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Why Hyaluronic Acid Is the Best Thing for Your Skin
Hyaluronic acid (HA) is one of the most abundant substances in skincare. It’s not just that you’ll find it in most serums and moisturizers, either. Our bodies produce it naturally, especially in our skin. Long considered the “holy grail” of youthful, supple skin, it’s outlasted every other beauty ingredient touted as the next anti-aging serum. But what makes it so special, what do we know about it, and what could it add to your skincare routine? What is hyaluronic acid? In simple terms, hyaluronic acid is a naturally–occurring sugar molecule produced mainly in the skin. Its molecular group 一 glycosaminoglycans 一 are long chains of unbranched carbohydrates found in the body’s connective tissue. Like collagen, it’s responsible for giving the skin structure, but it offers other unique benefits too. What role does it play in skincare? Hyaluronic acid keeps our skin looking supple and full thanks to some powerful properties. On a molecular level, HA can bind over 1000 times its weight in moisture, and it doesn’t just preserve what’s in the skin, either. Hyaluronic acid molecules are powerful enough to draw water from the air, making them one of the most effective moisturizers in the beauty industry. By keeping our cells hydrated, HA can help promote healthy collagen and elastin production, boosting essential proteins that support skin health. Dermatologists and beauty brands have invested heavily in understanding hyaluronic acid, and finding new applications for it. Today, it’s a common ingredient in moisturizers and creams, but there are special hyaluronic acid lotions that try to maximize its powerful effects. Potential side effects As with any beauty product, powerful effects can go both ways. Hyaluronic acid can have a molecular weight as low as 5 kDa, which can easily penetrate the skin. As a natural compound in our bodies, bad reactions aren’t common. Even so, HA’s penetrative ability can carry bacteria, chemicals, and other irritants into deeper skin layers. If you’re looking for an HA product to try, experts recommend sticking to ones with a concentration of 2% or lower. People with sensitive skin can still experience allergic reactions when applying it. As wonderful as hyaluronic acid can be, we always suggest sitting down with a dermatologist to get an expert opinion first. One thing they’ll tell you is that not all HA compounds are equal. More often than not, hyaluronic acid comes in three unique forms. Hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid In its hydrolyzed form, hyaluronic acid breaks down into the small, penetrating particles mentioned above. When applied correctly, this form of HA works best for people with oily skin who don’t want to over-moisturize. By focusing on deeper layers like the dermis, this form of HA offers deep hydration without clogging the surface. Sodium hyaluronate Sodium hyaluronate is the form most commonly found in beauty serums. It can reach even deeper into the skin for incredible results, but it isn’t as long-lasting. It’s the “middle option” of the three forms, making it best for normal, balanced skin. This is what Hygieia uses in its popular Hyaluronic Acid cream on Amazon. Sodium acetylated hyaluronate Lastly, we have sodium acetylated hyaluronate, the longer-lasting version of sodium hyaluronate. It’s most effective for dry skin, and people who live in extremely dry climates where moisture easily escapes from the skin. Skincare benefits of hyaluronic acid For all of its powerful properties, what are the actual benefits behind hyaluronic acid’s popularity? Healthier skin Collagen and hyaluronic acid overlap in many ways. Both give our skin structure and fullness, maintaining that healthy glow for longer. As with collagen, we produce less hyaluronic acid as we age, and overexposure to the sun’s ultraviolet rays can also reduce its presence. Applying a tincture made with a form of HA supports our skin when production slows down. Wound healing and regeneration Over half the hyaluronic acid in the body can be found in the skin, and it does more than keep it hydrated. It also functions as an anti-inflammatory, often appearing in higher concentrations at the site of damaged skin. By regulating inflammation and hydrating cells, hyaluronic acid can help wounds heal faster. Antibacterial properties If that isn’t impressive enough, hyaluronic acid has been shown to have antibacterial properties too. A comparative study analyzing those properties concluded: “[Hyularonic acid] in the MW range of 100 kD may prove beneficial in minimizing bacterial contamination of surgical wounds when used in guided tissue regeneration surgery.” Anti-wrinkle agent Hyaluronic acid’s moisture retention fills out wrinkles for longer, smoothing out one of the most common signs of aging. Thanks to its ability to hydrate deep into the skin, it could also combat ‘crepey’ skin, says medicine physician Bonnie Gasquet, MD. Soothing dry eye Did you know that eye drops contain up to 0.4% hyaluronic acid? It’s such an effective lubricant that it can relieve dryness and promote eye health. 1 in 7 people suffer from dry eye. It’s a result of lower tear production, which is the primary way we keep our eyes hydrated. As a naturally-occurring non–irritating agent, hyaluronic acid can soothe irritation in safe doses. While we don’t usually associate eye health with skincare, we do associate red, irritated eyes with a tired appearance. Treating dry eye can restore a more youthful appearance at any age, so don’t count it out! How to approach including hyaluronic acid in your skincare routine Everyone’s skin is different, and hyaluronic acid is an extremely powerful compound. While it’s generally safe for skincare uses, there are things to keep in mind. The form of hyaluronic acid you use, how often you apply it, and in what concentration all play a major role. As always, speak to a dermatologist to better understand how your skin may react. More importantly, don’t rush! Taking your time to understand your body’s relationship to HA products will serve your skincare routine well in the long run. When you’re ready to try it, start with the mildest products and slowly build up to your comfort level. By the time it’s a regular part of your routine, your skin won’t thank you enough! Convinced yet? Get our encapsulated (liposomal) Hyaluronic Acid cream on Amazon by clicking here.
