WHAT IS HYALURONIC ACID?
If there’s one skin-care ingredient that puts you in the fast lane to hydrated skin, it’s hyaluronic acid. Not only does hyaluronic acid do amazing job when it comes to moisturizing the skin, but it minimizes signs of aging, plump, hydrated skin makes fine lines and wrinkles less visible.
What is Hyaluronic Acid?
Hyaluronic acid, also known as hyaluronan or polysaccharides, is a clear, gooey substance that is naturally produced by your body. The largest amounts of it are found in your skin, connective tissue, and eyes. Its main function is to retain water to keep your tissues well lubricated and moist. As we age our body’s stores of hyaluronic acid decline. Another factor is environmental – such as smoking, and pollution. The good news is that topical products that feature hyaluronic acid, whether as part of the ingredients list in a moisturizer or as the star of a serum, can help rebuild those depleted stores.
How does topical HA work?
Topical Hyaluronic Acid has both immediate and long-term effects on the skin. It is capable of binding 1,000 times its weight in water, providing an immediate visible effect of lifting, glowing, and plumping.
Benefits of HA
Hydrates skin
The key benefit of hyaluronic acid is hydration and that unbelievable ability to retain moisture. The study results demonstrated an increase of skin hydration of up to 96% after 8 weeks of use across the different types.
Smooth skin texture
Study found that hyaluronic acid can help reduce the roughness of a person’s skin and increase skin elasticity.
Anti- Aging
Around 50% source of the body’s total hyaluronic acid is present in the skin. Changes in this amount, possibly due to UV exposure, can lead to the formation of wrinkles. Hyaluronic acid can significantly decrease the depth of wrinkles and enhance skin firmness and elasticity.
Study shows that women applying hyaluronic acid topically, twice daily, for 8 weeks has decrease the depth of wrinkles by 40% and up to 55% increase in skin firmness and elasticity compared with participants who did not apply the acid.
Is there a difference between different HA formulations?
All Hyaluronic Acid serums are not made the same. There are three elements to a high-performing Hyaluronic Acid-based serum. The first is that it is at its highest, optimal and absorbable dose or concentration so that it can pass the skin barrier to reach the dermis. High-quality HA is a very expensive ingredient, and that is why most serums are low dose. If HA is not at its highest dose, it will be thin and watery, not viscous, and might be called “Hyaluronic Acid Extract.” The second essential element of a great HA is that it be synthesized in the lab with the right balance of molecular weights (high and low weighted molecular chains) to work both at the surface and deeper skin layers. And the third element is that the HA be blended with valuable ingredient science – because the deeper penetration of the small molecules not only replenishes moisture reservoirs but also makes Hyaluronic Acid a penetrating agent for other active anti-aging ingredients blended into the serum.
When do you apply Hyaluronic Acid?
It should be applied immediately after washing your face and before the application of moisturizers.
