Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring humectant. Humectants are substances that absorb water, and are commonly used to keep skin moist and hydrated. Other natural humectants include aloe and honey.
Hyaluronic acid has been called the body’s “lubricant molecule.” It occurs naturally and abundantly in both humans and animals. You can find it in your joints and connective tissue, and even in your eyes, where it acts as a lubricant and cushioning agent.
When it comes to cosmetic applications, hyaluronic acid is primarily used to keep skin hydrated. It does so by attracting and holding water in the outer layer of your skin.
Various formulas containing hyaluronic acid can help the skin look younger. Basically, hydrated skin is healthy-looking skin. This applies to those suffering from acne, dryness or the signs of aging. Hyaluronic acid can help retain your skin’s moisture content and help counteract these common issues.
As we mentioned, hyaluronic acid is naturally present in the human body. In some cases – particularly when given by injection to smooth out wrinkles and turn back the clock on aging skin – some precautions may need to be taken.
Hyaluronic acid is a frequent component in acne treatment systems. While it doesn’t play a direct role in clearing acne, the ability of hyaluronic acid to draw moisture into the skin makes it a critical skincare ingredient for treating dryness.