Why hyaluronic acid is the best active ingredient to plump skin

Hyaluronic acid is a unique active ingredient for skin hydration. We take a look at its moisturizing properties and how it works to plump up skin.

The plumping up effect of hyaluronic acid

Hyaluronic acid is an ingredient that’s found in many creams and also found naturally within the skin. Because of its structure it has the ability to retain and preserve moisture and, despite the word ‘acid’ in the name, it doesn’t exfoliate skin, but rather plumps it up.

Hyaluronic acid
CAN HOLD1000 Xits weight in water

Hyaluronic acid has the capacity to hold 1,000 times its weight in water because of its hygroscopic properties, allowing it to draw in water from the environment.
Hyaluronic acid acts as a molecular sponge, which makes it an invaluable ingredient in skincare, and in addition, it creates a barrier on the skin, making skin softer, smoother and more moisturized. Hyaluronic acid gives skin that plumping, dewy effect. The hyaluronic acid molecule swell up[1] and give skin cells volume, which in turn fills in lines and makes skin look supple.
Hyaluronic acid holds moisture in the spaces between the cells of the skin, helping it to stay plump. Hyaluronic acid helps soften fine lines, making skin appear firmer and smoother. It revitalizes skin’s outer layers so they look and feel softer and glowingly hydrated, while improving skin’s texture.

It acts as a molecular sponge in the skin, drawing in water from its environment.

How hyaluronic acid works against the signs of aging

In the skin, levels of hyaluronic acid naturally decrease every year, resulting in dermal dehydration and leading to wrinkles[2] and as we age, the body’s ability to produce hyaluronic acid naturally slows down. This means that skin loses the ability to preserve moisture, resulting in a loss of firmness, pliability and plumpness.

In addition, when skin is dehydrated, this can manifest in more visibly fine lines, sagging or slack skin and dullness.  

Topically applied hyaluronic acid, with its powerful hydrating properties, can help slow down and correct the effects of aging, leaving skin moisturized and smoother. These hydrating abilities and their subsequent effects make hyaluronic acid such a beneficial ingredient to look out for in your skincare products.

[1] Chun, C. et al, 'Effect of molecular weight of hyaluronic acid (HA) on viscoelasticity and particle texturing feel of HA dermal biphasic fillers' in Biomaterials Research 20.1 (2016) p. 24 [Accessible at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5013587/]
[2] John, H.E et al, 'Perspectives in the selection of hyaluronic acid fillers for facial wrinkles and aging skin' in Patient Preference and Adherence 3 (2009) pp. 225-230 [Accessible at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2778417/]