What Is Hyaluronic Acid?

HYALURONIC ACID, A KEY MOLECULE IN SKIN AGING

A key molecule involved in providing the skin with moisture is hyaluronic acid, but what is it exactly?

Within the skincare world, Hyaluronic Acid seems to be an ingredient with a ton of buzz around it right now.

So, firstly, what is hyaluronic acid?

Hyaluronic acid (or HA for short) is a multi-functioning, naturally occurring molecule found in the human body. HA has the ability to hold nearly 1,000 times its weight in water, helping to plump and moisturize the skin. 

In scientific terms, HA is a linear polysaccharide built from regularly alternating units of glucuronic acid and N-acetylglucosamine. It is a polymer of disaccharides, which are composed of D-glucuronic acid and N-acetyl-D-glucosamine, linked via alternating β-(1→4) and β-(1→3) glycosidic bonds. It is the most hydrated biopolymer known. In living tissue, it serves as a water reservoir.

As our skin ages, the amount of naturally-occurring hyaluronic acid in our bodies decreases. Applying hyaluronic topically in a skincare regime compensates for this natural loss. Hyaluronic acid brings moisture to the surface of your skin continually keeping skin moisturised throughout the day.