[research] Hyaluronic Acid, is it worth the hype? Or overrated?

Beauty Tips For Body Care
Hyaluronic Acid is a popular ingredient mentioned in this sub, so I did some research.BASIC INFO: Hyaluronic Acid is a humectant (a substance that maintains moisture). It has the capability of drawing together over one thousand times its weight in water. HA can be found in many areas of our body (skin, eyes and synovial fluid in the joints). When we get older and start to age, the production of many substances like hyaluronic acid, elastin and collagen slows down. Therefore, we lose volume, plumpness and our skin becomes dehydrated.HA IN SKINCARE: Many skincare products have HA. It’s is made through biofermentation, a process done by bacteria in a lab. These products claim to hydrate your skin. But it really depends on the type of HA used in the product. HA tends to vary in molecular size. Small HA molecules, doesn’t bind as much water as larger HA molecules making it penetrate deeper. Large HA molecules are way better at binding water and providing hydration but can’t penetrate into the skin. The molecules rest on top of your skin, only providing moisture at the top of your skin. For as much surface hydration, try looking at products that have a mix of different sized HA molecules. Our skin only needs 1-2% of HA. Anything more can actually further dry the skin. Avoid products that claim high percentages of HA.HA IN FILLERS: Dermal fillers can also contain HA in a gel form. They increase volume through physically filling the place where they are injected. They also draw water, emphasizing the filled in effect. They address many cosmetic concerns like lifting the cheeks, softening folds and crease, under eye problems, enchanting lips and HA fillers can be used to address a multitude of cosmetic concerns, including lifting the cheeks, softening deeper folds and creases around the mouth and chin, improving the look of sunken, dark, undereye circles, hydrating and reviving hands and earlobes.IS IT WORTH THE HYPE: Are topical (creams, foams, gels, lotions, and ointments) HA effective? It will never be as effective as HA in an injectable form for replacing non existing volume. Many topical HAs are marked as topical “fillers” to mislead consumers. Regardless, topical HA is very good at moisturizing. But, if your goal is to improve volume loss and looseness of the skin due to aging injectable HA is better than topical HA.OVERVIEW: If you have dry skin or want more hydration for your skin, products with HA are a good option. But, topical HA will not provide the best hydration deep in the skin. Only on a surface level.Sources:1) https://www.allure.com/story/what-is-hyaluronic-acid-skin-care2) https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/the-hype-on-hyaluronic-acid-20200123186533) https://www.byrdie.com/hyaluronic-acid-serum
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