“Hydration” doesn’t even start to describe what hyaluronic acid can do for your skin.
– KEYS SOULCARE
Admit it: the term “hyaluronic acid” doesn’t exactly bring words like “supple” and “radiant” to mind. But trust us, this ingredient has tons of surprising (and skin-quenching) secrets.
We’re peeking below the surface to share why it’s totally worth adding to your vocab — and skincare rituals, too.
What is Hyaluronic Acid?
Hyaluronic acid (psst..this is how to pronounce it) is a glycosaminoglycan — aka a slippery compound found throughout our bodies and mixed in our connective and neural tissues, as well as the linings of our organs. In the wellness and science world, it’s also sometimes referred to as “sodium hyaluronate,” or simply “HA.”
Hyaluronic Acid Benefits for Skin
So what does hyaluronic acid do? Hyaluronic acid’s internal job — as a cell and organ lubricant and all-around “shock absorber” — is a clue about the wonders it does outside of our bodies, too.
“The greatest amount of hyaluronic acid is present in the skin,” says Dr. Rashmi Byakodi, an India-based skin pro, dietician, and Best Nutrition wellness writer. “When [the] skin loses this principal molecule, [which is] responsible for binding and retaining water molecules, it leads to loss of skin moisture.”
It’s not just the amount of hyaluronic acid that matters. “Progressive reduction of the size of the HA polymers in skin results in skin aging [over time],” says Byakodi.
Basically, individual hyaluronic acid molecules are like moisture magnets: the larger the molecule, the more it attracts. That said, bigger isn’t always better. This Well + Good article breaks down why a mix of sizes may actually be ideal. (Spoiler alert: bigger molecules capture moisture at skin’s surface, while smaller ones penetrate and work to protect layers below.
HA Fun Facts
The fact that it’s naturally produced by our own skin is just one reason to appreciate it even more. In fact, a single gram can attract up to 1,000 times its weight in water to the skin’s surface. (Even more reason to follow many dermatologist’s advice to layer it onto damp skin and seal the deal with a moisturizer.)
Why We Love It!
Hyaluronic acid’s power and flexibility makes it so useful across the medical field: think artificial tears as well as FDA-approved treatments for osteoarthritis, dermal fillers, and more. When it comes to beauty, the options and benefits are as varied as the top-rated products that contain it — from sheet masks to eye creams to serums and beyond.
Keys Soulcare Hyaluronic Acid Offerings
Our take? While there’s no wrong way to work HA’s mighty molecules into your skincare rituals, our Skin Transformation Face Cream is the perfect place to start. From a daily moisture must-have to a skin-soothing step within our Comfort Ritual — where it pairs nicely with our Obsidian Facial Roller — it’s guaranteed to ground your skin in moisture, balance, and goodness.
Did you learn something new? Have more questions about hyaluronic acid for our expert team? Bring on your thoughts in the comments!
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