What is Hyaluronic Acid and Does it Justify the Hype?

Hyaluronic acid is the latest all-star go-to skincare ingredient for beating the signs of aging and achieving advanced moisture retention. The next big superstar on the scene, hyaluronic acid benefits go far beyond those of a conventional serum or moisturizer.

But what is hyaluronic acid, and does it live up to the hype? What can you expect from a premium hyaluronic acid serum that you don’t already get from your more conventional products?

What Is Hyaluronic Acid?

Without getting too bogged-down with the complex science, hyaluronic acid is a group of sugar molecules known as polysaccharides. Hyaluronic acid is produced naturally in the human body, playing an important role in cushioning and lubricating joints.

Unfortunately, the body’s capacity to maintain adequate hyaluronic acid levels deteriorates with time. The natural ageing process takes a toll on hyaluronic acid retention, as does exposure to environmental factors like air pollution and smoking.

One of the consequences is the visible signs of ageing that affect the skin. As hyaluronic acid reserves are depleted, issues with dryness, fine lines and wrinkles are exacerbated.

This is where a good hyaluronic acid moisturizer or serum can make all the difference. The best hyaluronic acid skincare products are designed to replenish these depleted stores, boosting the water content of the skin and combating the signs of aging.

What Does Hyaluronic Acid Do?

Hyaluronic acid offers such remarkable moisturizing properties that it is able to absorb more than 1,000 times its own weight in water. Its incredible moisture retaining properties translate to deep and long-lasting hydration for the skin, when applied regularly as a topical treatment.

What’s important to remember is how the risks associated with dry skin go beyond basic aesthetics. Poorly hydrated skin cannot maintain the strength of its natural defensive barrier, ultimately leaving it more susceptible to damage from environmental factors and external sources.

From acne to rosacea to dermatitis, excessive dryness brings an elevated risk of developing other problematic skin conditions.

Does Hyaluronic Acid Really Work?

Research conducted into the effectiveness of hyaluronic acid have to date produced remarkable results. Hydrated skin is healthier skin, and products containing pure hyaluronic acid enable the skin to retain more moisture than comparable topicals.

This is due to its remarkable water-absorption capacity, which exceeds that of any widely-used active ingredient in OTC moisturisers. In fact, a study published in MMW Fortschritte der Medizin in May 2016 found that products with even a modest concentration of hyaluronic acid could increase skin tightness by 13% to 30% over a three-month period. The same study also indicated a 10% to 20% reduction in the appearance of wrinkles around the eyes and lips within the same timeframe.

In particular, experts recommend the regular use of hyaluronic acid skincare products during the winter, as this is when the skin is most susceptible to dryness. However, using hyaluronic acid on a regular basis throughout the year could hold the key to preventing skin from drying out through all four seasons.

Rather than tackling issues that have already set in, premium hyaluronic acid skincare products are best used as a form of preventative treatment.

Is Hyaluronic Acid Suitable for Sensitive Skin?

The fact that hyaluronic acid is a substance the human body produces makes it a naturally hypoallergenic product. Studies conducted into the effects of hyaluronic acid to date have produced no evidence of potential allergies or adverse reactions to pure hyaluronic acid.

However, the vast majority of products containing hyaluronic acid also comprise a wide variety of additional ingredients, such as fragrances and preservatives. Some people are sensitive to preservatives like parabens, formaldehyde-releases, and isothiazolinones, which can irritate sensitive skin.

If in doubt, consult with your doctor or dermatologist before bringing a hyaluronic acid product into your skincare regimen. Likewise, always read the ingredients on the container, to check what other ingredients have gone into the product.

What Types of Hyaluronic Acid Skincare Products Are Available?

For some time, manufacturers have been adding hyaluronic acid to the makeup of their skincare products. Today, there’s barely a skincare category that does not feature countless products featuring hyaluronic acid.

Examples of which include the following among others:

• Serums
• Sheet masks
• Eye creams
• Moisturizers
• Cleansers
• Lip treatments

But what most of these products have in common is the way in which they typically contain only trace quantities of hyaluronic acid. For maximum benefit, the concentration of hyaluronic acid needs to be as high as possible, with minimal inclusion of other ingredients (and ideally no added fragrance).

Which Are the Best Hyaluronic Acid Skincare Products Available?

Hyaluronic acid skincare products are available to suit all skincare goals and budgets. However, the most advanced and effective hyaluronic acid products available on the market right now are as follows:

SkinMedica HA5 Rejuvenating Hydrator

Formulated with five powerful hydrating ingredients, SkinMedica HA5 Rejuvenating Hydrator effectively gets to work on fine lines, wrinkles and skin texture issues. Its fragrance-free formulation is suitable for even the most sensitive skin, delivering 8 hours of continuous moisture and protection from environmental factors.

Skinceuticals H.A. Intensifier

This is a sophisticated, multi-functional corrected serum with the power to
dramatically boost the skin’s hyaluronic acid levels. Skinceuticals H.A. Intensifier contains a high quantity of pure hyaluronic acid, blended with botanical extracts including purple rice and licorice root. Used regularly, pure hyaluronic acid has been proven to enhance the plumpness, smoothness and firmness of facial skin.

Vivier Ultimage

Vivier Ultimage is an advanced, dual-action gel that delivers a deep-down burst of long-lasting moisture, helping minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Packed with Neuropeptides and pure Hyaluronic Acid, its formula is further enriched with water-binding molecules and glycol technology for an even more powerful effect. Used regularly, Vivier Ultimage builds towards a smooth, supple and youthful look that lasts.

For more information on the benefits of hyaluronic acid or to discuss any of our product lines in more detail, contact a member of the team at My Skin Shop today via email, phone call, or text message.