The Benefits Of Hyaluronic Acid
Our Eternal Rose Facial Serum in the Carbon Blush Botanicals range includes hyaluronic acid as an active ingredient. When purchasing skin care products its important to understand what these active ingredients do for your skin – therefore we have laid out the benefits and importance of hyaluronic acid below.
Hyaluronic acid is a polysaccharide that is naturally occurring in the body. It acts as a cushioning and lubrication agent with its highest concentrations found in the fluids around the eyes, joints and connective tissue. Its hydrophilic properties mean it will attach itself to water in cells in order to make them ‘plump’. In this way, it is not only a moisturiser but can also hold up to 1000 times its own water weight by drawing moisture from the air. The ingredient is therefore a hydrator that moisturises skin, reduces appearance of wrinkles, replenishes cell moisture and speeds wound healing. By promoting proper moisture balance in the skin, hyaluronic acid prevents the over-production of oil that clogs pores and causes breakouts, so it is great for acne sufferers too!
It is also a humectant, and these are used widely in skin care products. A humectant acts like a sponge and continues to draw in and hold onto moisture after it is collected. They allow hydrogen bonding and attract water after infusing into the epidermis. As well as hyaluronic acid, examples in skin care include – glycerin, sorbitol (sugar alcohol), hexylene and butylene glycol.
Since our skins main function is to protect our body the top layer of the skin (the epidermis) takes the brunt of outside damage (toxins). As we age, the lipid barrier (fatty acids that trap in water and prevent irritants entering the skin) in the epidermis slows down. Everything from UV rays, to environmental pollution, to lifestyle choices (like smoking) cause damage. This damage results in more fine lines and wrinkles, dark spots, and drier skin. Hyaluronic acid fortifies the skin’s natural barriers to help lock moisture in for an even more dramatic hydrating effect. Over time, this can help slow down the deterioration of the lipid barrier and help protect and fortify it. In this way, the skin is able to better defend itself against environmental age-factors and pollutants. When it’s not fighting these toxins, the skin remains less wrinkled, brighter, and bouncier for longer.
This links to hyualronic acid aiding tighter skin. As we age, the elastin in the skin breaks down, and skin loses its snap, or bounceback. While hyaluronic acid won’t replace your elastin, it can help with the appearance of tightness in the skin. Since it fills the skin with moisture, it helps firm facial contours for a more youthful appearance with smoother, tighter looking skin. Coupled with micro needling, these effects can also help reduce acne scarring and shows that hyaluronic acid can be effective on all ages of skin. Likewise, using hyualonric acid with products like vitamin C will aid pigmentation and dark spots too! However, no amount of sun damage can be undone without first protecting the skin from future sun damage. Always wear an SPF of at least 30 on a daily basis. We recommend Obagi Medical SPF50 – read more here.
Using products containing hyaluronic acid as an active ingredient, assists the skin in its hydration and protection properties, meaning it is able to increase its skin cell regeneration functions, providing a plumper look. The skin around the eye area is one of the first to show fine lines and wrinkles so using an eye treatment twice daily that contains this active ingredient will help keep skin supple and hydrated, and prevent new lines from forming. While it won’t speed up the cell renewal process, hyaluronic acid does help promote skin cell regeneration by offering extra hydration and barrier protection to the skin. This naturally leads to healthier cells and a more vibrant complexion.
In general, hyaluronic acid is safe for all skin types, but it is especially helpful for those with dry skin. However, those with rosacea or eczema may want to test patch hyaluronic acid to make sure it doesn’t irritate skin. The most popular forms of hyaulorinc acid are as a topical cream or an injectable. It is available as a supplement but it is recommended to visit a doctor before following this path.
Hyaluronic acid can be applied twice a day topically, morning and night as part of your skincare routine and works well alongside Vitamin C, vitamin B5, and glycolic acid. However, preservatives are used in a lot of products and can break down your lipid barrier by killing off the good bacteria that also defend the surface of your skin against toxins. The result is a loss of moisture, as well as potential irritation and even infection. It’s important to use products with limited ingredients and fewer preservatives. A lot of people with oily or acne prone skin want to apply harsher chemicals to “strip” the skin of oil but it’s important to know that most acne-prone skin doesn’t have a strong lipid barrier. Stripping the oils will encourages inflammation and irritation so using hyualornic products adds hydration and helps protect the lipid barrier for these patients.
Injected hyaluronic acid and ingestible hyaluronic acid amounts will be advised by your doctor. The hyaluronic acid that is used as medicine is extracted from rooster combs or made by bacteria in the laboratory. Research shows that injecting a specific hyaluronic acid product (e.g. Juvéderm) into facial wrinkles can reduce wrinkles for up to one year. The active ingredient is especially good for reducing wrinkles and sun damage around the mouth when used for around 3 months. Profhilo is an excellent treatment designed to hydrate the skin rather than plump as with dermal fillers so find out more here.
Stay Safe,
Katie x