Well-hydrated skin, along with pH and elasticity, is one of the pillars of healthy skin. Therefore, an ingredient that should not be missing from your beauty arsenal is the almighty hyaluronic acid, the only ingredient capable of retaining up to a thousand times its weight in water. Today we share 8 facts you might not have known about this star molecule.
1: It's already in your body
Yes, that's right. The body naturally produces hyaluronic acid. 50% of its reserves are found in the skin, especially in the deeper layers of the epidermis. However, the passage of time and some environmental factors cause the body to stop producing the amount it needs.
2: It has several names
Depending on its molecular structure, hyaluronic acid is named one way or another and has different properties:
Hyaluronan, sodium hyaluronate: Leaves the skin superficially hydrated and elastic.
Hyaluronic acid: Has the ability to penetrate the skin more deeply, treating it more thoroughly.
Sodium hyaluronate crosspolymer: Penetrates the deeper layers of the skin and has a long-lasting moisturizing effect that helps to soften and smooth fine lines.
3: Surprise!
Don't let the word ACID fool you. While it has an acid in its chemical structure, it is actually classified as a complex sugar.
4: From pastry to cosmetics...
The first time it was used commercially was in 1942 when Endre Balazs applied for a patent to use it as an egg white substitute in baked goods. In fact, it was Balazs who discovered the vast majority of its benefits.
5: Nutricosmetics, your great ally
Blue potatoes (or Japanese potatoes), like other tubers, contain a significant amount of this coveted ingredient. Other superfoods that also contain it are spinach, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and green beans.
6: It's not all advantages...
Hyaluronic acid itself is a very large molecule. Therefore, no matter how much laboratories strive to reduce its size, it is very difficult to achieve despite the new techniques available. Being a large molecule, it struggles to cross the skin barrier. Furthermore, our barrier is mainly composed of lipids (fats), and hyaluronic acid does not dissolve in fats.
7: Cheap often means expensive
As with many other ingredients, hyaluronic acid has a highly variable price in the cosmetic market, ranging from 180 euros to 3,000 euros per kilo. What must be taken into account is that its price is also an indicator of its quality, stability, hydrating activity, and the duration of this action. Therefore, buying a cheap product with hyaluronic acid is not always a good idea.
8: Be careful with the concentration
We recommend that you pay attention to the concentration of hyaluronic acid in the cosmetic you are going to use or buy, because its cosmetic action depends on it. There are benefits at concentrations above 1% or 2%, but most formulas contain an insignificant amount. Furthermore, our skin metabolizes higher amounts.
