On the face of it, hyaluronic acid (HA) sounds as if it burns. However, it’s one of the most effective ingredients at preventing the signs of aging and helping you to retain a youthful glow. There are other nutrients that are as essential, but there’s been a push towards hyaluronic acid recently after extensive research.
Science has proven HA does the following:
- Keep cartilage in the joints strong and flexible
- Lubricate the joints
- Deliver nutrients to cells
- Carry toxins out of cells
The feature that most women find attractive is the fact that it locks in moisture and promotes a youthful appearance. Half of the hyaluronic acid found in the body is in the skin, so there’s no doubt that this chemical is integral to your skincare regime. Still, knowing that it helps is one thing.
The key is to try and trap it in the skin so that it absorbs into the pores and transforms your cells. If you haven’t heard of HA before, this is tough since you don’t know what it is, never mind how to stop it from evaporating into thin air.
For those who fall into that category, all you need to do is continue reading. Here are the four ways to retain hyaluronic acid in the skin and stay youthful for longer!
Check Your Moisturizer
One thing that lots of people don’t realize is that the lotion that they use isn’t suitable for their skin. There are several reasons, from it includes harsh ingredients to that it doesn’t work for your skin type, yet the main one is that it doesn’t utilize hyaluronic acid. Thankfully, there’s a simple way to tell: check the back of the bottle.
Packaging must state the ingredients and the quantities by law, so if it isn’t there in bold type, it’s not in the lotion. This is a big deal since pretty much every successful anti aging product uses it in some form, whether it’s organic or not. After all, plant and water-based formulas affect its ability to attach to cells.
Should you not find what you’re looking for, it’s time to branch out and switch up your lotion. This isn’t an easy decision because it takes a lot to ensure you’re comfortable with your moisturizer. Therefore, you’ll have to do plenty of research and factor in your age and skin type.
Of course, you already know one ingredient that it must include, and that’s a fantastic starting point.
Stay Out Of The Sun
Reducing how long you spend in the sun is a staple of all skincare guides. The UV rays, while attractive when they turn your skin golden brown, are unhealthy long-term. Another reason that UV rays are bad for your skin is the effect it has on your body’s hyaluronic acid stores.
Studies suggest as little as five minutes of exposure to UV can start to break down HA. That means you should limit yourself to three-hundred-seconds on the beach without any protection, or else you could turn into a shriveled prune! Yes, it’s unrealistic to limit yourself to this amount of time in the sun each day, particularly in the warmer months.
Therefore, it’s essential to wear lotions with SPF and give your skin some protection. It’s also vital to cover up. For instance, you probably wear shorts or dresses in the summer due to the temperature. However, the lack of fabric means your arms and legs are constantly in the sun and subject to cell breakdown.
The same goes for your face – your moneymaker – which is why long garments and hats are crucial if you want to stop lines, wrinkles, and crow’s feet.
Top Up Through Your Diet
There is good news. You can top up on your hyaluronic acid stores when they deplete, and as usual, there are two main ways: through your diet and supplements. The food you consume is the most accessible method since you must eat to survive. Plus, the ingredients with the biggest impact are classed as everyday items.
Leafy greens and citrus fruits are imperative for different reasons. The former contains magnesium, and magnesium is known to boost HA production. Therefore, you should add avocados, nuts, and seeds to your recipes (hint: they work perfectly in a salad!).
The latter is a protector. Citrus fruits – oranges, lemons, limes, etc., – contain something called naringenin, which is a flavonoid that stops things such as ultraviolet light attacking HA levels. Fruits are everywhere, but if you don’t eat a large amount, you enjoy them for dessert instead sugary snacks after mealtime.
Regarding supplements, research shows that taking hyaluronic acid tablets two times a day for four weeks positively improves your skin’s hydration and elasticity. It doesn’t take much, either, as you can consume the supplements after breakfast and before bed with little effort. Studies suggest they will help with aches and pains that are synonymous with your joints, too.
Don’t Go Vegan
Nothing against veganism or vegetarianism – it’s a noble cause that’s saving the planet – yet it’s not good for your zinc intake. Zinc and hyaluronic acid are very much linked, so if you lack one, you’ll almost certainly have low levels of the other. And, it turns out that vegan and vegetarian diets make it harder to get the daily recommended amount.
On average, adult men require 11 milligrams a day, and adult women need 8 milligrams. Typically, you would get this through your diet, yet only if you eat meat. It’s worth noting there’s no need to unleash your inner carnivore as too much red meat is unhealthy. Still, small quantities contain zinc and top-up your levels.
If you’re a veggie, you don’t have to jump back on the bandwagon as there are other ways to get the zinc that you need, such as dairy products. Of course, this isn’t vegan-friendly, which is where it becomes more of a challenge.
Still, nuts and seeds are packed with hyaluronic acid boosters, so you can lean on them if you’re against eating meat entirely.
Are these hacks part of your skincare routine?
