What is Hyaluronic Acid (HA) and why is it Important in Skin Care?
HA is the number one ingredient you should be using within your skin care whatever your skin type along with SPF of course. It instantly hydrates, reduces fine lines and plumps the skin to have a dewy complexion whilst improving the appearance and structure of the skin long term!
Hyaluronic acid (HA) has a jelly-like consistency, and it is the most important glycosaminoglycan (GAG)
What’s A GAG?
Glycosaminoglycan is a family of carbohydrates that help to maintain collagen and elastin.
It promotes the ability of the collagen and elastin fibres to retain moisture.
These act as a water reserve for the upper layers of the skin.
What does HA do?
Hyaluronic acid promotes skin hydration, the production of Hyaluronic acid increases to aid wound healing which is helpful after treatments such as microneedling and chemical peeling.
The HA within our bodies holds a thousand times its weight in water to prevent moisture evaporating from the skin and to help lubricate joints and the skin.
Once we enter our twenties the skin begins to age, Internal factors caused by genetics and hormones and external factors such as UV rays, smoking, diet and lifestyle choices begin to have an effect, declining the production of hyaluronic acid, collagen and elastin. As we step into our 30’s visible effects of these factors begin to appear on the surface of the skin: rough texture, blemishes, pigmentary changes, lines and wrinkles. To help prevent the decline of hyaluronic acid stores within our bodies we can use specifically prescribed skin care, facial treatments and you can increase your daily intake of fruit and vegetables which is packed with antioxidants
It's important to understand that not all hyaluronic acid is created equally in fact there are six different weights of HA all having a different effect on the skin reaching a different layer.
The higher the molecule the higher up it stays!
The larger molecules of HA work quickly improve the visual effects of the skin's appearance. Fine lines will diminish, and fine dehydrated lines will vanish.
The smaller molecules reach the deeper layers where they begin to aid collagen production, increase water content, and give lasting hydration
The weight of HA within our bodies ranges and each of these weights has a different result within our skin.
1. HMW (HIGH) SODIUM HYALURONATE:
Forms a protective film on the skin. Gives a lifting and firming sensation
2. MMW (MEDIUM) SODIUM HYALURONATE:
Gives a longer lasting hydration within the skin. It helps in the penetration of active ingredients in the skin.
3. LMW (LOW) SODIUM HYALURONATE:
Immediate hydration and carries active ingredients to the deeper layers of the skin
4. ELMW (EXTRA LOW) SODIUM HYALURONATE:
Deeply hydrates the skin
Strong carrier of active substances.
5. XSMW (EXTRA SMALL) SODIUM HYALURONATE:
Restoration of moisture deposits.
Potent anti-aging factor.
It activates growth factors responsible for the increase of cellular renewal and increases the rate of collagen production
Repairs damaged cells and prevent free radical damage
6. MINI SODIUM HYALURONATE: Very low molecular weight Hyaluronic acid
Able to penetrate easier in the lower skin levels. Repairs damaged cells, scavenges free radicals, deeply moisturizing and antiaging.
Hyaluronic Acid Serums create a moisturizing film on the skin reducing the transdermal water loss. Simultaneously, it contributes to the structural integrity of the extracellular matrix of the skin, forming a strong grid supporting the collagen and elastin fibers, enhancing the skin’s consistency and firmness. It restores the water balance in facial skin and strengthens its texture and firmness. Recommended for dry complexions that lack hydration.