Hyaluronic acid – is it the latest superfood for skin?

  • Ali

Hyaluronic Acid – a scary A level chemistry lab substance or the key to ageless skin? Although this beauty ingredient sounds terrifying it’s a simple and effective way to keep skin hydrated and has been classed as ‘the ingredient that should be a cornerstone of any anti-aging routine’. 

WHAT IS IT?

Hyaluronic acid is naturally produced by the skin to help maintain moisture levels. Due to a combination of ageing, pollution, skincare and beauty products along with plenty of other factors, the natural levels of the acid in our skin reduces over time. Enter the skin saviour that is hyaluronic acid.

Working as a magnet for hydration, hyaluronic acidholds up to 1,000 times its weight in water, helps skin cells retain as much moisture as possible and helps skin feel hydrated, plump, and youthful. This plumping effect causes fine lines to practically disappear whilst reducing the prominence of deeper creases in the skin. Eating fruits and vegetables rich in antioxidants (think colourful fruits and vegetables like blueberries and red peppers) protects the skin from inflammation and in turn helps the skin retain hyaluronic acid. It is also been proven to have antioxidant and pollution fighting properties making it a ‘wonder food’ for the skin. 

WHY DO WE NEED IT ?


Unfortunately as we age, our natural production of collagen and hyaluronic acid slows down, causing our skin to lose its natural moisture and begin to show some signs of ageing. Supporting our skin’s ability to produce collagen can help to improve the appearance of healthy looking skin and that’s where hyaluronic acid comes in. 

For young adults, it can be important to support skin’s collagen production before it begins to slow. Most signs of ageing occur below the skin’s surface, so supporting the skin from the inside with collagen formation can be important to maintaining healthy looking skin over time. 

CAN ALL SKIN TYPES USE IT

hyaluronic acidis friendly to all skin types. It’s suitable for sensitive or breakout-prone skin, as well as those with an oily complexion, even oily skin can often be lacking in hydration.

hyaluronic acid supports the skin on many levels. Collagen is the main structural protein found in the skin and other connective tissues in the body. Our collagen helps provide the skin with elasticity so that it appears youthful and healthy. But as collagen production declines, fine lines, loose skin, and dryness can occur – roll on ageing! 

HOW DO I USE IT?

Now we know that hyaluronic acidis a naturally occurring substance in our bodies, it’s not as scary as it sounds is it? I’m suggesting it could become a favourite part of your skincare routine. There are two ways to use it. Apply topically within your skincare or go for one of the new Collagen builders with hyaluronic acid. I love the Arbonne Skin Elixir. It’s a vegan collagen builder that’s packed with skin building ingredients including Vitamin C and Hyaluronic acid as well as key botanicals like Sea Buckthorn fruit extract and Gotu Cola leaf and stem extract alongside Biotin a natural B vitamin important for skin and hair. 30 stick pack £45/ PC £36.

For more information on hyaluronic acid and how it might support your skin message me using this Hyaluronic acid know how! link.