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If you’re looking for firmer, more radiant skin, hyaluronic acid is a key ingredient in cosmetic products and aesthetic medicine alike. Naturally present in the body, hyaluronic acid offers a multitude of benefits for the skin; from its intense moisturizing power to its anti-aging effects to its ability to promote healing. Read on to explore the various benefits of hyaluronic acid and the best ways to use it.

What is hyaluronic acid?

Hyaluronic acid is a molecule derived from the carbohydrate family, present in various tissues of the human body, including muscles, joints, the cornea of the eyes, and in greater quantities in the dermis of the skin. It is a viscous, transparent substance. Hyaluronic acid is a benchmark in cosmetics thanks to its excellent moisturizing properties. The hyaluronic acid molecule acts like a natural sponge. It can retain up to 1000 times its weight in water!

Hyaluronic acid is essential for maintaining the structure of the skin’s layers. It is found in the intercellular spaces of connective tissue between collagen and elastin. The body’s production of hyaluronic acid declines over time, leading to dry skin, wrinkles and other signs of aging. To fill this gap, hyaluronic acid is synthesized in the laboratory and added to skin care products and aesthetic injections.

What’s the difference between collagen and hyaluronic acid?

Collagen and hyaluronic acid are two essential components of the skin, but they have different, complementary roles. Collagen is a fibrous protein found in abundance in skin, bone, tendons and cartilage. It acts as a support structure, ensuring the skin’s firmness, elasticity and resistance. Collagen gives skin its firmness and helps reduce the appearance of fine lines, while hyaluronic acid ensures optimal hydration, giving skin a smooth appearance.

What are the different types of hyaluronic acid?

High molecular weight hyaluronic acid

This is the raw and most common form of hyaluronic acid used in skin care products. It has a high molecular size, enabling it to form a protective barrier in the surface layers. This reduces water evaporation and provides a tightening effect to the skin.

Low molecular weight hyaluronic acid

This form of hyaluronic acid has a smaller molecular size, enabling it to act deep within the skin. It can stimulate the skin’s natural production of hyaluronic acid, helping to improve firmness, elasticity and hydration. This form is obtained through a hydrolysis mechanism that splits hyaluronic acid into smaller fragments.

Day cream with hyaluronic acid

Hyaluronic acid in alkaline form

These are hyaluronic acid salts, applied for their high stability and compatibility with many moisturizing formulas. This type of acid is known for its enhanced resistance to oxidation. Hyaluronic acid salts are often found in low-molecular-weight hyaluronic acids.

Hyaluronic acid in cross-linked form

This is a modified form of hyaluronic acid in which the molecules are linked together to form a denser, more stable product. It combines the stability of hyaluronic acid salts with the moisturizing properties of higher molecular weight hyaluronic acids.

Hyaluronic acid in acetylated form

Recently discovered in beauty care, the acetylated form of hyaluronic acid is the result of a chemical reaction that replaces hydroxyl functions with acetyl groups. This type has both lipophilic and hydrophilic properties. Research has shown that the acetylated form absorbs three times more water than the ordinary form of hyaluronic acid, guaranteeing longer-lasting hydration.

Liposomal hyaluronic acid

Hyaluronic acid is encapsulated in liposomes, which are small lipid bubbles. This enables hyaluronic acid to penetrate the skin more effectively and deliver its moisturizing benefits for longer.

Is hyaluronic acid good for the skin?

Hyaluronic acid is rich in moisturizing and plumping benefits for all skin types (dry skin, oily skin, sensitive skin, fragile skin, etc.). It adapts to the area to be treated and presents virtually no risk of allergy.

Who should use hyaluronic acid?

Hyaluronic acid is recommended for every type of person who wants healthy-looking skin:

• People with skin prone to aging;
• People with oily skin;
• People with skin imperfections;
• People exposed to aggressive environmental factors;
• People with dry skin;
• People with dull or acne-prone skin;
• People with wrinkles around the eyes;
• Etc.

When should hyaluronic acid be applied to the face?

Hyaluronic acid can be used at different times in your skincare routine. It can be applied in the morning with a day cream for skin protection, or with a night cream for a more effective moisturizing effect. Here are a few recommendations for optimal daily application of hyaluronic acid on the face:

Skin cleansing

Before applying any product containing hyaluronic acid, be sure to thoroughly cleanse your face to remove impurities, make-up and excess sebum. Use a mild cleanser suited to your skin type.

Tonic or gasoline

After cleansing, you can use a toner or essence to prepare your skin to absorb the active ingredients more effectively. Apply the product to clean, dry skin, then wait a few moments for it to be fully absorbed.

