Ignore the ominous name. Hyaluronic acid is a gentle, hydrating ingredient that everyone needs to add to their anti-aging product fleet.
Commonly referred to as HA, it is a naturally occurring compound that is a moisture-retaining magician. This molecule can hold up to 1000 times its weight in water (!) and draws in moisture to spark life into dull skin. It’s no wonder beauty products are dousing their serums and moisturizers with this ingredient.
Because it is naturally present in your body, it’s an extremely versatile product for all skin types and usually has no negative consequences. It lives in the epidermis and dermis of your skin and is key in skin repair, hydration, and in warding off UV and free radical damage. Poor skin hydration can cause a host of issues such as fine lines, flaky skin, dullness, and even pimples, so managing your skin’s moisture levels are important for overall appearance and health.
Our bodies’ HA store is turned over daily and replenishing it is vital to keeping fresh and plump skin. As we age and interact daily with the world, our HA levels degrade and thus our skin has a more difficult time retaining moisture and the accompanying “glow”. HA has the unique ability to regulate the amount of moisture in the cells. By giving it the extra boost that time and environmental forces have stripped away, we can help promote skin elasticity and collagen production.
It might be obvious, but we love acids here because we know the amazing skincare benefits that they can provide when used properly. But when they’re not formulated properly they are either too aggressive or not potent enough to handle your skincare needs. HA is typically a larger molecule that can have a difficult time penetrating deep into the skin and will act as a barrier to trap in moisture.
We recommend looking for products with ‘sodium hyaluronate’ early in the ingredient list (like in our Hydra-Repair Wrinkle Cream). This ingredient is a smaller form of HA which allows for deeper penetration and better results. Using hyaluronic acid correctly will help you get the most out of your products. Applying it to a slightly damp face will allow it to bind with water and lock it into your skin. Choosing ingredients that help the skin with absorption, such as lactic acid, can help increase the penetration of HA. Additionally, the HA will help with the soothing and replenishing of the newly exfoliated skin. Win-win!