Hyaluronic acid is a common skincare ingredient and is well known for its skin benefits. It is great for retaining moisture, which makes our skin look fuller. We’re going to look at what Hyaluronic acid is, what it does and how it can solve our skincare issues.
What is it?
Hyaluronic acid occurs naturally in the epidermis - the top layer of our skin - where it is know as Hyaluronan. It plays a key role in regenerating and repairing skin tissue. Unfortunately, Hyaluronan concentrations in our skin decrease as we get older, reducing its effectiveness.
To make matters worse, Hyaluronan production is also reduced when cells are damaged by exposure to the sun's UVB rays. As we get older the combined effects of sun damage and reduced Hyaluronan production contribute to the visible signs of prematurely ageing skin.
Feed Your Skin
To fight the negative effects of reduced Hyaluronan skincare products containing Hyaluronic Acid can be applied, helping out the epidermis and improving the appearance of our skin.
Hyaluronic acid works by acting as a cushion to help retain water and keep the tissues lubricated and moist. This moisture creates a plumping effect which improves skin elasticity and reduces the visibility of fine lines and wrinkles.
The incredible chemical properties of this ingredient means it can hold a thousand times its weight in water, which not only retains the moisture in our skin but actually prevents all that moisture from evaporating into the air.
Products containing Hyaluronic Acid are incredibly versatile as they can be layered and paired with most other ingredients, the exception being some other acids. It doesn’t clog pores and provides an additional barrier to the skin to protect against environmental damage.
Know Your Varieties
There are seven types of Hyaluronic Acid, and three that are most common in skincare products:
Sodium Hyaluronate is a water-soluble salt created by scientist. The molecules are smaller which allows it to penetrate deeper into the epidermis and retain moisture deep in the tissue.
Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid has larger molecules allowing it to work at the surface of the skin to smooth and hydrate.
Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate is specially designed for greater moisture retention properties in the epidermis and is able to stay on the skin’s surface for longer, delivering a double boost.
Refresh Recommends...
Picking the correct Hyaluronic Acid will make a big difference, and often it is best to combine Hyaluronic Acid types for great results.
The Innisfree Green Tea Seed Hyaluronic Serum combines the hydrating properties of hyaluronic acid with the nourishing power of green tea extract. It is best used after cleansing to provide a great hydrating base for your routine.
If you're looking for a deep hydrating treat then the Etude 0.2 Therapy Air Mask is a great choice. This ultra-thin sheet mask contains a high concentration of Hyaluronic Acid that is delivered directly to the skin for instant and long-lasting moisture.
If you're looking to revive the skin around your eyes then the Innisfree Green Tea Hyaluronic Glow Eye & Face Ball is perfect. This innovative roll on includes five types of hyaluronic acid for deep hydration, plumping the skin and reducing fine lines and wrinkles.
If you prefer to combine your moisturiser and your sunscreen then the Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Airy Sun Stick is a great choice. The high protection SPF50+ and PA++++ rating is a great defence against harmful UVA and UVB rays, while the additional of hyaluronic acid to the formula keeps skin hydrated in the sun.
You can browse our full range of skincare products containing hyaluronic acid here. At Refresh Skincare we stock a great range of effective skincare, sourced directly from Korean and dispatched from our UK warehouse. We offer free UK tracked delivery for all orders over £25 and orders arrive in 2 to 3 working days. There's a 30 day return window if you change your mind for any reason.
Further Information
- Learn 'How to Use Hyaluronic Acid the Right Way' and understand why you should be using it in this comprehensive article from Healthline.
- Masterclass go in-depth about the benefits and properties of this great ingredient in their 'How to Use Hyaluronic Acid' skincare guide.
- There's some great suggestions for high street favourites in the Boots 'What is Hyaluronic Acid and How to Use It' guide.
Have you had great results using a Hyaluronic Acid? Share your story with the skincare community using the comments below.
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