Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamin C, and Skin Care

More serum reviews coming! But before I get into those, what is Hyaluronic Acid? I’ve been doing these reviews on serums that contain it, but do I or you really know what it is? Google, my friend, gave me some insight:

Ok, so that really doesn’t help other than to let us know that it’s something that we naturally produce, which means these serums contains hyaluronic acid that we can supplement our natural production with.  According to Hyalogic: “Its consistency and tissue-friendliness allows it to be beneficial in skin-care products as an excellent moisturizer. Because HA is one of the most hydrophilic (water-loving) molecules in nature with numerous benefits for the human body it can be described as ‘nature’s moisturizer’.” And according to WebMD: “The hyaluronic acid that is used as medicine is extracted from rooster combs or made by bacteria in the laboratory. […] There is also a lot of interest in using hyaluronic acid to prevent the effects of aging. In fact, hyaluronic acid has been promoted as a ‘fountain of youth.’ However, there is no evidence to support the claim that taking it by mouth or applying it to the skin can prevent changes associated with aging.”

Now, at least, we have some idea what it is and why we should potentially be using it!

And for that matter… What is the benefit of using Vitamin C in our skincare products and routine?

According to Livestrong: “Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, serves several functions in the human body. Some of these functions help the body maintain healthy skin. Because the body does not store vitamin C in its tissues, you need to consume it on a regular basis.[…] When oxygen interacts with some molecules, it forms free radicals. Free radicals consist of atoms with unpaired electrons. When free radicals react with DNA or the membranes of cells, they cause cell death or abnormal cell function. This cellular damage plays a role in cancer and other diseases, according to Rice University. Vitamin C acts as an antioxidant, a substance that prevents the cellular damage caused by free radicals. This antioxidant effect protects the skin from ultraviolet radiation and the effects of sunlight exposure.”

This is what HowStuffWorks Health has to say: “New research shows that ascorbic acid 2-phosphate, a derivative of vitamin C, not only neutralizes free radicals, but also reverses DNA damage […] Research suggests that vitamin C may also reduce sunburn caused by exposure to ultraviolet B radiation and prevent the consequences of long-term sun exposure, which can lead to skin cancer […]. This doesn’t mean you can take vitamins or apply topical vitamin C and then bake safely in the sun, but you can help keep your skin healthy and supple by making sure you get enough of this antioxidant vitamin […]” and from Woman’s Health: “It Wards Off Signs of Aging – A 2007 study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that middle-aged women who consumed more vitamin C from food sources appeared to have fewer wrinkles and less skin dryness. Experts suggest that vitamin C might delay the signs of aging due to free radical damage. For a vitamin C-rich facemask, blend one kiwi and a half-cup of papaya, and apply the mixture to your face. After 15 to 20 minutes, wash it off with cold water.”

Though not a whole lot is available on the benefits of topical application of Vitamin C (in your serums, face masks, moisturizers, and other skin care products), other than from the companies who put them into the products, it is plain to see that Vitamin C is beneficial to your skin health in general — which means any added Vitamin C to your beauty regimen couldn’t hurt!

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