HYALURONIC ACID - WHAT IS IT AND WHAT IS ALL THE HYPE!

Everywhere I look there are ads popping up about the benefits of Hyaluronic acid!  So, what is it and what is all the fuss about?

Hyaluronic Acid (HA) is a humectant, that is a substance that retains moisture and draws moisture into the top layer of your skin (stratum corneum). It is also known as Hyaluronan and is a gooey substance that is naturally produced by your body.  HA is capable of binding over 1000 times its weight in water.  HA is found in your skin, eyes and the fluid around the joints. Despite the word ‘acid’ HA is not an exfoliant.

As we age, the production of key substances in the skin decrease including HA along with collagen and elastin, and as a result, our skin loses volume, hydration and plumpness.  Environmental free radicals will also contribute to the loss of HA.

Many skin care products boast they contain HA and will boost the hydration of the skin.  This is true, however we need to look a bit more closely at the type of HA in the product.  HA comes in different molecule sizes.  The larger HA molecules can only offer hydration to the outer layer of the skin and cannot penetrate into the epidermis.  It is important to look for a product that has ‘multi-weight’ HA to ensure your skin is being hydrated correctly.

We recommend the Medik8 Hydr8 B5.   Hydr8 B5 contains multi weight hyaluronic . The smaller sized molecules are able to penetrate deep into the skin and draw hydration up from the lower layers. The larger sized molecules are too big to get into the skin’s network, but sit on top of the complexion acting as a hydration reservoir to continuously feed the upper layers of the skin with water. Vitamin B% boosts the moisture-retention of the serum and also supports the regenerative cycle of skin cells. The result is soft, supple and hydrated skin.

HA can also be taken orally to assist with joint lubrication and studies show that oral HA can help with bone density. Everyone can use HA and with today’s climate most skins are de-hydrated even when they appear oily. HA rarely causes allergic reaction or irritation to sensitive skin.  It is also safe whilst pregnant and breastfeeding.