What is hyaluronic acid?
Thisantiaging active ingredient delivers optimal skin health, intensive hydration, and a smoother, more hydrated complexion. Here’s what you need to know about hyaluronic acid.
What is hyaluronic acid?
Hyaluronic acid is a natural compound found in our joints, cartilage and skin. It’s one of the main components of the extracellular matrix: a three-dimensional network of extracellular macromolecules, including collagen, enzymes (proteins) and other important proteins, which provide structural and biochemical support to the surrounding cells. It is therefore vital for cellular skeletal structure. It also maintains eye hydration, lubricates the joints, reduces inflammation, helps heal wounds, maintains cellular hydration, and keeps our skin looking young and healthy.
Additionally, it has been shown in clinical trials to promote the skin’s natural barrier function. Clinical trials have also shown that it promotes the skin’s natural barrier function. Like other substances, we produce less Hyaluronic Acid as we age; 40-year-olds have half the amount of Hyaluronic Acid in their bodies than 20-year-olds.
How does topical hyaluronic acid work?
Externally applied hyaluronic acid has immediate effects on the skin.
Amazingly, it binds 1,000 times its weight in water, providing the immediate visible effect of lift, volume and shine. Recent studies on the daily use of hyaluronic acid moisturisers for three months showed that wrinkle depth decreased significantly in all groups by 10-20%. The skin became smoother in all groups by 13-30%. And in the longer term, the application of an optimised hyaluronic acid formulation strengthened the skin’s natural barrier function, making it more elastic and less prone to ageing and wrinkles.
Is hyaluronic acid safe?
As hyaluronic acid is naturally present in our bodies, the product is neither dangerous or harmful. It’s not only appropriate but essential for anyone who wants to care for their skin and understands the importance of hydration and protection of the skin’s barrier function. Aged, irritated skin loses hydration and flexibility, but hyaluronic acid helps restore this.
Is there a difference between the different formulations of hyaluronic acid?
ot all hyaluronic acid serums are created in the same way. There are three elements key to a high-performance hyaluronic acid serum. The first is that it’s in its highest, optimal and absorbable dose or concentration so that it can cross the skin’s barrier and reach the dermis. High-quality hyaluronic acid is a very expensive ingredient, which is why most serums are low-dose. But if hyaluronic acid isn’t at its highest dose, it will be thin and watery, and could even be called “hyaluronic acid extract”. The second essential element of a great hyaluronic acid is that it is synthesised in the laboratory with the right balance of molecular weights (high and low weight molecular chains) to work on both the surface and deeper layers of the skin. And the third element is that the hyaluronic acid is blended with proper ingredient science, because deeper penetration of the small molecules not only replenishes moisture deposits, but makes hyaluronic acid an absorption agent for other anti-ageing active ingredients blended into the serum as well.
When should hyaluronic acid be applied?
It should be applied immediately after washing the face and before applying lipid-based moisturisers, which would block the absorption of hyaluronic acid serum.
