What is hyaluronic acid and what is it used for on the face?

If you want to keep your skin healthy and looking hydrated, you need to have a good skincare routine; 'Ro' Márquez and Mayor Alessandra Rojo de la Vega are some of the celebrities who have shared their beauty 'secrets'.

Among the wide variety of creams, facial serums and other skin care products out there, there is one ingredient in common: hyaluronic acid , which promises many benefits to facial skin, unlike home remedies for the face such as the avocado mask, for example.

Hyaluronic acid has become a star ingredient in the world of skincare. From creams to injections, this compound is key to keeping skin hydrated and looking young. But do you really know what it is and what it's used for? We tell you more about one of the must-have ingredients in the world of skincare.

Scientifically speaking, hyaluronic acid is a high molecular weight polysaccharide found in the extracellular matrix, according to an article from the National Center for Biotechnology Information of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in the United States .

And in Spanish? These are molecules composed of sugars that our body produces naturally and are found in the skin, eyes and joints.

Its main function is to retain water to keep tissues well lubricated and plump, and in the skin it helps keep it hydrated and 'plump' it to prevent signs of aging . Imagine it as a kind of sponge that absorbs water and moisture for the skin.

Over time, hyaluronic acid production decreases, which contributes to the appearance of wrinkles , dry skin and loss of firmness. For this reason, its application in cosmetic products and dermatological treatments is so popular.

This ingredient is one of the most studied in cosmetology thanks to the fact that it is a compound naturally present in our body and has multiple benefits, such as biotin in hair.

It is present in skincare products and has numerous benefits for the skin , backed by dermatological studies and skin care specialists.

Hyaluronic acid can hold up to a thousand times its weight in water , making it a powerful facial moisturizer , especially for skin approaching an age where hyaluronic acid production naturally declines.

According to the Division of Dermatology at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), its application helps improve the skin barrier, reduce water loss, and keep the skin soft and supple .

Studies indicate that hyaluronic acid, when used consistently, improves skin elasticity and decreases the appearance of wrinkles.

The Mexican Foundation for Dermatology AC points out that, by deeply hydrating the skin, fine expression lines are also filled , which provides a more youthful appearance to the dermis of the face, as do ingredients such as collagen .

What does this mean? Hyaluronic acid helps reduce the signs of aging, making your skin look younger.

Well-hydrated skin reflects light better and looks healthier; it's not for nothing that in recent years there has been talk of the glowy effect. If your face looks luminous, the texture improves considerably.

Brands such as L'Oreal, La Roche-Posay and Isdin have developed products with hyaluronic acid to improve facial luminosity and unify skin tone , which they explain in their blogs.

If you have sensitive skin or skin that tends to get irritated easily , hyaluronic acid can help calm inflammation and promote skin regeneration.

According to the NIH , this compound is also effective in healing wounds and treating minor burns, so its use helps repair damaged skin.

Hyaluronic acid is naturally present in the face, but when its production decreases, there are dermatological-grade cosmetic products that contain this ingredient and give the skin a 'little help'.

Serums with hyaluronic acid are the best option to obtain deep hydration and maintain healthy skin , as they have a high concentration of this molecule.

Blogs for brands like L'Oreal and Nivea recommend applying them on clean, dry skin so that they are absorbed better. Then, seal with a moisturizer to maximize their effects; if it contains hyaluronic acid, even better.

Face masks with hyaluronic acid are an excellent option for intensive hydration, especially in dry climates or after sun exposure.

These are sold in individual packages and, in the case of night treatments, as night creams. It is recommended to use them before going to sleep, since the skin absorbs their properties better during the night .

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), hyaluronic acid is safe for the skin and has a low risk of causing adverse reactions.

However, in case of allergies or skin sensitivity , it is advisable to do a test on a small area of ​​skin before general application.

Definitely yes. Thanks to its moisturizing, plumping and soothing properties, hyaluronic acid is an indispensable ally for skin care.

Remember that, to obtain the best results, it is important to choose products from recognized brands specialized in skin care.