Active Ingredients: Hyaluronic Acid

What is Hyaluronic Acid?

Hyaluronic Acid (HA) is also known as hyaluronan or glycosaminoglycan. Hyaluronic acid can be found in the body as it is naturally occurring and is the connective tissue in the body. It also acts as the lubricant agent in our body.

Hyaluronic acid is a humectant, meaning that it attracts moisture from the surroundings and holds on to moisture, making sure that it doesn’t seep out throughout the day, working like a sponge. This allows the skin to feel more hydrated and supple.

Benefits of Hyaluronic Acid

Hydration

Hyaluronic acid is the powerhouse for hydration and widely used in almost all products that promise hydration. Now, why is it popular? Because it holds up 1,000 times its molecular weight, with 1g holding up to 6 litres of water. Acting as a humectant, it provides lasting hydration by penetrating the skin and binding the moisture it attracted with the skin cells.

Skin barrier protection

Our skin’s barrier is made up of fatty acids and the top layer (the epidermis) takes the brunt of the free radical toxins we are exposed to, like UV rays, pollution, smoking and etc. The deterioration of the skin barrier can result in premature ageing concerns and drier skin. Hyaluronic acid strengthens the skin’s barrier to lock moisture in to hydrate the skin, and over time, it makes the skin barrier more resilient to free radical damage.

Stimulates skin cell regeneration

By strengthening the skin’s lipid barrier, it promotes cell regeneration as the skin has enough time and moisture which naturally leads to healthier-looking skin.

Also, those with oily or acne prone skin tend to use products with harsher chemicals that “strip” the oils from the skin to reduce excessive sebum production, which makes them more prone to irritation and inflammation as the chemicals may get rid of the barrier. Strengthening the skin barrier protects the skin from environmental toxins that can further lead to breakouts or irritation..

Helping with ageing skin

A stronger skin barrier helps with the appearance of “tighter” skin, reducing the concern of sagging skin. This happens because hyaluronic acid replenishes the skin with most moisture, helping with the skin’s texture and complexion, thus, reducing fine lines and wrinkles.

One should always remember that lack of moisture is one of the main culprits for ageing skin.

Suitable for all skin types

There are no known side effects of hyaluronic acid making them acceptable to all skin types. However, those with chronic skin conditions like eczema and rosacea should conduct a patch test to ensure no allergic reactions.

Hyaluronic Acid vs. Sodium Hyaluronate

Hyaluronic Acid has a counterpart named Sodium Hyaluronate which is the salt form of HA and is not naturally occurring in the body but synthesized by chemists. It works similarly to Hyaluronic Acid, only that it has a smaller molecular size making them easily penetrable deeper into the skin.

Beware, when using any hyaluronic acid or sodium hyaluronate product be sure to not use one with a concentration higher than 4% as it can actually dry your skin out. Similarly to using salt to attract moisture out when cooking.

Hyaluronic also works best with Vitamin C, Vitamin B5, Retinol, AHAs, BHAs.

Products we recommend

The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5

This formulation combines low-, medium- and high-molecular weight HA, as well as a next-generation HA crosspolymer at a combined concentration of 2% for multi-depth hydration. This system is supported with the addition of Vitamin B5 which also enhances surface hydration.

CeraVe Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Face Serum

A serum containing hyaluronic acid, vitamin B5 and ceramides that smooths, hydrates and restores your skin's protective barrier. Formulated with three essential ceramides that restore and maintain your skin's natural protective barrier and vitamin B5 to soothe dry skin.

COSRX Hyaluronic Acid Hydra Power Essence

Hyaluronic Acid Hydra Power Essence specializes in skin hydration care. By filling the layers of the skin with moisture, it aids in restoring the skins natural moisture layer. It contains 4,000 ppm of Sodium Hyaluronate, a natural moisture component.Hyaluronic Acid Hydra Power Essence smooths and moisturizes dry and rough skin.

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Clear Lotion

City aggressors can stress and dry out your skin. Neutrogena® Hydro Boost™ Clear Lotion instantly gives dry skin a burst of pure moisture and keeps your skin hydrated for hours, effectively restoring skin's suppleness for a glow that bounces from within.

La Roche Posay Hyalu B5 Serum Anti Wrinkle Concentrate Repairing Replumping

The 1st La Roche-Posay dermatological correction to repair, immediately replump and significantly reduce wrinkles. Recommended for loss of volume and elasticity, dull and tired skin. Its unique regenerating formula combines two types of pure hyaluronic acid, vitamin B5 and madecassoside, to plump, repair the skin barrier and promote skin regeneration. Suitable for sensitive skin.

The Inkey List Hyaluronic Acid Serum