Hyaluronic Acid - why you need more of it in your life!
For the past 6 weeks I've been using a new serum from The Ordinary, called Hyaluronic Acid 2% +B5. And the results have been brilliant... For as long as I can remember I've had dry patches on my cheeks, regular facials keeps them at bay, but at times I've had to reapply moisturiser at lunchtime and it also means I can't wear foundation because it makes the dryness worse.
I have an oily t-zone so don't like to use too many heavy products either, counter-intuitive to my dry cheeks!
Amelia introduced me to hyaluronic acid, which is often found in moisturisers - but recommended I take it in its purest form as a serum layer before moisturising.
Sorry about the dodgy 'make-up and filter free' selfie, but wanted to show you a close up of my glowing cheeks! And this will honestly last until tonight.
I put it on under moisturiser or facial oil and it helps to keep my skin hydrated.
But what is it and how does it work?
Our own skin cells naturally produce Hyaluronic Acid in a bid to maintain moisture levels. But, due to ageing and environmental aggressors (and much more!) those levels tend to take a bit of a dip. Which can cause sensitivity, dullness, fine lines and uneven tone and texture.
Hyaluronic Acid (sometimes listed in the ingredients as HA, sodium hyaluronate or glycosaminoglycans) works as a magnet for moisture, helping your skin cells retain as much as possible, so that your skin feels hydrated, plump and healthy - with less fine lines.
Its able to hold 1,000 times its own weight in water - yet has the ability to regulate the moisture levels so it doesn't drown its own cells. It's a wonder ingredient and means that your moisturisers can work so much harder and help against environmental and lifestyle factors causing further dryness. It's like the ultimate drink for your skin!
Unfortunately as we age we produce less and less of the wonder stuff (plastic surgeons often inject it into sunken areas of skin to plump them up!). The average human body contains about 15grams of Hyaluronic Acid, but one third of that gets used each day and we produce less as we age so it's even more important to add it back in.
The word 'acid' can be off-putting, but unlike other 'acids', it's not an exfoliant and won't strip the skin - purely a gentle moisture binding substance.
Can I use it if I have oily, break out prone skin?
HA doesn't contain any ingredients that add more oil to your skin and is lightweight so won't clog your skin - finally it's great for sensitive skin as it won't irritate your skin like many products can.
Dermatologist Dr. Doris Day explains that 'When your skin is dehydrated it produces more sebum to lubricate the skin. Which means that by not using moisturiser your skin will get more dehydrated and create more oil. The key to controlling oil is by ensuring your skin is hydrated and for the uptime hydrations nothing is better than hyaluronic acid.'
The Ordinary - Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 is £5.90 available online (although I have heard they're selling it in Boots soon too). We also stock Dermalogica's Hyaluronic Acid 'show stoppers', which contains more than just the HA to help the product work deeper.
Amelia loves the Dermalogica Skin Hydrating Booster £58 (pictured) - which lasts ages and works deeper with added 'Panthenol (B5), Glycolipids (additional moisturising factors), Algae Extracts (antioxidants, vitamins and minerals).
Interestingly I've been reading about how good Algae Extract supplements are for you, they're great fatty acids and fab for thyroid health, hormones and to help you absorb certain vitamins such as magnesium and calcium. Maybe I'll try those next!
Let us know if you give Hyaluronic Acid a try, we'd love to hear your thoughts. Why not pop in for a free skin consultation, or facial. We'd love to help you achieve your best skin.
You can BOOK ONLINE HERE
Much Bothy love, Amanda x
