How Acid Became Part of Our Daily Routine: Trippin' on that Moisture

Get your head out of the gutter buddy – not that type of acid. This isn’t the 70’s and we most certainly are not Jobs and Woz laying in a field on a hot Silicon Valley day tripping into the next leap in computing..

However, we will introduce you to a different leap, a more personal one. One that was first developed within the labyrinthine acres of cherry-blossom-studded Tokyo.  

I’m talking about Hyaluronic Acid. The naturally-occurring acid originally harnessed for its wound-healing properties, which has since come to prop up the $6,000,000,000 cosmetic dermal filler industry to keep the faces of Hollywood and Instagram camera-ready, pre-filter. 

Now hold up – we’re not telling you that you need botox, or to set your sights on Hollywood. Actually, quite the opposite - those types drive us up a wall..

What we’re telling you is that there is a cheat code for hacking your way into healthier, visibly younger looking skin and it’s staring you right in the face. 

If you ignore us, you’re passing up the lock of the century for helping you age with grace, instead of like that guy with the saggy, sad looking face you see every day in the sauna at LA Fitness.

You can bet the mortgage on the benefits of getting Hyaluronic Acid in your skincare routine. But not all Hyaluronic Acids are created equal so follow these tips to make sure you’re not putting anything less than the best on your face.  

1. Check out the percentage. HA has been shown to be effective when included at a concentration as low as 0.1% but the sweet spot according to dermatologists is around 2%
2. Look for the molecular weight. A lower molecular weight has been shown to more easily penetrate the skin and shown higher success rates in minimizing fine lines and wrinkles. 
3. Read product reviews and search for clinical studies that back up the products claims. 

Or, just cut to the chase and grab a bottle of Revival, take advantage of it’s low molecular weight, 2% Hyaluronic Acid solution and smother it all over your face.

It’s like a fountain of youth dunkaroo every single morning after your shower. 

So without further ado, here are PrettyBoy’s top reasons to give Hyaluronic Acid a spot in your skincare routine. 

Hydrate Like a Boss

The best part about HA is how lightweight & non-greasy it is as an ingredient. This allows it to absorb quickly and, because of how effective HA is at holding on to moisture (it can retain up to 1000x its weight in water), it’s one of the best ingredients for targeting dry skin.

Hyaluronic acid is a humectant that attracts and retains moisture in the skin. A 2014 study published in the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology found that topical application of a HA-based gel increased skin hydration and reduced water loss in the skin.

Say F&CK You to Fine Lines & Wrinkles

Recently a guy told me he didn’t care about any of this skincare nonsense because he doesn’t care about how he looks when he gets older. I’m calling bullsh&t. No one wants to have that weathered, saggy looking face that looks like it was boiled by the sun and cigarettes when they’re older, much less in their 30’s. 

According to a study from 2015 published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, a topically applied HA solution improved the appearance of skin texture, fine lines, and wrinkles in participants after 8 weeks of use. 

Enhance your skin’s defenses 

HA may help strengthen the skin barrier by reducing transepidermal water loss (TEWL). A 2018 study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology found that a HA-based cream improved skin barrier function and reduced TEWL in participants after four weeks of use.

Give your skin the Chill Pill it needs

Trust us. This isn’t the whole real men don’t cry or the you need to be more emotionally available talk. This is the you owe it to your skin to give it a little TLC every now and then talk. HA is super soothing and has been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects on the skin. 

A 2017 study published in the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology found that a topical HA solution reduced inflammation in participants with acne.

Sources:

Papakonstantinou, E., Roth, M., & Karakiulakis, G. (2012). Hyaluronic acid: A key molecule in skin aging. Dermato-endocrinology, 4(3), 253-258.

Beer K, Lupo A, De Boulle S, Werschler A, Rzany R. Facial rejuvenation with hyaluronic acid fillers: a review and a proposed treatment algorithm. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2015 Mar;14(1):27-40. doi: 10.1111/jocd.12132. PMID: 25891740.

Zhang, L., Falla, T. J., & Cosmeceuticals, H. A. (2018). Evidence-Based Review of Topical Hyaluronic Acid (HA) in Skin Rejuvenation and Regeneration. J Drugs Dermatol, 17(9), 996-1001.

Sibilla, S., & Tamburic, S. (2015). A pilot study investigating the effects of topical hyaluronic acid on the texture of human skin. J Cosmet Dermatol, 14(4), 314-318.

Pergolizzi Jr, J. V., Raffa, R. B., Taylor Jr, R., & Nalamachu, S. (2018). Topical hyaluronic acid in the management of neuropathic pain: a narrative review. Curr Med Res Opin, 34(7), 1239-1247.