Everything You Need to Know About Hyaluronic Acid

Hyaluronic Acid’s name, for anyone new to the star ingredient, can be confusing. Unlike other acids such as Salicylic and Glycolic —which exfoliate the skin — Hyaluronic Acid is actually the ultimate hydrating and soothing ingredient. It’s anti-ageing and nourishing powers have been harnessed by our skin lab in a number of serums, oils and masks to create plumper, healthier-looking complexions. Read on below to get up to speed on everything to do with this powerful active.

WHAT IS HYALURONIC ACID?

Hyaluronic Acid (HA) is a naturally occurring molecule in our body (found in our skin and connective tissue) and known for its phenomenal capacity to attract and hold onto 1000 times its weight in moisture. It is the very best hydrator you can find in your skin care products. An optimum level of HA in the skin will mean a plump, glowy and more youthful-looking complexion. As we age, our natural production of HA decreases as does the skin’s ability to retain moisture which results in dehydration, lack of skin firmness, dryness and wrinkles.

When HA is used in serums and other hydrating products it acts as a humectant which is a fancy way of saying that it draws moisture from its surroundings into the upper layers of the skin. This means that any product you layer under or over this active will be more effective. We’ve really got your attention now, don’t we?

HA can be lab-derived or derived from fruit and vegetables too. LA CLINICA uses three types of lab-derived Hyaluronic Acids: High, Medium and Low molecular weight. High molecular weight HA sits on the skin surface, forming a film and preventing water loss which will create an immediate plumping effect on the skin. Medium and Low molecular weight HA have more long-term effects as they penetrate the skin to protect and support long-lasting hydration, to moisturise the stratum corneum and improve overall skin health.

HOW DOES HYALURONIC ACID BENEFIT SKIN?

Hydration and upping moisture levels in the skin is the number one benefit of Hyaluronic Acid. The immediate effects of this ingredient are dewy skin that looks healthy and feels supple and replenished. The long-term effects of using HA will mean that hydration and moisture levels are at their peak creating a filler-like effect to blur fine lines and wrinkles. High moisture levels will also ensure that the skin barrier function is more resilient.

Another key benefit is that HA can really help your skin tolerate other active ingredients which can be drying such as Retinol. Many of you have told us that you have to limit how often you use Retinol as it can lead to dry skin issues. So, if you’re using a HA along with the Retinol it will increase your hydration, you will be able to tolerate your Retinol more often or even a higher strength. Win, win!

CAN ALL SKIN TYPES USE IT?

Hyaluronic Acid is primarily a hydrating ingredient and because of this our lab team advises that it can really suits most skin types. It will become a hero ingredient for those with seriously dull and dry skin types, who have issues holding on to their moisture levels. HA is perfectly fine for acne-prone skin too. However, please note, we suggest a water-based formula so that it will not clog pores. For sensitive skin types, eczema, rosacea, dermatitis and other similar conditions, we always suggest you patch test a new product before trying. Then slowly introduce the new ingredient by applying it every few days. Only ever introduce one new product at a time.

HOW CAN I ADD IT INTO MY ROUTINE?

Hyaluronic Acid, as mentioned above, really helps the skin tolerate the use of other actives and can be easily added to a routine, morning and night. To boost the product’s effectiveness, we recommend you use it after you’ve applied other serums so that there is a baseline moisture layer on the skin, and then right before your heavier cream. That way the HA will drag moisture down into the deeper layers of the skin. The skin is more permeable when its damp but there’s no reason why you cannot apply directly onto a dry face. Our team has supercharged serums, oils and masks with HA so that there’s a product option to suit any existing regime. Below you will find a few of our bestsellers.

HYALURONIC ACID BEST SELLERS

Age Reversal Pure Hyaluronic Acid Plus Serum Concentrate

Why you’ll love it: We call this one the glowifying super-serum because it has a potent dose of HAs that are fast-acting to fill and plump fine lines and moisturise the top layer of skin. This one was also recently reformulated to include another superstar active, Niacinamide (Vitamin B3), that works together with HA to improve the skin’s barrier function. The results appear in a flash with a complexion that looks hydrated and fresh.

Essentials Re-Activation Nourishing Facial Oil

Why you’ll love it:  An ultra-lightweight, easily absorbed, luxurious face oil. Spiked with Hyaluronic Acid Ultra Filling Spheres which is our lab’s clever design to plump fine lines for that baby-smooth skin look. This has been formulated with a huge list of skin-soothing and nourishing ingredients such as Boswellia Serrata Extract, Chamomile Extract, Calendula Extract, Vitamin E in a base of luxurious Squalane, Jojoba Oil, Argan Oil and Rosehip Oil.

Essentials Hydrating & Healing Serum

Why you’ll love it:  This is everything you need in a serum. Combining Seven Hyaluronic Acids (2.1%) plus 0.2% Zinc Hyaluronate, Ceramide NP and a host of other skin-loving ingredients to deliver an intense dose of replenishment. Your complexion will feel restored, and with regular long-term use the skin’s barrier function will become resilient. An ideal treatment to restore dry, dehydrated and compromised skin conditions.

Hyaluronic Acid Skin Recovery Bio Cellulose Facial Sheet Mask

Why you’ll love it:  The experience and ritual of wearing this alone is one of the best treats you can do for your skin: removing the serum-soaked sheet, applying it to your face and resting (preferably uninterrupted) for fifteen minutes. It feels instantly cooling (make it ultra-cooling by popping your pack in the fridge first) and delivers a big, concentrated hit of HA. Once you peel it off and massage the remaining serum into your skin the active ingredient immediately hydrates and plumps your complexion.