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The 10 best foods to maintain healthy skin
The foods we eat play a major role in our overall health, including the health of our skin. The best foods to eat for healthy skin are rich in antioxidants and other nutrients. These foods are beneficial for all ages, genders and skin types. So, if you're looking for ways to keep your skin looking its best, here are the top ten foods you should include in your diet for healthy skin: Dark Leafy Greens Dark leafy greens are some of the most nutrient-rich foods around. They're high in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, all of which are beneficial for skin health. Some good options include kale, spinach, collard greens, and broccoli. Dark leafy greens ensure that your skin is moist and radiant. The greens also ensure that your blood level is optimal and your skin has a natural glow. So, make sure to add some dark leafy greens to your diet if you want healthy skin! They're easy to include in meals, and they provide a host of other health benefits as well. Citrus Fruits Citrus fruits are high in vitamin C, essential for healthy skin. Vitamin C helps build collagen, which is necessary for keeping skin firm and elastic. Citrus fruits also contain antioxidants that can help protect your skin from sun damage. Some good options include oranges, grapefruits, limes, and lemons. Adding citrus fruits to your diet is a great way to get the nutrients your skin needs to stay healthy. The antioxidants in these fruits can help reduce the signs of aging, and vitamin C can help keep your skin looking young and fresh. So, make sure to add some citrus fruit to your next meal! Berries Berries are another excellent source of antioxidants, which are beneficial for skin health. They're also high in vitamin C, making them a great choice for healthy skin. Some good options include blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, and blackberries. Blue berries contain 114 mg of potassium and 24 % of vitamin C. Berries are a delicious way to get the nutrients your skin needs. The antioxidants in berries can help protect your skin from sun damage and other environmental toxins. And the vitamin C in berries can help keep your skin looking young and fresh. Fatty Fish Fatty fish are high in omega fatty acids, which are beneficial for skin health. Omega-fatty acids help keep skin moist and elastic, reducing the signs of aging. Some good options include salmon, tuna, sardines, and trout. Adding fatty fish to your diet is a great way to improve the health of your skin. The omega-fatty acids in these fish can help keep your skin looking young and healthy. They're also a great source of protein and other nutrients. So, make sure to add some fatty fish to your next meal! Tomatoes Tomatoes are high in lycopene, an antioxidant that is beneficial for skin health. Lycopene helps protect the skin from sun damage, reducing the signs of aging. Tomatoes contain 0.6 mg/g of Vitamin C and 19 mg/g of Potassium. Adding tomatoes to your diet is a great way to improve the health of your skin. The vitamin C in tomatoes can help keep your skin looking young and fresh. Sweet Potatoes Sweet potatoes are high in beta-carotene, an antioxidant that is beneficial for skin health. Beta-carotene helps protect the skin from sun damage and reduces aging signs. Sweet potatoes also contain other nutrients that are good for skin health, including vitamin A, potassium, and magnesium. Adding sweet potatoes to your diet is a great way to improve the health of your skin. The beta-carotene in sweet vitamins and minerals in tomatoes can help keep your skin looking young and healthy. Green Tea Green tea is high in antioxidants, which are beneficial for skin health. Green tea also contains caffeine, which can help reduce the signs of aging. Some good options include matcha green tea and sencha green tea. Adding green tea to your diet is a great way to improve the health of your skin. The caffeine in green tea can help reduce the signs of aging. Garlic Garlic is high in allicin, a beneficial compound for skin health. Allicin helps protect the skin from sun damage and reduces the signs of aging. Garlic also contains other nutrients that are good for skin health, including vitamin C and selenium. Garlic also seasons food to make it tastier and more nutritious. Adding garlic to your diet is a great way to improve the health of your skin. Yogurt Yogurt is high in probiotics, which are beneficial for skin health. Probiotics help keep the gut healthy, and they can also improve the skin's health. Some good options include Greek yogurt and kefir. The probiotics in yogurt can help keep the gut healthy and improve the health of the skin. Olive Oil Olive oil is high in monounsaturated fatty acids, beneficial for skin health. Monounsaturated fatty acids help keep skin moist and elastic and reduce aging signs. Olive oil also contains other nutrients that are good for skin health, including vitamin E and polyphenols. The monounsaturated fatty acids in olive oil can help keep your skin looking young and healthy. It's also a great source of vitamin E and polyphenols, beneficial for skin health. Cottage Cheese Cottage cheese is high in casein, a protein beneficial for skin health. Casein helps keep the skin moisturized and can reduce the signs of aging. Cottage cheese also contains other nutrients that are good for skin health, including zinc and vitamin A. The casein in cottage cheese can help keep your skin looking young and healthy. It's also a great source of zinc and vitamin A, beneficial for skin health. Conclusion Adding the above ten foods to your diet is a great way to maintain a healthy skin. These foods are high in nutrients that are beneficial for skin health, including antioxidants, probiotics, fatty acids, and proteins. The foods are also beneficial to your general health. They increase blood levels and improve immunity. Skin care is not as easy as it’s talked about, and that’s the reason you will find many people struggling with it. In many cases, you definitely need to seek professional opinions. Hygieia Skin is your all-time professional partner towards skin care journey. Visit us today and have a look at various services we offer, which may help you restore your desired skin look.
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