation patches and scars that may appear due to disorders such as acne or rosacea.
Why is hyaluronic acid essential for skin health?
Because of its sponge-like properties! Hyaluronic acid will retain any water it comes in contact with to moisturise your skin lastingly. As we age, the production of this molecule slows down, and our skin tends to hollow out faster. A right level of hyaluronic acid will ensure the skin remains plump, firm, and radiant.
How and when should hyaluronic acid be used?
Maybe you've noticed your skin is losing elasticity. Or perhaps your moisturising cream is no longer enough to keep your skin feeling comfortable? In this case, you may need to add hyaluronic acid to your skin care routine. Often presented as a serum, cosmetic hyaluronic acid is a great way to help skin stay hydrated. However, we recommend being careful when using it. As previously mentioned, this active ingredient acts like a sponge, i.e., it attracts and retains any water it comes in contact with. Used locally on dry skin, hyaluronic acid will suck up the water contained in your skin and accelerate the dehydration process. Therefore, when used alone, hyaluronic acid is best applied to damp skin. To make things easier, use hyaluronic acid-infused serums and creams, which can be applied on dry skin.
What about hyaluronic acid injections?
In some cases, people do hyaluronic acid injections. The good news is that our bodies naturally produce hyaluronic acid; it is therefore well tolerated when injected. This treatment consists of injections of the ingredient directly into the area to be treated to smooth out wrinkles and restart the molecule's natural production.
Why should men use hyaluronic acid?
Men's skin is different from that of women, and that's a fact. Because it's thicker, greasier, and less prone to ageing, one would think that men don't need anti-ageing care. However, hyaluronic acid is more than just an anti-ageing ingredient! In addition to repairing dry and weakened skin, this molecule helps fight acne and oily skin. Indeed, hyaluronic acid has strong anti-inflammatory properties that help prevent the inflammation of clogged pores. On top of that, its elasticity-fostering properties help the skin recover from scarring or redness more quickly. Thanks to the rigorous use of hyaluronic acid, your skin will look healthier, plumper, and better prepared to fight the signs of aging.