It seems that every other advert is for hyaluronic acid at the moment! We’re sure you will have seen hyaluronic acid pop up in lots of health and beauty products. But what is it? And how does it benefit your skin?
Hyaluronic acid is a sugar molecule found naturally in our body. It is found in its highest concentrations in our joints and our eyes, as it is an excellent lubricant. But it also plays an important role when it comes to our skin. Hyaluronic acid (HA) is produced by our skin cells to help maintain our moisture levels. This is because HA loves water! So, it comes as no surprise that HA plays a key role in keeping our skin hydrated.
Don’t let the name put you off!
Hyaluronic acid is not like other acids in skincare. It is not a chemical exfoliant and is unlikely to cause irritation. It is suitable for all skin types, including those with oily or acne prone skin.
The benefits
Our natural supply of HA starts to decline as we age. It is also reduced by environmental aggressors such as UV radiation (another reason to wear your SPF!). So it’s essential in your skincare routine if you want the plump, hydrated look.
When your skin is well hydrated, fine lines and wrinkles appear diminished. so HA is a great choice for those looking to combat the signs of aging. HA is actually the active ingredient in dermal fillers, used to replace the lost volume in the face as we age.
How to choose the right HA product for you
So what are you looking for when choosing a product containing HA and are some formulations better than others?
HA is a long chain molecule and so can come in lots of different sizes. The HA produced naturally by our body has a high molecular weight, making it effective at plumping and hydrating the skin. However, getting a high molecular weight HA into the skin via a topical cream or serum is not easy. The molecules are too large to penetrate the skin barrier, so sit on the outer layer of the skin, hydrating the surface only. Smaller HA molecules, although they bind less water, can penetrate and hydrate the epidermis. So, for maximum overall hydration look for a product that contains a mixture of sizes.
To get the most out of your topical HA, try applying it to damp skin to help lock in maximum moisture.
Here at +Skinfluential we are huge lovers of the Medik8 Hydr8 B5 Intense serum.
This HA serum contains multiple different weights of hyaluronic acid, giving optimum hydration. It also contains vitamin B5, another moisturizing factor which helps to maintain a healthy skin barrier, enabling your skin to retain more moisture.
