Don’t be put off by the mouthful of a name, hyaluronic acid is a skin’s best friend when used well. Hyaluronic acid packs a punch when it comes to moisture and hydration. Naturally found in our bodies, hyaluronic acid is capable of holding 1000X its weight in water in each skin cell to ensure skin stays fresh, hydrated and youthful. However, as we age, the levels of hyaluronic acid start to fall. Never fear! There are plenty of actions you can take to ensure your levels of this important acid are kept boosted, and here’s why you’d want to. Applied properly, it can be a wonder product for all skin types, helping lead to smooth and supple skin for all. So read on for all you need to know about this skincare saviour. What is Hyaluronic Acid? Hyaluronic acid is a natural substance that exists within our skin. Although it is called acid, its main function is to retain water to keep tissues lubricated and moist – it is a slippery substance that works to help keep joints moving smoothly, lubricates tissues, hydrates the body and keeps skin flexible. Although it is a natural substance, hyaluronic acid gets depleted over time with sun exposure, harsh products and aging. Collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid all work together to hydrate our skin, helping it to appear plump and healthy. Goodbye wrinkles Joints, skin and cells all benefit from the lubricating effects of hyaluronic acid, and as we age, it’s important to keep these benefits in place. Applying products with hyaluronic acid in help to plump up the skin and smooth out any fine lines and wrinkles. Heal me Just as good at healing as it is hydrating, hyaluronic acid can give your skin’s ability to heal and repair itself a real boost. Take wisely to promote moisture and anti-inflammatory processes, especially for skin recovery post laser treatment or skin peel. Strong skin Dry/dehydrated skin = vulnerable skin, as damage becomes more likely, as do infections. So create a beautiful barrier with moisture-rich skin that will outlast any nasties, plus hyaluronic acid will increase your skin’s antioxidant defence to fight UV damage. A double win! Why Hyaluronic Acid Is Good In Skincare Hyaluronic acid belongs to a type of long, complicated chain-like molecules called polymers. A molecule of hyaluronic acid can hold 1,000 times its weight in water, making it the best polymer for absorbing water. Using hyaluronic acid in skincare can contribute to skin flexibility and elasticity. By upping the hydration of skin, hyaluronic acid helps to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and smoothen skin. Further to this, hyaluronic acid can help wounds heal faster while also decreasing pain and reducing infection. It is also one of the key ingredients when it comes to preventing and minimising the signs of ageing and can help to boost antioxidant levels in the skin and boost the skin barrier. Although it has the word “acid” in the name, hyaluronic acid is not stingy on application, making it suitable for all skin types. Hyaluronic acid is also used in dermal filler, plumping up lips and other areas with volume. Why We Need Hydration When skin is not properly hydrated, it is unable to maintain a proper barrier, making it more vulnerable to damage. This can lead to all sorts of skin concerns, such as dermatitis, rosacea and acne. When skin is hydrated, not only does it look plumper and healthier, it is more protected. Hyaluronic acid penetrates the skin easily, meaning it works well to boost hydration and overall skin health. When To Use Hyaluronic Acid Hyaluronic acid typically exists in serum form and is best used after cleansing. We suggest you do a gentle exfoliation, followed by toner, then a serum containing hyaluronic acid before applying moisturiser and any spot or eye treatments. These products use a synthetic hyaluronic acid to deliver hydration and plump and firm skin. Hyaluronic acid can also be found in some eye creams, cleansers and lip treatments. Bonus tip – hyaluronic acid works well with most other skin actives, meaning it is easy to pair with peels, retinols, vitamins and other acids, so it can easily be incorporated into your skincare routine. Ultra B2 Hydrating serum Ultraceuticals offers plenty of products with hyaluronic acid present, but B2 Hydrating serum is the serum with the most. Packed full of B vitamins panthenol and niacinamide, it has everything you need to balance and restore your lipid barrier. Use it morning and night if you are feeling particularly dehydrated this winter.
