There are many different products which come in and out of fashion when it comes to skincare and the world of beauty. At Skinfood.care we aim to draw your attention to those ingredients we really believe in, and that have helped to make a palpable difference in our skin personally. As such, we thought it was time to shed some light on a very popular ingredient in today's skincare arsenal, Hyaluronic Acid. To find out more about the benefits of this ingredient and to see which products are #SkinFood favourites, keep reading.
What is Hyaluronic Acid?
Hyaluronic acid, otherwise known as hyaluronan, is a sugar molecule that is already present in the body, and keeps our skin and joints cushioned and lubricated by helping to bind water to collagen. Hyaluronic acid is famously able to hold up to 1,000 times its molecular weight in water. However, just like collagen, our natural supplies tend to decrease with age over time. This process typically starts from the age of 25 onwards. Hence, we recommend introducing it into your skincare routine, to counteract the side effect of these dwindling supplies.
Key Benefits
1
Hydration
Hyaluronic acid is considered a powerful humectant, meaning that it is able to draw and retain moisture in the skin. During colder months, changes in temperature and central heating can rob our complexions of hydration. Thus, hyaluronic acid can be a perfect supplement to your existing skincare routine in order to lock and boost your skin's moisture levels. We recommend layering it over your Vitamin C serum during your AM routine and over your Retinol during your PM routine, follow all other steps as laid out in the #Skinfood recommended routine. You can also choose to use it in the morning or at night respectively, based on your personal needs and preferences.
2
Stronger Lipid Barrier
Why is replenishing the moisture levels in our skin so crucial you might wonder? In the words of, Dr. Shari Marchbein, a New York Board Certified Dermatologist, “poorly hydrated skin is unable to maintain an appropriately intact skin barrier, leaving the skin more vulnerable to damage from external and environmental sources.” Therefore, our lipid barrier, the outermost layer of our skin, which is forced to cope with all environmental stressors throughout the day is further compromised and susceptible to damage when it is not sufficiently nourished.
3
Reduction in Fine Lines and Wrinkles
It should be no secret by now that hydrated skin equates to more youthful, radiant skin which in turn helps to reduce the appearance and formation of fine lines and wrinkles. “Skin hydration is important because hydrated skin looks more plump, healthier, and more vibrant," Marchbein argues. Hyaluronic acid, is currently also being deployed as a form of injectable, but as this is not the route we plan on taking, adding a hyaluronic acid serum to your routine can still deliver tangible results. Dr. Bontempo claims, "Hyaluronic acid penetrates easily, which is why it works so well when applied topically," she says. "Our skin is the largest organ in the body and absorbs up to 60% of nutrients we apply to it."
See below to check out our #SkinFood favourite products!
*Please note that all three product suggestions provide multi-molecular weights which is key to an effective hyaluronic acid serum as each weight serves a specific purpose. High molecular weights typically prevent surface level moisture loss and enhance our skin's short term elasticity. Whereas, middle molecular weights tend to deliver moisture to the middle layers of the skin. Finally, the lowest molecular weights are responsible for reaching the deepest layers of the skin, triggering the body to increase its own production of hyaluronic acid.
Inkey List - Hyaluronic Acid Serum
A rival to The Ordinary, The Inkey List has done an incredible job at filling a crucial position within the affordable beauty space. Priced at just £6/$8 you will be impressed with the results of this lightweight yet effective serum. Many people agree that the texture of this product is less sticky and more easily absorbed than The Ordinary's equivalent product.
Niod - Multi-Molecular Hyaluronic Complex
Niod's serum combines both quality and efficacy; you can feel it getting straight to work as soon as you apply it to your skin. Formulated in a more lightweight and liquid texture, this product layers perfectly over either your Vitamin C during the day, or your Retinol serum at night. It also helps to lock in moisture throughout the day, particularly during winter when one's skin tends to run on the drier side.
Zelens - Z Hyaluron Hyaluronic Acid Complex Serum Drops
Zelen's serum is far thicker than the others and gloopier in texture. However, this is not to say that the serum doesn't apply easily and layer well over other products; it most definitely does. Boasting a 5 star rating on Cult Beauty, this complex could be the answer for those with more parched complexions, delivering plump and happy, hydrated skin.
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