The Hydrophilic Nature and Skincare Benefits of Hyaluronic Acid

What is Hyaluronic Acid?

Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a polysaccharide found naturally in the body. It is a clear, gooey substance that is produced by cells called fibroblasts and leukocytes. HA is an important component of connective tissue and is highly concentrated in the skin, inside joints, and within eye sockets. It helps retain moisture and lubricate these tissues.

Chemical Structure of Hyaluronic Acid

The basic structure of a hyaluronan disaccharide is made up of two sugars: D-glucuronic acid and N-acetyl-D-glucosamine. These are linked together through alternating -1,4 and -1,3 glycosidic bonds. Hyaluronic acid has a high affinity for water molecules.

Hyaluronic Acid is Hydrophilic

Yes, hyaluronic acid is highly hydrophilic in nature. This means hyaluronic acid attracts and retains significant amounts of water molecules. A single hyaluronic acid molecule can bind up to 1000 times its weight in water.

The hydrophilic nature of HA comes from its chemical structure. It contains many hydroxyl groups, making it very polar. The polarity allows it to readily form hydrogen bonds with water molecules in the body. This gives HA excellent water-holding and moisture-binding capabilities.

Benefits of Hyaluronic Acid

Due to its exceptional hydrating qualities and viscous nature, hyaluronic acid provides several health and cosmetic benefits when supplemented orally and used topically.

Hydrates Skin and Fights Signs of Aging

Hyaluronic acid is a common ingredient in anti-aging skincare products. Because HA can hold so much water, it keeps skin hydrated, moisturized and looking plump. Well-hydrated skin has fewer wrinkles and fine lines.

Topical HA serums and creams containing hyaluronic acid help counteract age-related moisture loss. Dry skin exacerbates the appearance of wrinkles. By attracting and sealing in moisture, HA enhances skin elasticity and suppleness.

Reduces Redness and Inflammation

Some research shows that hyaluronic acid has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It may help calm irritation, reduce redness, and soothe sensitive skin when applied topically.

Accelerates Wound Healing

Hyaluronic acid regulates inflammation during the first stage of wound healing. It also helps the migration of white blood cells and fibroblasts to the wound. These properties mean HA can accelerate wound healing.

Doctors have used hyaluronic acid injections and dressings containing HA to treat burns, surgical wounds, and ulcers. Ointments with hyaluronic acid also help manage dry eyes.

Protects Joints and Cartilage

Hyaluronic acid is found in high amounts within cartilage and synovial fluid inside joints. Along with lubricating joints, HA acts as a cushion and keeps bones from grinding against each other.

Oral supplements and injections with hyaluronic acid have been used to effectively treat osteoarthritis. HA injections may also be given directly into the joints to help restore smooth movement and flexibility.

Boosts Skin's Barrier Function

Hyaluronic acid strengthens the skin's barrier function. This outermost protective layer locks in moisture and keeps out pollutants, bacteria, and allergens.

Applying an HA serum daily replenishes this layer with moisture and prevents trans-epidermal water loss. This helps skin better withstand environmental assault.

Sources of Hyaluronic Acid

Biosynthesis by Fibroblasts

Fibroblasts are specialized skin cells found in connective tissue throughout the body. One of their primary jobs is to synthesize and secrete hyaluronan molecules.

Fibroblasts produce HA using enzymes that catalyze the linkage between the two main components of hyaluronan: D-glucuronic acid and N-acetylglucosamine. The long polymer molecule is then extruded directly into the extracellular matrix.

Extraction from Rooster Combs

Many hyaluronic acid supplements and skincare products contain HA sourced from rooster combs. These fleshy crests on top of roosters' heads are very rich in hyaluronic acid.

Pharmaceutical companies extract HA by first grinding up rooster combs. They then purify and isolate the hyaluronic acid compound through various separation techniques.

Bacterial Fermentation

Advances in biotechnology have enabled large-scale production of hyaluronic acid through bacterial fermentation. This involves using specific strains of streptococcus bacteria that have been genetically modified.

The bacteria are fed sugars and nutrients in a controlled environment. As they metabolize and grow, the streptococci naturally produce and secrete hyaluronic acid. This hyaluronan is then collected and purified.

Hyaluronic Acid Serum Benefits

Many skin and beauty brands now include hyaluronic acid in anti-aging serums because of its rejuvenating effects. Hyaluronic acid serums offer these key benefits:

Instant and Long-Lasting Hydration

Hyaluronic acid serums provide an quick burst of hydration to the skin that lasts. Whereas lotions and creams sit on top of skin, serums are made of smaller molecules that can penetrate deeper.

Once delivered into the dermis, HA binds up to 1000 times its weight in water. This provides intense, long-lasting moisture without leaving skin feeling greasy.

