What Does a Hyaluronic Acid Do for Your Face?

Hyaluronic acid helps to plump the face, smooth fine lines, to make your skin glow and appear more youthful. This popular skincare ingredient is found in a range of products from serums and masks to injectables, but what is it? And how should you incorporate it into your skincare routine? 

What is Hyaluronic Acid? 

Hyaluronic acid, sometimes referred to as hyaluronan, is a naturally produced sugar molecule found in the skin, eyes, and connective tissues. It helps to trap water in the dermis making it a key element for healthy, hydrated skin. 

The dermis, the thick middle layer of skin, contains collagen that helps form the skin’s structure. Our body produces hyaluronic acid to bind to the collagen on one side and water molecules on the other, giving skin its hydrated, plump appearance. 

What Are the Benefits of Hyaluronic Acid? 

Even though our bodies naturally produce hyaluronic acid, it can’t hurt to add more to our skin. In fact, using hyaluronic acid products offers a range of benefits, including: 

• Hydration – Hyaluronic acid can hold thousands of times its molecular weight in water. As a humectant, this compound also draws more moisture out of the surrounding environment, helping to infuse skin with deep, lasting hydration.
• Resilience – The epidermis, or the top layer of skin, exists to help protect our bodies from pollution, sun damage, and other environmental irritants. Topically applied hyaluronic acid binds to water and seals it on the epidermis, helping to fortify that top layer and increase the skin’s resilience. 
• Plump Skin Tone – While hyaluronic acid won’t increase the elastin in your skin, it does help create a more plump and youthful appearance. The moisture that it draws in and holds onto fills the skin, making it appear tighter and fuller. 
• Smooth Fine Lines and Wrinkles – Hyaluronic acid’s plumping effect also helps to smooth out the skin, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Plus, hydrated skin is better equipped to produce more skin cells, thereby preventing new lines and wrinkles from forming. 

Who Should Use Hyaluronic Acid? 

Despite having “acid” in its name, this compound is safe for all skin types. Since it’s naturally produced, it’s non-irritating and won’t cause skin reactions, acne, or rosacea. Though everyone can benefit from using hyaluronic acid products, it is most beneficial for those with dry or mature skin, as it will help hydrate and smooth.

How to Use Hyaluronic Acid 

There are hundreds, if not thousands, of products that contain hyaluronic acid. 

Injectable treatments use a gel form to plump skin from the outside in– lifting sunken areas and smoothing wrinkles. You can use a serum, cream, or moisturizer containing hyaluronic acid in the morning to help protect your skin throughout the day and at night for a hydration boost. Consult your dermatologist to see if an injectable hyaluronic acid treatment is right for you. 

For a daily solution, you can also try a KNESKO hyaluronic acid face mask treatment to bathe your skin in this powerful compound while relaxing your mind and rebalancing your spirit. Each of KNESKO’s face or eye mask treatments features hyaluronic acid to plump and smooth your face by delivering hydrating serum directly to your skin.