In this article, I'll show you more about what hyaluronic acid is, why it's so good for your skin, and how to use it to take your skincare routine to a whole new level! But hyaluronic acid isn't always vegan"
What is hyaluronic acid?
Hyaluronic acid (also known as hyaluronic acid or HA) is a gel-like moisture-binding substance that our bodies actually produce naturally. That's right - it's already present in our skin, eyes and connective tissue.
HA helps our bodies retain water; in fact, this acid can hold more than 1,000 times its weight in water within skin cells. Another way? Hyaluronic acid has many moisturizing properties.
While our bodies naturally produce hyaluronic acid, we lose about 1/3 of it every day. As we age, we produce less and less of this potent substance - unfortunately, when our skin needs it the most. So the good news is that our bodies already produce this amazing gel. The bad news is that we just need more. So how do we make up the difference? Hyaluronic acid skin care products for daily use.
There are two sources of hyaluronic acid - animal and plant:
Animal based hyaluronic acid. It is produced by the rooster's comb (also known as the comb) - the red flesh located on the top of the rooster's head. This type of hyaluronic acid is very close to the naturally occurring hyaluronic acid in the human body.
Non-animal hyaluronic acid. It is produced by microbial fermentation. A bacterial strain that naturally contains hyaluronic acid, fermented to the perfect molecular weight, ideal for skin care purposes. Some fermentation processes use soy, others use wheat, so it's important to double-check if you're sensitive to wheat products.
Microbial fermentation remains the most common way to obtain hyaluronic acid, as it is more cost-effective for manufacturers and consumers, and is more environmentally friendly due to reduced environmental pollution. Skincare brands often use plant-based hyaluronic acid, while animal-based hyaluronic acid is commonly used in injectables and supplements.
Is hyaluronic acid vegan?
In skin care products, hyaluronic acid is usually vegan, but can also be of animal origin. The plant source of hyaluronic acid is completely vegetarian and cruelty-free. It is produced by fermentation of safe strains. Considering cost and environmental impact, this is the most common choice in skincare.
A non-vegetarian source of hyaluronic acid is produced from the red meat on the top of a rooster. Needless to say, this sourcing option is not vegan. Plant-based selection has been largely obsolete since its discovery in the 90s. However, if you're concerned about putting a rooster meat product on your face, it's best to check with the product manufacturer that the product isn't explicitly advertised as vegan.
Why is hyaluronic acid good for your skin?
Hyaluronic acid promotes overall healthier skin. By enhancing your skin's hydration, HA gives you the soft, healthy, wrinkle-free look we all crave, especially as we age.
Hyaluronic acid reduces the visibility of fine lines and wrinkles. When your skin's moisture needs are taken care of, it can relax and focus on other things, such as cell production. HA does not replace elastin. But it will help tighten your complexion and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles!
Hyaluronic acid smoothes your complexion. If you struggle with acne scars, hyaluronic acid may be the secret weapon you've been missing! HA alone won't fill scars, but by moisturizing and tightening the skin, it will provide an overall smoother complexion.
Hyaluronic acid prevents age spots and hyperpigmentation. Because hyaluronic acid increases cell turnover in the skin, it can help reduce age spots and pigmentation problems. You will get the best results when you combine HA with Vitamin C, E and Ferulic Acid Serum.
Hyaluronic acid promotes the clarity of the skin. As your skin struggles to maintain proper hydration, it overcompensates by producing oil. This can lead to some seriously unclear skin tones. It's a huge misconception that oily or acne-prone skin doesn't need hydration - in fact, it probably does!