What is hyaluronic acid?
Hyaluronic acid is a carbohydrate molecule and a natural component of skin. According to Consultant Dermatologist, Dr. Justine Kluk, it is the KEY molecule involved in skin moisture, with a "unique capacity to bind and retain water molecules". "It has been estimated that hyaluronic acid (HA) can hold up to one thousand times its own weight in water molecules", she says. However, it's worth noting that although hyaluronic acid is a natural component of skin, the ingredient you find in your serums and products is a synthetic version.
What does it do to the skin?
As we age, our natural hyaluronic acid levels deplete, and that loss of moisture means drier, rougher and lined skin. By applying the synthetic ingredient topically, "its restorative abilities help to boost skin’s moisture content, soothe and prevent moisture loss", says Kate Bancroft, Nurse and Founder of Face the Future’s CQC-regulated Advanced Skin Clinic & online shop. "When you apply a hyaluronic acid serum to your skin, it acts like a sponge by attracting moisture to boost hydration on the surface of skin. The moisture that hyaluronic acid attracts comes from your external environment, so it absorbs moisture from the air around you to leave skin plumped and hydrated."
How to use hyaluronic acid...
Like most skincare products, you're going to see the best results if you use hyaluronic acid regularly. Kate recommends both morning and night, followed by a moisturiser to keep everything 'locked in'. "Hyaluronic acid will draw moisture from the deeper layers of skin, bringing it to the surface and potentially exacerbating dry skin symptoms, so it’s imperative to follow with a moisturiser."
Which skin type suits hyaluronic acid?
Most skin types will benefit from hyaluronic acid's moisture-boosting properties, which is why it's included in a lot of skincare. But Kate says dry and dehydrated skin types will notice the benefits most.
Why is it called an acid if it doesn't exfoliate the skin?
Don't let the name fool you. Even though it's called an 'acid', HA is the complete opposite of glycolic, lactic and salicylic acids, and won't exfoliate dead skin cells. The name simply derives from the enzyme that synthesises HA, called 'hyaluronic acid synthase'.
Taken from GLAMOUR UK. Read the original here.
Get more beauty inspiration and advice here.
