What you NEED to know about Hyaluronic Acid in Skincare!

Summary

In this skincare-focused video, Dr. Amir Jarami, a facial plastic surgeon, delves into the role of hyaluronic acid (HA) in skincare and anti-aging. HA, a naturally occurring molecule in the body, is renowned for its hydration properties. The video distinguishes between high and low molecular weight HA, advocating for the latter due to its deeper skin penetration. Dr. Jarami clarifies that while HA provides immediate hydration and reduces the appearance of fine lines, it doesn't alter skin's long-term aging process like retinols or vitamin C. He emphasizes the importance of daily use for consistent results and recommends sodium hyaluronate for its effectiveness. The video serves as an educational resource, aiming to inform viewers on making informed skincare choices.

Takeaways

• 💧 Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a naturally occurring molecule in the body, playing a role in hydration and lubrication in various tissues including the skin.
• 🌐 HA is popular in skincare due to its ability to attract water, which can help plump the skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
• 👵 As we age, the skin's natural production of HA decreases, leading to dehydration and a loss of skin's plumpness and suppleness.
• 🧪 HA can be produced by bacteria, particularly through genetic engineering, and is now commonly used in skincare products for its hydrating effects.
• 🔬 The molecular weight of HA is crucial; lower molecular weight HA, like sodium hyaluronate, penetrates deeper into the skin for more effective hydration.
• 🚫 High molecular weight HA tends to remain on the skin's surface and offers less benefit compared to lower molecular weight HA.
• 🌿 Incorporating HA into your skincare routine can provide short-term hydration benefits, but it does not replace the long-term anti-aging effects of ingredients like retinol or vitamin C.
• 💧 Consistent daily use of HA is necessary to maintain its hydrating effects, as the benefits are temporary and last about 24 to 36 hours.
• 💡 HA is suitable for sensitive skin types and can help soothe and reduce redness, making it a versatile addition to any skincare regimen.
• 📚 When selecting HA products, it's important to check the ingredient list for 'sodium hyaluronate' to ensure you're getting the most effective form of HA for skin penetration and hydration.

Q & A

What is hyaluronic acid and why is it significant in skincare?

Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring molecule found in the body, particularly in the skin, joints, and extracellular matrix of tissues. It's significant in skincare due to its ability to retain water, hydrate the skin, and improve its plumpness and suppleness, which are characteristics of youthful skin.

How is hyaluronic acid different from retinols and vitamin C?

Unlike retinols and vitamin C, which are not naturally produced by the body, hyaluronic acid is naturally occurring. Additionally, while retinols and vitamin C work by stimulating the skin's production of collagen and other youth-preserving elements, hyaluronic acid functions by hydrating the skin and providing a temporary plumping effect.

What are the common sources of hyaluronic acid production mentioned in the script?

The script mentions that hyaluronic acid is typically produced by bacteria, either through genetic engineering or as a byproduct. Traditionally, it was also derived from animal products, such as the red part of a rooster's comb, but for ethical and environmental reasons, bacterial production is now more common.

Why is sodium hyaluronate preferred over hyaluronic acid in skincare products?

Sodium hyaluronate is a derivative of hyaluronic acid that is smaller in molecular size, allowing it to penetrate deeper into the skin. This deeper penetration enables it to provide more significant and long-lasting hydration and anti-aging benefits compared to hyaluronic acid, which may only sit on the skin's surface.

How does the molecular weight of hyaluronic acid affect its efficacy in skincare?

High molecular weight hyaluronic acid is larger and more difficult for the skin to absorb, often only providing surface-level benefits. Low molecular weight hyaluronic acid, such as sodium hyaluronate, can penetrate more deeply into the skin, offering more substantial and long-lasting hydration and anti-aging effects.

Why is consistent daily use of hyaluronic acid important in a skincare routine?

Consistent daily use of hyaluronic acid is crucial because it provides temporary hydration to the skin. If use is discontinued, the skin returns to its dehydrated state, losing the plumpness and hydration benefits. Daily application ensures a continuous hydration effect, leading to improved skin texture and a reduction in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Can hyaluronic acid be used by people with sensitive skin?

Yes, hyaluronic acid is generally well-tolerated by sensitive skin types. It is unlikely to cause sensitivity issues and can actually help soothe the skin, decrease redness, and provide a calming effect due to its hydrating and lubricating properties.

What is the role of hyaluronic acid in wound care, as mentioned in the script?

In wound care, hyaluronic acid is used to create an optimal wound environment that speeds up recovery and minimizes scarring. Its hydrating properties help maintain moisture around the wound, promoting faster healing.

How does the script differentiate between the effects of hyaluronic acid and long-term anti-aging ingredients like retinols?

The script explains that while hyaluronic acid provides a temporary, short-term improvement in skin hydration and plumpness, long-term anti-aging ingredients like retinols and vitamin C work by stimulating the skin's natural production of collagen and elastin, leading to structural changes that actually make the skin younger over time.

What is the recommended order of applying hyaluronic acid in a skincare routine that includes other actives?

The script suggests applying hyaluronic acid immediately after cleansing, before introducing other active ingredients like retinols or vitamin C. This order allows the hyaluronic acid to penetrate the skin effectively before potentially irritating or inflammatory effects from other actives might interfere with its absorption.