Hyaluronic Acid is one of those skincare ingredients that gets talked about a lot as a ‘superstar’ ingredient. But what exactly is it? And, more importantly, what are the benefits of Hyaluronic Acid for your skin?
Well it turns out its reputation is completely justified. It really is the key to smoother, hydrated, younger-looking skin!
Which is why it’s one of the key ingredients in our Hydrating Daily Moisturiser.
Read on to find out what this hydrating ingredient can do for your skin ….
What exactly is Hyaluronic Acid?
Hyaluronic Acid is actually a natural substance that you can find within your own body as a component of skin tissue. It helps to keep your skin hydrated and stable, and it encourages skin cell renewal.
Like a long drink of water for your skin
Hyaluronic Acid has the amazing ability to bind 1000 times its own weight in water!
So when it’s included in a skincare product and applied topically to your face it gives incredible deep and long-term hydration.
Healthy moisture content is one of the most important properties of healthy, younger-looking skin. But unfortunately, as we age skin loses the ability to retain moisture. So it becomes less firm and loses elasticity.
Hyaluronic Acid is so beneficial because of its capacity to increase the moisture content of your skin. This reduces fine lines and wrinkles and improves the overall appearance and texture of your skin, making your face look fresher and restoring the elasticity again.
And it works really well for all skin types.
Hyaluronic Acid also has anti-oxidant properties which protect your skin from environmental damage. As well as strengthening the cutaneous barrier. This is the barrier which can be compromised every time that you shave so it’s important to keep it well supported.
6 skin-enhancing benefits of Hyaluronic Acid
#1 – It's extremely hydrating
As we said one of the incredible facts about Hyaluronic Acid is that it can hold 1000 times its own mass in water.
This makes it super effective at improving skin cell hydration, increasing skin’s moisture content and also helping to prevent water loss.
As a natural powerful moisture binding substance it delivers hydration to where your skin needs it most.
And because it helps skin cells retain as much moisture as possible your skin looks and feels hydrated, smooth and healthy all day long.
#2 – Hyaluronic acid has anti aging benefits
As we get older, the amount of Hyaluronic Acid that our skin cells produce on their own begins to lessen and cell turnover can become sluggish. This is when fine lines, wrinkles and rough texture start to appear.
As the moisture levels in our skin start to drop significantly the skin starts to lose elasticity and show the signs of ageing.
However, Hyaluronic Acid applied topically acts as the ultimate hydrating drink for your skin!
This increase in moisture content counteracts any loss of firmness, improves skin’s elasticity, and makes your face appear smoother and younger.
At the same time, it promotes the renewal and regeneration of skin cells, further reducing fine lines, wrinkles and other signs of aging.
In particular, it’s great for the under-eye area which can be the first place to show signs of dehydration and aging, with fine lines and wrinkles forming. Because Hyaluronic Acid is so light its perfectly adapted to the delicate skin around your eyes.
Just gently tap a small amount of Hydrating Daily Moisturizer under your eyes and along the brow bone with your ring finger. This will moisturize the skin as well as soothing and de-puffing your eyes if they’re looking tired.
#3 – It's suitable for all skin types
Keeping your skin well-hydrated is important for all types of skin – and at any age. Hyaluronic Acid is so light and easily tolerated that it works well for all skin types
Dry Skin – Hyaluronic Acid is the perfect hydrating and anti aging ingredient for dry, parched skins. It provides soothing moisture to dehydrated areas.
Oily and combination skin – If you have oily or combination skin, it’s vital to keep your skin well hydrated. This prevents your sebaceous glands from overcompensating and producing too much oil. The light texture of Hyaluronic Acid allows it to hydrate your skin but without adding any extra oil. So it leaves your skin looking matt. It is especially good for hydrating black skin.
Sensitive skin – the light texture also works well at calming sensitive, irritated skin. And the anti oxidant properties of Hyaluronic Acid protect your skin from environmental damage.
#4 – Hyaluronic acid provides long lasting hydration
Hyaluronic Acid not only provides immediate hydration for your skin it also continues improving the moisture level of your skin for several hours afterwards.
For example, a single pump of our Hydrating Daily Moisturiser will smooth your skin instantly and also continue to hydrate as the day goes on.
The extremely light texture feels like something between a gel moisturizer and a serum, so it feels refreshing on your skin, and it keeps your face moisturized throughout the day.
An independent research laboratory tested our Hydrating Daily Moisturizer and found that not only did it have a significant hydrating effect on the skin when it was first applied, but there was also an increase in the cutaneous hydration level of 63% after two hours and 71% after 4 hours. Showing that this moisturizer keeps working to hydrate your skin even several hours after application.
#5 – It has anti oxidant properties
Hyaluronic Acid benefits your skin by releasing antioxidants. These shield your skin and help to prevent any damage from free radicals – such as pollution or sun exposure.
#6 – Hyaluronic acid strengthens the cutaneous barrier
Hyaluronic Acid also strengthens the cutaneous skin barrier. This is particularly important as this can be compromised by shaving. By strengthening this barrier so that it can do its job properly Hyaluronic Acid also makes your skin feel softer, smoother and plumper - so you look younger.
For more on the best ways to stay looking young, and help prevent fine lines and wrinkles, see "Look Younger: Your Complete Anti Aging Plan".
OTHER WAYS TO GET THE BEST FROM HYALURONIC ACID
Several Japanese studies have shown that consuming Hyaluronic Acid in our food also helps to moisturize the skin and keep it looking healthy.
So although the level of naturally occurring Hyaluronic Acid in our bodies reduces as we age, you can help stimulate production by eating foods sources with lots of hyaluronic acid, or by taking a daily supplement.
The richest food sources of hyaluronic acid tend to be animal products, such as:
- Red meats
- Fish
- Bone Broth (which is also a great source of collagen)
But if you want to avoid animal products there are some great plant sources too:
- Kale (or any other dark, leafy green vegetable)
- Potatoes
- Sweet Potatoes
- Citrus Fruits
And finally, try to eat a diet rich in magnesium as this plays an important part in the production of Hyaluronic Acid. Rich sources of magnesium include:
- Nuts, seeds and whole grains
- Red Wine
- Dark Chocolate
- Almonds
We’ve got more on the best anti aging foods to include in your diet here: “EAT HEALTHIER, LOOK YOUNGER: an A-Z of the 27 best anti aging superfoods”.
FAQ's
What is Hyaluronic Acid?
Hyaluronic acid is a sugary substance that occurs naturally in the body. It is part of the structure of skin cells and is also found in connective tissue where it lubricates joints. It helps to keep everything full of moisture.
Can Hyaluronic Acid cause acne?
No. In fact it can be very beneficial to an acne-prone skin. Because Hyaluronic Acid is so light it will hydrate, and treat any dryness, but without adding any extra oil.
THE TAKEAWAY
Hyaluronic Acid is one of the hottest skincare ingredients around for good reason!
The skin enhancing benefits of this natural ingredient are impressive:
- It’s extremely hydrating
- Reduces signs of aging
- Is suitable for all skin types
- Keeps your skin hydrated all day long
- Has antioxidant properties to protect your skin
- And it helps strengthen the cutaneous barrier
You can find Hyaluronic Acid as one of the key ingredients in our Hydrating Daily Moisturiser.
Here’s to smooth, hydrated, younger-looking skin!
All you need to stay looking handsome.
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