{"id":4193,"date":"2021-03-16T14:27:40","date_gmt":"2021-03-16T21:27:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/trends.realself.com\/?p=4193"},"modified":"2023-10-04T15:53:55","modified_gmt":"2023-10-04T22:53:55","slug":"hyaluronic-acid","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https://www.realself.com\/news\/hyaluronic-acid","title":{"rendered":"Everything You Need to Know About Hyaluronic Acid, Plus the Best Hyaluronic Acid Products to Try"},"content":{"rendered":"

Hyaluronic acid most definitely belongs in the category of “tried-and-true” skin-care ingredients, sitting alongside major players such as retinoids and alpha hydroxy acids. But what sets hyaluronic acid (or HA, as it’s often called) apart from the others is not only the fact that it’s safe and effective for pretty much all skin types but also that there are multiple different forms that can be used in multiple different ways. Case in point: it’s the main ingredient in a wide range of injectable fillers<\/a> as well as in a variety of topical serums and moisturizers. <\/p>

Ahead, a deep dive on everything there is to know about this beloved ingredient, helpful tips on how to maximize its benefits, and the best hyaluronic acid products to try now. <\/p>

What is hyaluronic acid?<\/h2>

Spoiler alert—the name is somewhat of a misnomer, because hyaluronic acid actually isn’t an acid at all. It’s a complex sugar, a polysaccharide molecule that’s naturally found in both our skin and other connective tissue in the body. “It’s a major component in the skin, responsible for keeping it healthy, plump, and hydrated,” explains New York City board-certified dermatologist Dr. Orit Markowitz<\/a>. And as is the case with other key components such as collagen and elastin, naturally occurring hyaluronic acid decreases both with age and due to exposure to UV rays and environmental pollution, she explains.<\/p>

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Hyaluronic acid benefits<\/h2>

When you think: hyaluronic acid, think: hydration. It’s a humectant, meaning that it attracts water to and holds it in the skin. “I often call it ‘the miracle molecule,’ because it can hold up to 1,000 times its own weight in water,” says New York City board-certified dermatologist Dr. Michelle Henry<\/a>. This means, it not only helps hydrate the skin but also leaves it appearing plumper and smoother almost instantly. Its other huge advantage? “Hyaluronic acid is safe for all skin types, and almost everyone can tolerate it,” says Dr. Henry. So yes, no matter whether you’re dealing with acne or an inflammatory condition such as rosacea or eczema, you’ll likely be able to use it, no problem. “It’s an ingredient that we inject into the body and doesn’t get rejected, which just goes to show how well-tolerated it is,” notes Dr. Henry. To that point…<\/p>

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