Anti-aging, as good as the word may sound, no one has yet been able to halt the natural aging process. Nonetheless, there are some active ingredients that, as part of a healthy lifestyle, slow down the skin aging process at least a little bit, or that can alleviate the signs of time. These ingredients include collagens, elastin fibers, ceramides and also hyaluronic acid. It should be noted that collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid in the skin work closely together. Let us take a closer look at the active ingredient hyaluronic acid.
What is the structure of the human skin?
The human skin consists of three layers:
- the epidermis, which protects us from environmental and mechanical influences
- the dermis, in which muscles, sebum and sweat glands are located
- and the subcutis, through which nerves, blood vessels and connective tissue strands run
Collagen fibers and elastin fibers are located in the dermis. Collagen ensures strong, smooth skin.
We understand elastin well when we think of babies: if we pinch their cheekbones, the skin immediately springs back into its position. This is what we call the elasticity of the skin.
Where does hyaluronic acid occur in the skin?
With its ability to bind up to 6,000 times its own weight in water, hyaluronic acid is the moisture depot of the dermis and the supports the collagen and elastin fibers as it fills gaps and provides stability. The small molecule is also important for the transmission of signals between cells and of course the moisture content of the skin.
On average, the human body contains 15g of hyaluronic acid – a third to half of it in the skin. This is why it is relatively easy to see when the body’s own hyaluronic acid production decreases.
What does hyaluronic acid do in cosmetics?
As an anti-aging ingredient, hyaluronic acid can be applied to the skin externally. Depending on the size of the molecule, it either remains on the skin and forms a moisture-binding film, or it absorbs into the skin and binds moisture there.
In the right concentration and form, hyaluronic acid mainly addresses the following anti-aging skin care needs:
- helps reduce wrinkles
- provides hydration
- supports the connective tissue
- improves elasticity and suppleness
- promotes radiance
You can find out more about the different types of hyaluronic acid in the articles on high-molecular and low-molecular hyaluronic acid.
How does hyaluronic acid get into cosmetics?
Hyaluronic acid can be obtained from different raw materials, animal or plant based. Nowadays most manufacturers obtain their hyaluronic acid biotechnologically on a plant basis. This means that no animals are harmed, the hyaluronic acid does not contain any animal proteins, it is very pure and skin-friendly.
Our Pure Hyaluronic Intense Serum uses low-molecular hyaluronic acid based on vegetable glucose.