The Search Is Over: You Body Has Been Producing the Solution to Flawless Skin All Along.

Figure 1: A naturally gorgeous woman applying moisturizing cream in a mirror. Source: https://www.flickr.com/photos/149720488@N03/34352004654 (accessed Feb 8th, 2018). 

The secret is out. 

It seems like everyone has been on the hunt for a product that will magically clear our skin, especially when going through puberty and all. Really. who doesn't want radiant, hydrated skin? Well, we may be have been searching too hard this entire time. It looks like a chemical that goes by the name of 'hyaluronic acid' or 'hyaluronan' is all we need for that #NoFilter and a #GlowFromWithin complexion. 

What is it? 

Hyaluronic acid (commonly abbreviated to HA by beauty junkies) is a compound made from long chains (polymers) of sugars and acids. Hyaluronic acid goes by the molecular formula C28H44N2O23.[3] Without getting too advanced in the chemistry behind it, there are certain groups in the acid that give it its negative charge, which is great when binding with water. [5]

"How will it make me shine (bright like a diamond)?"

Once hyaluronic acids binds with water, a gel-like-consistency is formed, making it a lubricant. This lubricant is used for joints in conditions like osteoarthritis as well! Hyaluronic acid holds up to a thousand times its weight in water.[1] Because of this high capacity for water, when hyaluronic acid is added into products like everyday moisturizers, its evens the skin tone and firms the skin. This is great news for mature skin, as it can bring back the "plumpness" effect with regular use. 

"Which products can I find it in?" 
Hyaluronic acid is practically in any product that promises you evenly-toned, wrinkle-free, firm, and radiant skin. What's unique about hyaluronic acid though is that our bodies produce it too.  Hyaluronic acid is found as a lubricating agent in our hair, nerves, the vitreous humour of our eyes, and our joints as well![1] In fact, you can find hyaluronic acid joint tablets for conditions like osteoarthritis. Just don't extract it from your body and inject it back into your face for clear skin, obviously (gross). You can also find high contents of hyaluronic acid in your food: such as avocados, bone broth, and citrus fruits.[5]

"Are there potential risks that I should be aware of?"

For hyaluronic acid to be harmful orally, it has to be pretty high in its concentration, and for it to be harmful for your skin, it must be applied in even higher concentrations.[2] Since it's naturally produced in our bodies, the only reported effects (to this date) are swelling, redness, or heat in the skin.[4]

So... could this be the next obsession in the beauty industry? It's affordable and everywhere, so maybe give that skin a break from the expensive products that haven't done your bank account justice, and start stockin' up on some HA. 

References:

¹Papakonstantinou, E.; Roth, M.; Karakiulakis, G. Hyaluronic acid: A key molecule in skin aging. Dermatoendocrinol [Online]; 4,3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3583886/   (accessed Feb 8, 2018). 

²General Information About Hyaluronic Acid. Presented at (N/A)    https://www.kewpie.co.jp/english/fc/pdf/pharmaceutical-field/hyaluron.pdf  (accessed Feb 8, 2018).  

3Hyaluronic Acid. PubChem, [Online]; n.d.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2686337/ (accessed Feb 8, 2018).

⁴Hyaluronic Acid side effect if misused https://www.xbrain.co.uk/hyaluronic-acid-side-effect-if-misused  (accessed Feb 8, 2018).

 ⁵Paul C, E.; John E, F. Review of long-term adverse effects associated with the use of chemically-modified animal and non-animal sourcehyaluronic acid dermal fillers. Dovepress [Online]; 4, 2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2686337/ (accessed Feb 8, 2018).

⁶Wolff, C. 5 Foods High in Hyaluronic Acid. https://www.dermstore.com/blog/foods-high-in-hyaluronic-acid/ (accessed Feb 8, 2018).