What's the story on Hyaluronic Acid?

 Lately,  I have been noticing a lot of cosmetic ingredients contain Hyaluronic Acid.  I am the type to question the ingredients contained in my skin care, and always enjoy a good research project.  Turns out,  Hyaluronic Acid is quite interesting.  Here are my findings.

   In the 1930s,  a friendly looking scientist,  Karl Meyer,  determined the properties of Hyaluronic acid,  known by many names such as Hyaluronan.  Turns out,  it's a diverse little acid,  with the reputation of being a "fountain of youth".  It's a naturally occurring carbohydrate that exists in our bodies.    It is said to live between cells,  giving our skin plumpness and youthful suppleness.  

       Hyaluronic acid has been used as a badass injection for knee and shoulders,  with unproven results and possible severe effects in this application.    Interesting, it is sold as an injectable lip and wrinkle filler,  known on the street as "Restylane" and "Juvederm".    It has been very effective in treatment of atopic dermatitis and post operative tissue healing.

    So,  should you look for skin care products that contain Hyaluronic acid?  Yes!  It will help your skin feel more moisturized,  and help build up your skin's natural barrier.  It is great for all skin types.  It won't be the most dramatic of skin care ingredients,  but its addition to your current routine will have long term benefits such as plumper skin with stable hydration levels.   For more dramatic results,   your doctor or dermatologist can give you injections of Hyaluronic acid, in the form of Restylane or Juvederm.

   My preferred cosmetic that include this ingredient,  is my DermaE Hyaluronic & Pycnogenol Eye Cream,  which has recently been repackaged and rebranded.     Eye cream can be tricky for sensitive skin,  and this particular eye cream has never irritated my delicate eye skin.