Before I chose a subject for my Doctor Josselin column I ask around a bit. It may be a familiar term to me but that doesn’t mean it is for others. For example the term: Hyaluronic Acid. Every beauty presentation I go to mentions it at least 33 times and every product has this term on the packaging in bold print. But what is it exactly?

What is hyaluronic acid?

Hyaluronic acid is a common bodily fluid. You already have it and it’s produced in your joints, heart valves and eyes.

But why?

Good question. Many people don’t have enough fluids in their bodies and that has to be compensated. It’s a bodily fluid that stimulates the production of collagen and oils that in turn tighten the skin and give it a healthy glow. And because of the collagen production wrinkles are filled in or don’t have much chance of appearing.

The solution for dry skin

Dry skin can be the result of array of different causes. Low humidity for example but also consider aggressive cleaners, too many showers or too much scrubbing. This has to be solved and it sounds very logical to pump some extra water into your body. Only regretfully that’s not enough. If only it were that easy. Water dehydrates the skin. Take care to use products that regenerate the skin and make it strong. Hydrating substances like Hyaluronic acid help to repair the fluid balance and prevent moisture from evaporating from the skin. That’s why Hyaluronic acid is such a popular ingredient in beauty products. It reinforces the skin with the use of collagen. It’s common in anti-wrinkle creams. Which is nice but it doesn’t make all those wrinkles disappear. It does hydrate the skin and captures moisture; this influences the state of the wrinkles a little. The code word: keep applying it.

Another plus

Hyaluronic acid can hold up to 30 times it own weight of moisture; helping the skin keeping it’s fluid balance. We want that because instead of limp dry skin we can enjoy, even welcome, a young fresh face. On the plus side Hyaluronic acid is a bodily fluid, reducing the chances of skin irritations and allergies.