Plumps Skin and Minimizes Wrinkles

The water-binding superpowers of hyaluronic acid plump up skin cells. This makes skin look firmer, smoother and more youthful. Hydrated skin is also less prone to developing fine lines and wrinkles.

Regular use of an HA serum enhances moisture retention in the skin. This stops wrinkles in their tracks and diminishes the appearance of existing ones.

Soothes Irritation and Inflammation

Hyaluronic acid serums calm and soothe irritated skin while providing hydration. The anti-inflammatory qualities of HA reduce redness caused by conditions like eczema, rosacea, acne breakouts, and allergic reactions.

Accelerates Skin Repair

Hyaluronic acid activates key molecules involved in tissue repair and regeneration. This speeds up recovery time and healing after skin injuries, burns, abrasions, and dermatological procedures like microneedling or laser resurfacing.

Strengthens Skin Barrier

Hyaluronic acid reinforces skins protective outer barrier and prevents moisture loss. HA serum supplements the natural hyaluronan made by fibroblasts in the deeper dermal layers.

This fortified barrier fends off pathogens, allergens and pollution particles. Skin stays moisturized and experiences less irritation as a result.

How to Use Hyaluronic Acid Serum

Apply on Clean, Dry Skin

Hyaluronic acid serums are most effective when applied to clean skin that has been gently patted dry with a towel. Do not rub skin vigorously with the towel.

Use your regular facial cleanser and follow up with an alcohol-free toner to prep skin. Let skin air dry for 1-2 minutes before applying HA serum. Damp skin will dilute the product.

Use a Small Amount

You only need to use 3-5 drops of hyaluronic acid serum per application. Dispense the product onto your fingertips and gently dot it all around your face. Avoid rubbing excessively.

Focus on areas that tend to be drier like the forehead, cheeks, around the mouth and eyes. Smoothly massage the serum into skin using outward circular motions until fully absorbed.

Follow Immediately with Moisturizer

While hyaluronic acid attracts moisture, it needs additional water present to retain it in skin. So always follow your HA serum with a moisturizer to seal in hydration.

Apply moisturizer while face is still slightly tacky from the serum. An oil-free or lightweight water-based moisturizer works best for locking in the hydrating effects.

Use AM and PM for Best Results

Dermatologists recommend using your hyaluronic acid serum twice daily - in the morning as part of your skincare routine and before bedtime. Consistent, long-term use yields the most dramatic anti-aging results.

If new to serums, start by using only at night. Monitor skin for any reactions before adding daytime application. Combination serums with HA and vitamin C or retinol provide extra skin rejuvenation.

Precautions with Hyaluronic Acid Serums

Start Slowly to Avoid Irritation

While generally well-tolerated, some people may experience mild redness, flaking or breakouts when first using an HA serum. Introduce the product gradually - every 2-3 days at the start.

Monitor skin closely for signs of any negative reaction. Reduce application if irritation occurs. Discontinue use if it persists. See a dermatologist if rash, major swelling or pain develops.

Beware Over-Exfoliating Ingredients

Too much exfoliation from acids like glycolic, salicylic or retinoids can undermine the benefits of hyaluronic acid. These remove the top layer of skin faster than HA can replenish moisture.

If using other exfoliating products, apply the hyaluronic serum first. Always follow with moisturizer. Or look for a combo serum with a lower percentage of acids plus hydrating Hyaluronic acid.

Avoid Alcohol-Based Formulas

Some brands add alcohol to hyaluronic acid serums as a delivery system to help penetration. But alcohol extracts water from skin over time, making it counterproductive.

Check the ingredient list and select an alcohol-free, water-based formula instead for best hydration. Dry skin types should especially avoid alcohol which can be overly drying.

The Best Hyaluronic Acid Serums

With so many HA serums available from drugstore to high-end luxury brands, it helps to know the top-rated products:

The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5

Containing two forms of ultra-pure hyaluronic acid plus vitamin B5, this budget buy serum packs a moisturizing punch. Lightweight and fast-absorbing, it instantly plumps fine lines and wrinkles.

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum

This dermatologist-developed bestselling serum quenches dry skin with the power of hyaluronic acid. The hydrating formula helps smooth the look of fine lines and wrinkles for a more youthful glow.

SkinCeuticals Hyaluronic Acid Intensifier

Backed by extensive research, this professional-grade serum contains pure hyaluronic acid to correct visible signs of aging. Using this treatment religiously refines skin texture and improves firmness.

Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench Hyaluronic Acid Serum

Packed with 30% hyaluronic acid plus ceramides, this nourishing serum provides a mega-dose of long-lasting hydration. Great for dry, mature skin, it restores a dewy, radiant complexion.

La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum

Dermatologist recommended, this oil-free serum with two types of hyaluronic delivers multi-depth hydration. Visibly plumps skin while refining texture. Leaves a more youthful glow with regular use.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.