Hyaluronic acid serum

A moisturizing serum with hyaluronic acid is an excellent option to ensure deep action. Apply a few drops of serum to your face and neck, patting gently to promote absorption. We recommend applying the serum before thicker products such as moisturizers.

Moisturizing cream

Once the serum has been absorbed, you can apply your usual moisturizer. Hyaluronic acid can be found in many moisturizers, boosting hydration and skin benefits.

Sun cream

If you use hyaluronic acid in the morning, be sure to apply sunscreen to protect your skin from harmful UV rays. It’s important to follow the specific instructions for the cosmetic product you’re using, as hyaluronic acid concentrations can vary from one product to another.

5 facts about facial skin cleansing

How does hyaluronic acid work on the skin?

• The application of synthesized hyaluronic acid stimulates the natural production of the substance;
• Hyaluronic acid has a high water retention capacity;
• Hyaluronic acid forms a skin barrier that reduces water loss;
• Hyaluronic acid boosts collagen production by stimulating fibroblasts. It also nourishes and moisturizes collagen;
• Hyaluronic acid regulates sebum production;
• Hyaluronic acid fills intercellular spaces to plump skin;
• Hyaluronic acid stimulates epidermal cell growth and promotes new tissue formation.

Why moisturize your skin?

What are the benefits of hyaluronic acid for the skin?

Keep skin moisturized

Hyaluronic acid is an excellent humectant. It forms a hydration layer that helps prevent transepidermal water loss. This deeply moisturizes the skin’s upper layer, making it suppler and firmer.

Optimize water balance

Hyaluronic acid’s actions adapt to environmental conditions. It can retain or release water, depending on the humidity of the ambient air. In this way, it maintains optimal hydration levels.

Strengthen skin tissue

Hyaluronic acid stimulates the production of collagen, an essential protein for skin structure and firmness. This helps strengthen skin tissue and improve skin elasticity.

Protect skin from external aggression

Hyaluronic acid provides a protective layer against UV rays, pollution, dryness, particles, etc., responsible for multiple skin damages (wrinkles, fine lines, brown spots, skin disorders, etc.).

Combating ageing

Hyaluronic acid is a popular anti-aging substance. Wrinkle fillers are rich in hyaluronic acid. Its revitalizing action hydrates the skin and fills the spaces between the layers, preventing the appearance of signs of aging and promoting a smooth, toned skin appearance.

Regenerate skin

Hyaluronic acid promotes healing of wounds and skin lesions by accelerating tissue reconstitution. It also calms and soothes inflammation, superficial burns and irritation in fragile skin.

Improve the appearance of the eye contour area

Hyaluronic acid’s ability to hydrate the skin helps prevent the appearance of dark circles and crow’s feet around the eyes.

Treating acne-prone skin

Oily, acne-prone skin can be dehydrated, triggering sebum production and the appearance of pimples. Hyaluronic acid is applied to limit excessive sebum secretion, responsible for oily skin and a dull complexion.

What’s the best hyaluronic acid?

You can store at Pravi for the best skincare products containing hyaluronic acid:

Dry to normal day cream

• Moisturizing and nourishing day cream;
• Anti-aging effect;
• Improve skin firmness and elasticity;
• Soothes imperfections;
• Etc.

Hydra+ mist

• Mist rich in natural humectants;
• Promotes absorption of moisturizing cream;
• Suitable for all skin types;
• Improves skin suppleness;
• Etc.

Lightening cream

• Lightening cream rich in hyaluronic acid; 
• Long-lasting hydration;
• Stimulates collagen production;
• Reduces the signs of aging; 
• Etc.

Other hyaluronic acid cosmetics

What type of hyaluronic acid should I choose?

Here are a few criteria to consider when choosing a hyaluronic acid product:

Quality and purity

Choose products containing pure, high-quality hyaluronic acid. Choose reputable, reliable brands that use controlled manufacturing processes.

Molecular weight

Hyaluronic acid is available in different molecular weight forms, which can influence its efficacy and ability to penetrate skin layers. Lower molecular weights can penetrate the skin more easily for deep hydration, while higher molecular weights can form a protective barrier on the skin’s surface. Some products contain a combination of molecular weights to benefit from both actions.

Concentration

The concentration of hyaluronic acid may vary from product to product. Higher concentrations may offer more intense hydration and more visible results, but this depends on the skin’s sensitivity.

Ingredient formulation

Hyaluronic acid can be combined with other skin-benefiting ingredients such as antioxidants, peptides or vitamins to enhance its benefits.

Product form

Hyaluronic acid is available in a variety of products, such as serums, moisturizers, masks and supplements.

Store for natural cosmetics

Pravi offers a wide range of moisturizing, cleansing and hair care products. Our hyaluronic acid-based creams and serums are combined with active plant extracts to give you healthy, radiant skin.

Discover our products