What is Hyaluronic Acid? | Science of HA | Benefits of HA | HA Molecular Weight | How To Use | HA Serum | Profhilo | PRP with HA Injections | Who Should Use HA? |
Since Hyaluronic Acid burst onto the beauty scene some years ago, it remains the ultimate must-have ingredient in your skincare regime. Capable of binding several times its weight in water, it will work at both the lower and the upper levels of your skin to hydrate and plump, giving your face a youth boost like no other. Read on to find out why you need Hyaluronic Acid in your life!
What is Hyaluronic Acid?
So, what is hyaluronic acid, and why is it so beneficial for your skin? Hyaluronic acid is an essential natural ingredient in our joints, nerves, skin and eyes. It acts primarily as a lubricant and cushioning agent. Our skin contains the highest concentration of hyaluronic acid, acting as a water magnet, keeping skin smooth and plump by holding water in the cells of the dermis (the middle layer of skin).
It also assists in delivering nutrients throughout the skin, promotes healing, particularly after UV and free radical damage, and plays a pivotal anti-ageing role in reducing fine lines and wrinkles.
The Science Bit!
Before we go any further, don't be put off by the name! Hyaluronic acid is not acidic - it is a polysaccharide or type of sugar that is gentle enough to be used on even the most sensitive skin. The structure of hyaluronic acid consists of long, complicated chain-like molecules called polymers. The chain has multiple points where chemical compounds such as water (and other nutrients) attach, which gives it that marvellous ability to bind water. It can retain up to a thousand times its weight in water - no wonder skin experts rave about it! Furthermore, hyaluronic acid's chain-like structure also means it can act like a scaffold, supporting new tissue growth which is crucial to the wound healing process.
Benefits of Hyaluronic Acid:
But there's a catch! Unfortunately, as skin ages, production levels of hyaluronic acid decrease, leading to dehydration, fine lines and wrinkles. Therefore, it's important to consider ways to supplement hyaluronic acid in our bodies to delay signs of ageing and keep skin hydrated, plumped, smooth and youthful looking. If you're not yet convinced, let us detail six great benefits of using hyaluronic acid:
1. Intense Hydration
Hyaluronic acid is a hydrator and is truly remarkable in that it also has the ability to draw moisture from the air and keep it in your skin. Regularly using products with this ingredient can increase your skin's moisture levels significantly, often resulting in a 20-30% improvement in skin hydration. But, once you stop using hyaluronic acid, your skin will dry out as it needs consistent hydration as we age.
2. Boosts Elasticity
By improving moisture retention, hyaluronic acid also greatly enhances skin elasticity. Studies show that with consistent use, individuals can see a 15% reduction in fine lines and wrinkles within a relatively short time. In short, hyaluronic acid increases collagen and elastin production, which are essential ingredients for firm, smooth skin.
3. Enhances Skin Repair
The hydrating qualities of hyaluronic acid accelerate wound healing and skin repair, which means that it can visibly reduce acne scarring by 40-50% over time if used consistently.
4. Reduces Inflammation
Acne and rosacea are external symptoms of inflammation in the body. As hyaluronic acid contains anti-inflammatory properties, it helps to rebalance and soothe irritated skin.
5. Lightweight and Versatile
The lightweight texture of hyaluronic acid ensures fast absorption, compatibility with other products and suitability for all skin types. In comparison to many other skincare ingredients, its versatility is unmatched.
6. Provides Anti-Ageing Benefits
The anti-ageing benefits of hyaluronic acid are among its most popular features. Moisturising the skin and improving firmness can smooth out the appearance of fine lines while providing a youthful bounce and a noticeable glow. The collagen-boosting properties of hyaluronic acid help reduce the appearance of existing wrinkles and prevent the formation of new ones, particularly around active areas such as smile lines or crow's feet at the outer edges of eyes where wrinkles form first.
The Importance of Molecular Weight
No discussion of hyaluronic acid is complete without a mention of molecular weight so bear with us while we give you a brief explanation: hyaluronic acid compounds come in two different weights. Hyaluronic acid itself is a high molecular weight which means that its molecules are rather large, too large to penetrate the deeper layers of your skin.
