The word is out—hyaluronic acid (HA) is a must-have holy grail in your daily regimen. It may be pretty challenging to pronounce or spell the term, but don’t worry. The benefits it comes with matter the most. If you're no newbie when it comes to the most amazing ingredients in skincare products, your routine probably already includes hyaluronic acid in almost every item. 

From moisturizers to ampoules (sealed vials), sleeping masks, and serums, it's hard to say no to anything that contains hyaluronic acid—and for good reasons. Perhaps you've already heard of its superior hydrating capabilities. But what about the other reasons why this ingredient is so popular among skincare consumers? Well, if you're curious to find out, you may keep reading as you please.

What Is Hyaluronic Acid?

Also called hyaluronan, HA is a naturally occurring sugar molecule in the body, particularly the joints, eyes, and skin. Its main function is to hold onto water and trap it into the skin to give it that dewy, hydrated, and plump look. Therefore, it increasing moisture in the skin. 

With the right formulation, HA can make your skin look younger, plumper, and smoother because of its power to boost elasticity. What's more, it can yield even more promising benefits when paired or combined with other ingredients such as vitamins, retinol, and other acids like alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta hydroxy acids (BHAs).

Hyaluronic acid is a common ingredient in many skin care products today. It comes in different forms and types of products, including injectables, cleansers, and serums. Powder form is available, too, just like the ANS Botanics hyaluronic acid.

HA For Agent

Every skincare enthusiast would surely agree that hydration is non-negotiable when it comes to keeping a strict regimen. You've seen it all—hydrating cleansers, moisturizing masks, water-retaining moisturizers. You name it, and everything claims to give the skin the hydration it greatly needs.

It's no rocket science to understand the necessity of keeping the skin hydrated. Without adequate hydration, skin can become flaky, tight, and dry, thus making it look rough, dull, and old. Needless to say, skin with not enough moisture is unhealthy skin. 

Hyaluronic acid can make all the difference if you want to increase or boost your skin's hydration. Although it can be naturally found in the body, just like collagen, aging isn't a good friend to most of these hydrating agents. As you age, you lose HA, so there comes the need to supplement or boost moisture through products containing this molecule. 

To add, it's not only aging that contributes to the decreasing amount of HA in the body. Subtle culprits are harsh weather, skin conditions that may break the skin's protective barrier, and even other skincare products that are too harsh on the skin. That's why it's crucial that you build a regimen that features hydrating products and ingredients to make up for the damage and loss of moisture.

A Humectant-Acting Substance

Yes, you've read another not-so-ordinary word again. In case you're not familiar with the term, a 'humectant' is a moisturizing agent usually present in beauty products for the hair and skin, such as shampoos and lotions. It's used to keep the moisture in, while retaining the overall properties and benefits of the product at hand. 

In a much simpler explanation, humectants work like a sponge in the skin that collects moisture and holds it in, thus providing lasting hydration. So, aside from infusing the topmost layer of your skin with its much-needed moisture, HA continues to do its job as a humectant-acting substance. 

Wound-Healing Properties

A study conducted in 2016 suggested that applying hyaluronan topically to the skin may help heal wounds faster. The substance also plays a vital role in the tissue regeneration process due to its ability to maintain moisture. When applied to the skin, HA could modulate cellular migration, tissue repair, and inflammation.

Aside from wounds, hyaluronic acid may help improve and treat acne scars, particularly atrophic ones (or skin portions that have become thin). Experts suggest that the most effective approach to do this is by using derma fillers or HA injections.

Anti-Aging, Anti-Wrinkles

There's nothing worse than looking at the mirror and noticing more and deeper wrinkles in your skin. It only means your age is starting to catch up and might even be ahead of you sooner than later. When the total amount of HA in the skin drastically decreases (primarily due to ultraviolet exposure,) wrinkles can form. And there it is—a true horror story you'd never want to experience.

Don't worry, though, because you can still do something about it. It's highly recommended that you start applying HA topically twice a day if you want to prevent or slow down the formation of wrinkles. Dissolve 1tsp. of its powder form in 20ml of water. Place in a clear bottle and shake well before dabbing two drops on newly washed and pat-dried face. With this regimen, the substance is known to help decrease the depth of creases and wrinkles in your face while promoting elasticity and firmness.

Takeaway: HA For Have A Great Skin

With so many beauty and skincare products promising the most amazing results, it can be a bit tricky to recognize which ones to try and include in your routine. Thankfully, though, you can be sure that hyaluronic acid is indeed a must-have you shouldn't miss. 

Use it as a serum, in your moisturizing cream, or as a raw powder substance from ANS Botanics. However you use it, you can expect it to yield its almost magical skincare benefits.