Hyaluronic acid, which has sparked a boom in the beauty industry, is known for its moisturizing effects and gentleness to the skin. Hyaluronic acid products that can be applied to the skin for easy use are attracting particular attention. Here, we focus on hyaluronic acid as a secret weapon for skin rejuvenation and moisturization, and thoroughly explain its amazing effects and usage. We will provide you with useful information as you effectively incorporate hyaluronic acid into your daily skin care regimen.
Graduated from the Faculty of Medicine, National Kumamoto University. After serving as the director of major beauty clinics in Japan, etc., he opened Aladdin Aesthetic Clinic in 2023. He is a professional in aesthetic medicine with a doctorate in anti-aging research and many years of experience. With the motto of "Toward the realization of cosmetic medicine without lies," he aims to be the "Only One" together with his patients.
The popularity of hyaluronic acid and the type applied to the skin
Hyaluronic acid has enjoyed high popularity in the beauty industry for many years. This is because hyaluronic acid plays an important role in keeping skin moisturized and youthful.
The basic properties of hyaluronic acid, its attractiveness, and the benefits of hyaluronic acid applied to the skin are explained in detail.
Basic Properties of Hyaluronic Acid and Its Attractiveness
Hyaluronic acid is a natural component originally found in human skin. It is present in the dermis of the skin and provides moisture retention and elasticity. Its main role is to moisturize the skin by retaining large amounts of water, while at the same time acting as a cushion to prevent the development of wrinkles and blemishes.
As the amount of hyaluronic acid decreases with age, skin becomes dry and less elastic. For this reason, supplementation with hyaluronic acid is extremely important to maintain skin elasticity and moisture, which tend to be lost with age.
Advantages of hyaluronic acid applied to the skin
There are several important benefits to applying hyaluronic acid to the skin. First, hyaluronic acid helps maintain skin elasticity. This helps prevent or improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, assists the skin's barrier function, and helps prevent skin dryness.
There are also two types of hyaluronic acid products: "high molecular weight hyaluronic acid" and "low molecular weight hyaluronic acid," each of which has its own specific advantages. High molecular weight hyaluronic acid has a long-lasting moisturizing effect, while low molecular weight hyaluronic acid is highly permeable to the skin and its effects appear quickly. However, it does not reach the deepest layers of the skin, so its direct effect on deep wrinkles and facial sagging is limited.
Specific effects of hyaluronic acid on the skin
The application of hyaluronic acid to the skin is widely recognized for its immediate moisturizing effects and improvement in skin texture. This section details the specific effects of hyaluronic acid on the skin and the changes it brings about in the skin.
Effective mechanism of hyaluronic acid
Hyaluronic acid is known for its high water retention capacity, with the ability to hold up to 6 liters of water per gram. This property provides ample moisture to the skin and protects it from dryness. Hyaluronic acid is also present in the dermis, where it cooperates with components such as collagen and elastin, which contribute to skin firmness and elasticity, helping to maintain the skin's youthful appearance.
In particular, ultra-low molecular weight hyaluronic acid can easily penetrate the stratum corneum and is expected to penetrate deeper than regular hyaluronic acid. This is expected to result in new cosmetic effects such as improved moisture retention and barrier function.
Changes to skin after use and expected effects
Hyaluronic acid applied to the skin is effective in preventing and improving fine lines and wrinkles, assisting the skin's barrier function, and preventing dryness. Moisturized skin is soft, elastic, and radiant. This is because hyaluronic acid holds moisture in the stratum corneum, thereby inhibiting water evaporation and keeping the skin surface smooth.
However, because hyaluronic acid only reaches the stratum corneum, its direct effect on deep wrinkles and facial sagging is limited. To address these issues, it is recommended that hyaluronic acid be used in combination with other treatment modalities and products.
While the application of hyaluronic acid is a very effective part of routine skin care, it is important to seek professional advice for deeper skin problems.
What are the types of hyaluronic acid applied to the skin and how to choose wisely?
This section details the types of hyaluronic acid found in beauty products, how to select the best products, how to combine them with other skin care products, and furthermore, how to select products by skin type.
Types of hyaluronic acid in beauty products
Low molecular weight hyaluronic acid has the property of easily penetrating into the deeper layers of the skin due to its relatively small molecular weight. This property fundamentally improves the skin's ability to retain moisture and promotes hydration from within.
This is effective in improving skin aging phenomena such as fine wrinkles and sagging, and is expected to prevent skin dryness and loss of elasticity due to aging. Low molecular weight hyaluronic acid also promotes the production of ceramide and collagen, contributing to the strengthening of the skin barrier function.
On the other hand, high molecular weight hyaluronic acid, characterized by its large molecular size, easily stays on the skin surface and forms a surface moisturizing film. This moisturizing film protects the skin from external stimuli and dryness, and keeps the skin superficially moist.
High molecular weight hyaluronic acid has a high ability to attract and retain moisture from the air into the skin, thus keeping the skin surface moist for a long time and effective in preventing fine lines and roughness caused by dryness. It is also an ingredient especially recommended for sensitive or dry skin, and is suitable for daily moisturizing care with minimal irritation to the skin.
Other types of hyaluronic acid include cross-linked hyaluronic acid, in which the molecules are cross-linked by special bonds. It has an increased ability to retain moisture for longer periods of time than normal hyaluronic acid. This property provides the skin with moisture for a longer period of time and improves the elasticity and firmness of the skin.
It is particularly suitable for replenishing the skin's moisture and elasticity, which decrease with age, and is effective in anti-aging skin care. Crosslinked hyaluronic acid is also more resistant to degradation than ordinary hyaluronic acid, making it highly durable.