Most serum formulations use a low molecular weight hyaluronic acid (LMW-HA), e.g. Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate. Low molecular weight simply means the molecules are much smaller so they penetrate the top layer of skin and are absorbed at deeper levels. LMW-HA is excellent for use in the deeper dermis where it tackles inflammation and improves skin texture. Additionally, it aids collagen and elastin production, the two key ingredients for cell growth and renewal.
However some formulations use a combination of both molecular weights as the high molecular weight hyaluronic acid is very effective at hydrating skin cells on the surface. It also forms a film which acts as a barrier to maintain hydration and protect the skin from external agressors.
How to Use Hyaluronic Acid Skincare Products
There are numerous ways to incorporate hyaluronic acid into your skincare routine. Whether you prefer a topical serum for immediate hydration, oral supplements for a holistic approach, or professional treatments like hyaluronic acid injections (for example, Profhilo and PRP with Hyaluronic Acid injections), the versatility of this ingredient ensures you can find a solution that works best for you.
Hyaluronic Acid Serums
If you're starting to notice fine lines in your skin, this is a sure sign of dehydration. In this case, the optimal remedy is a hyaluronic acid serum, giving your skin a massive hydration boost. Our therapists recommend Skinceuticals Hyaluronic Acid Intensifier Multi-Glycan, a potent blend of pure hyaluronic acid (in low molecular weight form Sodium Hyaluronate), liquorice root, proxylane (a powerhouse anti-ageing ingredient), and purple rice. Expect an increase of up to 30% in hyaluronic acid levels in the skin, increased hydration and improved texture while fine lines and wrinkles become less pronounced. The result? Skin bounces back, looking dewy and plump - it's a win-win for elasticity!
Profhilo
Hyaluronic acid is the key ingredient in Profhilo, the skin rejuvenation treatment that dermatologists and skin experts can't stop talking about! Sometimes called "the injectable moisturiser", Profhilo is a wonder worker which experts liken to injecting a carpet of moisturiser under your skin to firm, plump and rejuvenate. Profhilo has the purest HA profile available in the market. This superb anti-ageing treatment is clinically proven to tackle a range of ageing symptoms.
Specifically formulated to treat loss of volume and skin laxity (sagging), studies show that Profhilo
Increases skin hydration by 20%
Lasts 8 times longer in skin than regular non cross-linked hyaluronic acid
Results in 12 times more collagen and elastin levels in skin tissue
Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) with Hyaluronic Acid
The combination of Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) and HA boosts their individual benefits to offer a highly effective anti-ageing treatment. In the short term, HA immediately volumises and moisturises skin, while PRP heals damaged cells and triggers the growth of new skin cells over a period of 3-6 months. The new tissue growth latches onto the hyaluronic acid molecules so that the volume effect created by the HA lasts for longer, and equally, skin cells remain hydrated for longer. The treatment addresses a host of issues such as visible improvements in skin texture, dryness, sagging, loss of contour, fine lines, wrinkles and overall appearance. In short, this treatment is the ultimate future-proofing investment to slow down the ageing process.
Who Should Use Hyaluronic Acid?
Hyaluronic acid is a versatile ingredient that offers different benefits for different ages and skin types:
For more mature skin, it tackles wrinkles, fine lines and general signs of ageing and is a must-have to keep skin plump, hydrated and dewy.
For young skin, it will help prevent the first signs of ageing and maintain good hydration. Let's face it: it's never too early to start future-proofing!
For acne sufferers, it works wonders by hydrating the skin's surface, which signals the body to produce less oil.
Conclusion
Hyaluronic acid is one of the most popular age-defying ingredients: its ability to hydrate, repair, and rejuvenate skin makes it an anti-ageing all-star in any skincare routine. From reducing the visibility of scars and fine lines to boosting elasticity and providing hydration at a deep level, the benefits of hyaluronic acid are impressive. In short, achieving glowing, youthful skin is but a drop away, so why not try it and see the fantastic results yourself? Your skin will love you, and you will love your skin!
Comments