5 Transformative Skin Benefits of Sodium Hyaluronate

The recent year has demonstrated a surge in more educated consumers, especially when it comes to reading skin care labels. We hear about the popular and trendy skin care ingredients that promise to transform our skin and set out on a mission to analyze each label for a smart purchase. But when you aren’t as informed on certain skin care ingredients, this may prove difficult. For instance, hyaluronic acid has recently become popularized in the skin care industry but did you know that it may also appear as sodium hyaluronate on the label? Sodium hyaluronate is actually a water-soluble salt that is formed from hyaluronic acid. Compared to just hyaluronic acid, sodium hyaluronate can penetrate your skin deeper making for a more effective result. The following includes some benefits of sodium hyaluronate that you do not want to sleep on. 

1. Demonstrates anti-aging properties. One of the most popularized benefits of sodium hyaluronate is that it can improve signs of aging. Fine lines and wrinkles often appear more when the skin is dry. This ingredient works to replace the lost moisture of your aging skin to overall improve texture, fine lines and wrinkles for a more smoothing effect. Researchers in a 2014 study linked the hydrating properties of sodium hyaluronate to a decrease in wrinkles and increase in skin elasticity for a younger-looking complexion.

2. Repairs the moisture barrier. As a past blog post mentioned, a healthy moisture barrier is essential in maintaining smooth, glowing skin. When your moisture barrier is compromised, you may notice dry, peeling and irritated skin. Sodium hyaluronate helps retain the moisture barrier and keep your skin hydrated for long periods of time. 

3. It’s the ultimate hydrator. As hyaluronic acid is known for its hydrating abilities, so is sodium hyaluronate. As a humectant it attracts water from the air meaning when it is applied topically, it attracts moisture to your skin cells and combats dryness. A 2019 study actually found that sodium hyaluronate was more hydrating than hyaluronic acid due to its lower molecular weight and ability to penetrate the skin deeper. 

4. Soothes skin inflammation and irritation. Many ingredients can bother your skin leading to irritated red, dry and flakey patches. Sodium hyaluronate can help soothe this skin inflammation due to its low molecular weight. The low molecular weight means that sodium hyaluronate promotes the production of beta-defensin, which is a compound that works to promote tissue healing that leads to irritation. Several studies, like one conducted in 2013 and 2014, found that this ingredient helped to soothe symptoms of rosacea and seborrheic dermatitis which are inflammatory skin conditions. 

5. Combats breakouts. The gentle soothing properties of sodium hyaluronate certainly help improve breakouts that may be exacerbated by irritating products. However, this ingredient also works to combat breakouts by rebalancing your skin through deep hydration. Dehydrated skin may often lead to greater oil production and more breakouts. Sodium hyaluronate is also non-comedogenic so it hydrates without clogging your pores.

How to use sodium hyaluronate. This ingredient works best in topical products like moisturizers and serums to really seal in the hydration. It works best for dry skin but can also prove beneficial for all skin types. When applying a moisturizing ingredient like sodium hyaluronate, it is best to do it on clean, damp skin to really lock in the water particles. FYAB Health’s Anti-Aging Serum is formulated with sodium hyaluronate to improve fine lines and wrinkles while also restoring your skin’s moisture. FYAB Health’s Brightening Serum is a great option if you are looking to combat dark spots and circles while also experiencing the hydrating properties of sodium hyaluronate. 

SOURCES:

Chang, Daniel H. MD; Christie, William C. MD; Loden, James C. MD; Smith, Pamela J. MPH; Jackson, Beth E. PhD Clinical evaluation of a bacterially derived sodium hyaluronate 2.3% ophthalmic       viscosurgical device, Journal of Cataract & Refractive Surgery: December 2019 – Volume 45 – Issue 12 – p 1789-1796 doi: 10.1016/j.jcrs.2019.08.007

Mazzucco A. Hyaluronic Acid: Evaluation of Efficacy with Different Molecular Weights. Int J Chem Res. 2018; 1(1): 13-18. doi: 10.18689/ijcr-1000103

Nobile, V., Buonocore, D., Michelotti, A. and Marzatico, F. (2014), Anti‐aging and filling efficacy of six types hyaluronic acid based dermo‐cosmetic treatment: double blind, randomized clinical trial of   efficacy and safety. J Cosmet Dermatol, 13: 277-287. https://doi.org/10.1111/jocd.12120

Schlesinger TE, et al. (2013). Efficacy and tolerability of low molecular weight hyaluronic acid sodium salt 0.2% cream in rosacea. jddonline.com/articles/dermatology/S1545961613P0664X