How to Select the Best Hyaluronic Acid Product
The choice depends on the condition and purpose of the skin. For example, if you are concerned about deep wrinkles and sagging skin, a product containing low molecular weight hyaluronic acid is appropriate.
On the other hand, for daily moisturizing, high molecular weight hyaluronic acid is effective. When selecting a product, it is important to check the list of ingredients and choose the type that best suits your skin condition.
Hyaluronic acid applied to the skin in combination with other skin care products
Hyaluronic acid can be combined with other skin care products to enhance its effectiveness. For example, it can be combined with vitamin C derivatives and peptide-containing products to further improve skin firmness and elasticity.
However, some combinations of products used may cause irritation, so it is important to monitor skin conditions carefully.
Product Selection by Skin Type
Products containing high molecular weight hyaluronic acid, which is highly moisturizing and keeps the skin moist, are suitable for dry skin. High molecular weight hyaluronic acid forms a film of moisture on the skin's surface, protecting it from external stimulation and damage caused by dryness.
This is ideal for skin that is particularly prone to dryness, as it prevents moisture from evaporating from the skin and maintains its moisturizing effect for an extended period of time. Additionally, when combined with other moisturizing ingredients such as ceramide and glycerin, the moisture balance of the skin can be improved more effectively.
For oily skin, products with a light texture containing low molecular weight hyaluronic acid are recommended. Low molecular weight hyaluronic acid easily penetrates into the deeper layers of the skin and enhances the skin's internal moisture retention capacity. This helps maintain the balance between oil and moisture on the skin's surface, preventing flakiness and clogged pores.
Also, products with a light texture do not feel heavy on the skin and can moisturize while reducing the stickiness often associated with oily skin. Choosing non-comedogenic (non-pore-clogging) products is also important, as they provide moisture while properly controlling the skin's oil content.
If you have sensitive skin, it is important to choose hyaluronic acid products that contain fewer additives and skin-friendly ingredients. It is important to choose hypoallergenic products that are fragrance-free, colorant-free, and paraben-free to minimize stress on the skin.
Products for sensitive skin often contain ingredients that gently moisturize the skin, protect it from redness and irritation, and help strengthen the skin's barrier function. In addition to hyaluronic acid, products containing natural ingredients such as aloe vera and chamomile extract are also safe options for sensitive skin.
How to use hyaluronic acid for effective skin application
Even if you choose the right one for you, its effectiveness will be halved if you do not know how to use it effectively and how to use it. This section will explain in detail the correct application technique of hyaluronic acid, precautions for use, how to use it according to the season and environment, and the effects of using it in combination with sunscreen.
Hyaluronic acid application techniques for skin
Gently cleansing the face with a facial wash before using hyaluronic acid is a very important first step in skin care. Using warm water and a mild facial cleanser, gently remove dirt and excess sebum from the surface of the skin. This opens the skin pores and helps hyaluronic acid components to penetrate the skin more easily, thereby maximizing its effectiveness. After cleansing, gently pat dry with a clean towel to prepare the skin.
The amount varies from product to product, but usually a small pea-sized amount is a good rule of thumb. Warm the product lightly in the palm of your hand, then apply it evenly to the entire face. It is recommended that a little more be applied to areas where dryness is a particular concern or where wrinkles are noticeable. However, it is important to adhere to the specified usage amount, as excessive use can be hard on the skin.
After applying hyaluronic acid, it is best to lightly massage the skin with the palms of your fingers. Move gently from the center of the face outward and from the bottom to the top. This massage not only stimulates blood circulation and helps the absorption of hyaluronic acid, but also has a relaxing effect.
Caution should be exercised when using products with acidic or strong ingredients. When layering products, apply them in order, starting with the gentlest ingredients first, to avoid irritating the skin. It is also recommended to perform a patch test when using a new product to check the skin's reaction.
Use of hyaluronic acid according to season and environment
In dry seasons and environments, increased use of hyaluronic acid is beneficial. In cold weather and dry environments due to the use of air conditioning, additional moisturizing with hyaluronic acid is necessary because moisture evaporation from the skin is increased.
In humid environments, moderate use of hyaluronic acid can help maintain skin balance. Because skin retains moisture more easily in high humidity, excessive moisturizing can cause skin to feel sticky and uncomfortable.
Combined effect of hyaluronic acid and sunscreen
The combination of hyaluronic acid and sunscreen provides both moisturizing and UV protection. Moisturizing the skin with hyaluronic acid and then applying a sunscreen will protect the skin from UV rays while also protecting it from dryness.
This combination is especially suited for morning skin care routines and is an ideal way to keep skin healthy during the day. Sunscreen should be applied last to maximize the protection provided by other skin care products.
summary
By understanding the effects of hyaluronic acid applied to the skin, how to use it correctly, and how to choose the right product, you will be able to maximize the natural power of hyaluronic acid. You can also incorporate hyaluronic acid into your daily skin care regimen to achieve ideal skin conditions. Hyaluronic acid is your best partner to keep your skin hydrated and youthful.
At Aladdin Aesthetic Clinic, based on our many years of experience in cosmetic medicine and cosmetic dermatology and the knowledge of our doctoral degree, we provide counseling that aims to be "only one", offering the best treatment for each person we meet. We offer only the necessary treatments without any unnecessary information or suggestions.
Feel free to use our official LINE account for 24-hour counseling and reservations. Please feel free to contact us for free counseling for the first time or if you have any concerns.