Hyaluronic acid, also known as HA, is a naturally occurring substance in our bodies that helps to keep our skin hydrated and plump. It's a glycosaminoglycan, which means it's a long chain of sugars that are found in connective tissues throughout the body. In the skin, hyaluronic acid can hold up to 1000 times its weight in water, making it an excellent ingredient for maintaining skin hydration and elasticity.

Benefits of Hyaluronic Acid for Skin

Hyaluronic acid is an essential ingredient in skincare products because of its many benefits for the skin. Here are some of the ways that hyaluronic acid can help improve your skin's health: 

Hydration - As mentioned, hyaluronic acid is a humectant that draws moisture from the environment into the skin. This helps to keep the skin hydrated, plump, and looking youthful.

Pro-aging - Hyaluronic acid can help to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by plumping the skin and improving elasticity.

Soothing – Its anti-inflammatory properties can help to soothe and calm the skin. This makes it an excellent ingredient for people with sensitive or acne-prone skin.

Barrier function - Hyaluronic acid can help to improve the skin's barrier function, which can help to protect the skin from environmental stressors such as pollution and UV radiation.

Molecular Weights of Hyaluronic Acid

When considering hyaluronic acid, an important aspect to consider is the molecular weight that is used. The term "molecular weight" refers to the size of the hyaluronic acid molecule – smaller molecules having lower molecular weights while larger ones have higher molecular weights.

While some skincare companies advocate for the use of low molecular weight hyaluronic acid due to its potential to penetrate the skin more deeply, it's crucial to recognize that this approach isn't without its drawbacks. Our commitment at Rena Roots extends beyond trends and marketing claims; it's about ensuring your skin's well-being. That's why our serums deliberately avoid the use of low molecular weight hyaluronic acid, which, in reality, can trigger inflammation, particularly in those with sensitive skin.

Intriguingly, even though some might tout the enhanced penetration capabilities of low molecular weight hyaluronic acid, the truth is that even these smaller molecules struggle to pass the epidermis. Our expert biochemists examine every ingredient we use, ensuring that it delivers Optimum Skin Nutrition^TM. We believe in the pursuit of genuine benefits rather than marketing trends. Thus, while low molecular weight hyaluronic acid might sound appealing in theory, it's often more of a marketing assertion than a practical advantage – one that can inadvertently lead to skin irritation and discomfort.

In contrast, our approach centers around the use of medium to high molecular weight hyaluronic acid. These larger molecules, while not as deeply penetrating, offer distinct advantages. They sit on the skin's surface, forming a protective barrier that aids in moisture retention, thereby providing longer-lasting hydration without the risk of inflammation.

Incorporating Hyaluronic Acid into Your Skincare Routine

Hyaluronic acid is a versatile ingredient that can be found in many different types of skincare products, including our Afghan Rose Serum and Albanian Immortelle Serum. When looking for a hyaluronic acid product, it's important to consider the molecular weight of the hyaluronic acid and choose a product that is appropriate for your skin type.

If you have sensitive skin, you may want to avoid products with low molecular weight hyaluronic acid and opt for products with higher molecular weight hyaluronic acid instead. Additionally, it's important to make sure that you're applying hyaluronic acid to damp skin, as this will help to maximize its hydrating benefits.

In conclusion, hyaluronic acid is an essential ingredient in skincare products because of its ability to hydrate, plump, and improve the skin's barrier function. By incorporating hyaluronic acid into your skincare routine, you can help to keep your skin looking youthful and radiant. Shop our hyaluronic acid infused serums at Neiman Marcus.