In the skincare industry, hyaluronic acid has been known for centuries as a magic ingredient for the skin. Also known as hyaluronan, it is a clear, sticky substance that our bodies produce naturally. It is found in abundance in your skin, connective tissues and eyes. It plays a major role in retaining water in the skin and keeping your tissues moist and lubricated. Most people use it on the skin for best results. However, it can also be the reason why your skin feels so dry. Yes, this is a side effect of hyaluronic acid that you must know about.
Board Certified Dermatologist FAAD, Dr. Jayashree Sharad explained on her social media why applying hyaluronic acid to dry skin makes the skin even drier.
Why can hyaluronic acid leave your skin dry?
Hyaluronic acid, as it is known, can do wonders for your skin if you include it in your daily diet. However, it can also leave your skin very dry if you already have dry skin.
1. It is a humectant
hyaluronic acd is a humectant, meaning it absorbs water from the environment and from the deeper layers of the skin to keep it plump and hydrated. If you apply hyaluronic acid to the surface of completely dry skin, it can make your skin dry.
2. Lock it in with moisturizer
Experts agree, “You must top the hyaluronic acid serum with a moisturizer to lock in the hyaluronic acid.” You must seal the product on the skin by using a heavy moisturizer to avoid drying the skin too much.
3. low molecular weight
“If you use a hyaluronic acid It has a very high molecular weight, it does not get absorbed into the skin and the skin becomes dry and dehydrated,” says the expert.
Therefore, it is advised to use a hyaluronic serum that has a lower molecular weight so that it is better absorbed into the skin.
Other Benefits of Hyaluronic Acid
Some other benefits of hyaluronic acid for the skin include:
1. Makes skin more supple and healthy
Hyaluronic acid is a compound that is naturally present in the skin, and it retains water to help keep the skin hydrated. When applied regularly, it can reduce wrinkles and redness and heal dermatitis.
Read also: Here’s Why You Should Add Hyaluronic Acid To Your Skincare Routine
2. May Speed Up Wound Healing
As mentioned above hyaluronic acid is naturally present in the skin, its concentration increases wherever there is damaged skin that needs to be repaired. It controls the level of inflammation and signals the body to build more blood vessels in the damaged area.
3. May control sebum secretion
Lack of moisture in the skin can accelerate the production of oil/sebum in the skin. This excess sebum production can be controlled by increasing the moisture content of the skin. By adding hyaluronic acid to your skin, your skin will see a reduction in oil secretion and sweating which will help keep pimples away.