If you are a skin care freak like me then you would have already heard about this-must-have ingredient. It's the ingredient that has everyone talking and piling on to their skin. But for those of you who are not familiar with hyaluronic acid or HA. It is an ingredient that instantly removes fine lines making your skin glow. It is produced naturally by our bodies to retain moisture in our skin, making the skin look plump and hydrated.
So, what is really hyaluronic acid?
Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a sugar based compound that is naturally found in the dermal layer of the skin. It helps retain water and keeps the skin hydrated. Let's put it this way, without HA we'd be dried sticks unable to move. The HA within our bodies holds a thousand times in its weight in water to retain moisture that is essential for our bodies and joints and it also prevents moisture loss for our bodies.
Did you know that we lose approximately 1% of our skin's HA reserves per yer after the age of 30 (making it 10% per decade). This is why you need to add hyaluronic acid to your beauty routine, so that your skin can get the necessary moisture to give it that plump and radiant look.
HA is a Powerful Humectant
When HA is used in skin care products like serums, lotions and creams it adds moisture to the surface of your skin. This is mainly due to its ability to attract and retain moisture, it can be used as a humectant in your skin care routine.
Make sure to check the labels of the skin care brands you are using, chances are you are already using it. It makes your skin appear glowy and younger because it helps to improve elasticity.
Are there different types of HA?
HA differs by the size of the molecule. The molecular weight of the HA will depict where it is found in your skin. High molecular weight HA typically sit on the top layer of your skin (this is mainly due to its size) while a low molecular weight HA can penetrate deep within the skin to help restore the HA lost due to the aging process. Low molecular HA also helps increase collagen production to give you firm and supple skin. When shopping check the packaging they usually indicate the molecular size of the product. If it contains low or high molecular weight or both.
When should you use HA?
HA can be easily paired with retinols, vitamins and other acids; and it can be used during the day and as a night time routine. Most dermatologists recommend using it everyday and twice a day.
How do you apply HA?
After washing your face with your cleanser and patting dry, you should apply HA. It works better if you apply it on to damp skin, this helps it to better retain the moisture in your skin.
What is the best HA product for me?
HA is the most abundantly found ingredient in skin care. There are a plethora of products out there that have this ingredient. The best form is a serum, it is the most effective way to deliver the ingredient on to your skin. When applied in the correct order and manner it can do wonders to your skin.
It is also important to look for the percentage of the ingredient in the product, though a set percentage is not important, this may vary depending on the type of HA used in the product. If it is in its pure form then the percentage should be around 1% - anything much higher than this will have an unpleasant effect, acting as a sponge to draw in moisture rather than replenishing it.
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II DISCLAIMER: Every skin is different, not everything works for everybody. I recommend you test the product before completely using any new product. II