Hyaluronic Acid (HA) seems to be just about everywhere these days. It’s the must-have ingredient in any hydrating product and its benefits are celebrated far and wide. But how much do you really know about this superhero ingredient? Here, we’ll answer some of your most burning HA-related questions: What is hyaluronic acid? Does hyaluronic acid serum really work? Which hyaluronic acid serum is best? What does hyaluronic acid do for skin? If you’re seeking the answers to the most supple, hydrated skin going, look no further. Let us explain why HA is your new best friend. What is Hyaluronic Acid? ‘Hyaluronic acid holds up to x1000 times its own weight in water’ Hyaluronic acid is a substance that naturally exists within the human body. It acts as a sort of lubricant and is found in highest concentration in the eyes and joints. It’s also an excellent sponge and is extremely effective at holding water and keeping skin hydrated and plump. The truly impressive part? It holds up to x1000 times its own weight in water. As if that’s not enough, the list of benefits goes on... What does Hyaluronic Acid do for skin? Like collagen, our natural reserves of hyaluronic acid can lessen as we get older. When skin is younger, it’s typically plumper and better hydrated, then as we age, our skin can become dryer and fine lines and wrinkles begin to look more prominent. This is where our friend hyaluronic acid comes in. Like a magnet for moisture, HA helps to achieve that plumped, supple, younger-looking complexion. Adding hyaluronic acid to your routine is a must for more reasons than one: - It naturally maintains hydration in the skin - Makes skin appear younger by improving elasticity - It’s thought to have antioxidant properties, helping to protect our skin against environmental aggressors - Works well with other steps in your skincare routine Should I use Hyaluronic Acid? One of the best things about hyaluronic acid is that it’s suitable for almost any skin type (including sensitive). In fact, it can be particularly beneficial for sensitive skin types as it locks in moisture, creating a more comfortable feeling in skin that’s easily irritated (think of its role as a lubricant in our joints). It’s even suitable for oily skin types as it provides long-lasting hydration without that weighed-down, greasy feeling. In a nutshell, there is no reason your skin wouldn’t benefit from hyaluronic acid. Who doesn’t love hydrated, supple skin?! Is it okay to use Hyaluronic Acid everyday? Absolutely. This question is commonly asked alongside ‘what are the side effects of hyaluronic acid?’ Don’t let the ‘acid’ part of its name deceive you. Unlike other acids, the function of HA is not to strip the skin. In terms of supplements and skincare applied topically (we aren’t referencing injectables here), it actually provides a very gentle level of hydration and since the body naturally produces it, allergic reactions are rare. This makes it ideal for everyday use. Which hyaluronic acid serum is best? Not all hyaluronic acid serums are made equal. HA comes in a variety of different molecule sizes and this will vary from product to product. The key thing to understand about these different molecule sizes is that they penetrate to different levels of the skin. The smaller the molecule, the deeper it can penetrate, providing a more sustained dose of hydration. The bigger the molecule, the closer it remains to the skin’s surface, delivering visible results. So, there are benefits to all, it just depends what you’re looking for. Products will usually state on the packaging what type of molecule or dosage of HA the formula contains. The good news here is that you’re really spoilt for choice. There are a number of great options to choose from so you can ensure you find the right one for your skin. The key is to find a formula that doesn’t also contain irritating ingredients such as alcohol and sulphates (not something you have to worry about at Naturisimo). Dermatologists also recommend that you use a serum with a lower level of HA (around 1%) to avoid irritation. Ready to dive in? Here are some of our favourites: So, is hyaluronic serum worth the hype? Absolutely! You can get your daily dose of hydration from a range of supplements, topical skincare (serums, moisturisers, mists and more). Editor's Tip: apply the serum onto damp skin - it helps with penetration and maximises the performance of HA, creating a plump, dewy look and feel.” Shop our edit below to find your fix: SHOP HYALURONIC ACID
