Every so often you come across game changers in your skincare routine. Hyaluronic acid is one of them. Youthful skin is supple, plump and resilient due to its ability to hold high volumes of water. The key molecule that helps the skin hold this water is Hyaluronic Acid (HA). Hyaluronic Acid is a molecule that our skin produces naturally. It is a humectant (a substance that draws in moisture deep into the skin's deeper surfaces). One molecule of HA is able to hold more than one thousand times its weight in water. Certain factors can decrease the amount of hyaluronic acid produced by our skin such as UV radiation and ageing. If too more water gets depleted, then our skin becomes saggy, lifeless and begins to droop.
Why not try: Garnier Hyaluron Shot £3.99
(tip: don't throw away the packaging after you use the mask, there's plenty of serum left in there!).
This ingredient is used across the beauty industry, in serums, moisturisers and even in fillers (where it can be found in its gel form to fill our some of our empty spaces)! It improves sunken under eye circles, smoothens out folds (wherever the folds may be) and creates dewy skin. It can be used daily and works for any skin type. Because it is oil-free it can help provide moisture for those with acne-prone skin without increasing the risk of breakouts. Those with sensitive skin can also benefit from hyaluronic acid as it does not irritate the skin. It's lack of irritation means that it can fit in nicely to your skincare routine alongside retinols, other serums and other acids.
Why not try: La Roche Posay Hyalu B5 Hyaluronic acid serum £38
(La Roche-posay are currently giving away two full sized products when you buy any item)!
The thing to know about hyaluronic acid is that it can be found in different molecular sizes. Larger hyaluronic acid molecules are able to bind large amounts of water, but are so big that they do not effectively penetrate the surface of the skin. Check the label on your products to see if they contain a mixture of hyaluronic acid ingredients or m-HA (micronised hyaluronic acid).
Leave a comment if you've started using hyaluronic acid and tell me what you think.
Love Dr. Fab x