In the world of beauty, cosmetics, aesthetics and skin care, hyaluronic acid is the name of a product commonly used and highly recommended for many reasons.
Hyaluronic acid is a ‘Humectant’, which means that it is a substance that draws in and binds moisture. The best fact to note when it comes to hyaluronic acid is that it can hold up to 1000 times its own weight in water. For example, a product with concentration of 1% hyaluronic acid can bind 99% water to the skin! -(impressive, we know!)
Given that the main function of hyaluronic acid is to bind moisture, it makes sense that it has gained itself the nickname “moisture magnet”. Our bodies are actually responsible for naturally producing our own hyaluronic acid, so when additional concentrates of (HA)are added to the skin- the body can retain water within the tissue.
The areas in the body in which the highest quantities of hyaluronic acid reside are the skin, the connective tissue and the eyes.
Given the fact that our body naturally produces H A- it only makes sense that when additional forms are added in the form of skin care products, the improvements to our skins texture, hydration levels and appearance are substantial.
Between the dermis and epidermis layer of our skin, we have an extra cellular level which is made-up of the body’s natural hyaluronic acid. This barrier like formation helps to keep our skin hydrated resulting in the help of cell turnover, communication between the cells functioning optimally but also protecting our skin against inflammation. Because our body Is responsible for naturally producing hyaluronic acid, it’s very rare that external forms of hyaluronic acid will react negatively with any skin type, giving it the title of being “non- comedogenic”.
Although our bodies naturally produced hyaluronic acid, that doesn’t mean to say that our skin maintains a permanent optimal level of it. Our normal and natural cell turn over is usually broken down every 24 hours, which subsequently means that we lose approximately 50% of our natural production of HA. That’s why it’s so vital to maintain our HA levels by using a thorough and consistent skin care routine. Many different factors such as Sun damage, ageing, stress, poor diet and inflammation in the skin will lead to the breakdown of hydronic acid ata faster rate. When we lack hyaluronic acid levels in our skin, our skin loses the ability to hold onto the moisture required to keep the youthful and healthy glow.
So, what can we do and what can we use to ensure a beneficial and sufficient level of hydronic acid through our skin care routine?
Well, in short; we have two options. Firstly, our simple day-to-day at home skin care regime. Secondly, we have the options of several facial treatments that implement hyaluronic acid into a deeper level of the skin.
Let’s start with our own skin care routine…
It is very rare that we will find either moisturisers, skin creams or serums that do not contain hyaluronic acid. Whether it is your more affordable High Street brand of skin care, or your high-end designer face creams- 9 times out of 10 they will all contain hyaluronic acid.
However, it is important to pay attention to the order in which we apply these products to the skin to ensure maximum efficiency from the benefits of our products, but also to know how they should be applied.
We don’t always need to use multiple products at the same time, but when we do it is always important to apply the products in layers.
Starting with a serum is best, as a serum will penetrate through to a deeper layer of the skin. Because it is thinner in consistency, the product will be absorbed quicker, and therefore allowing a suitable surface on the outer layer of skin for skin cream to then be applied.
Depending on your personal dehydration levels in your skin, different consistencies of face cream are available. For slightly oilier skin types, a thin gel-based cream is available, which would be highly recommended as to not clog pores in the skin. For drier and a more dehydrated skin type, a thicker cream or balm like moisturiser is alternatively available.
Then we move on to the option of facial treatments that are recommended for all different skin types, and although more of a long-term investment financially- they are substantially more beneficial when used alongside a regular skin care routine.
Facials such as dermaplaning or microneedling are highly recommended in order to get the best long-term benefits from hyaluronic acid products.
Dermaplaning is a facial treatment that involves a small medical grade blade being scraped across the surface of the skin removing excess dead skin cells and dead layers of skin which then expose new and fresh surface layers of skin for which hyaluronic acid can penetrate and begin binding moisture levels in the skin immediately.
With microneedling, tiny micro needles are gently puncturing the skin at a high frequency which in turn causes controlled trauma to deeper layers of the skin. This treatment is done by gliding the needles over the surface of the skin whilst pushing a Hyaluronic acid serum into the required area. This then stimulates collagen and elastin repair within the skin, allowing an increase in hydration, firmness, plumpness and a smoother more youthful appearance and function all over.
Both of these treatments can be done as a one-off for that perfect pre-party glow or recommended monthly for longer term skin repair benefits.