Hyaluronic Acid has fast become one of the most hyped and talked-about skincare ingredients thanks to its promises of holding 1,000 times its weight in water and even replicating the effects of 8 glasses of water! The topical effects of this wonder ingredient leaves skin feeling hydrated and looking plumped and dewy.
But with all the hype surrounding this hydrating hero, a few questions spring to mind. What actually is it? How does it work? How should I use it? We are here to answer your questions!
What is HA?
Hyaluronic Acid (HA) is a carbohydrate molecule and a natural component of skin. It provides the necessary moisture within connective tissue to encourage overall skin health. It’s worth noting that although HA is a natural component of skin, the ingredient you find in your serum is a synthetic version.
What does HA do to skin?
As we age, our natural Hyaluronic Acid levels deplete, which leads to a reduced ability to preserve moisture, leaving skin less plump with a loss of firmness.
As mentioned, the popular skin ingredient has been lauded as a must-have for all skin types thanks to its ability to hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water. When applied topically, its restorative abilities help to boost skin’s moisture content, soothe and prevent moisture loss.
How should I apply HA?
When you apply a HA serum to your skin, it acts like a sponge by attracting moisture to boost hydration on the surface of skin. The moisture that Hyaluronic Acid attracts comes from your external environment, so it absorbs moisture from the air around you to leave skin plumped and hydrated.
Essentially, if you have dry or dehydrated skin or the atmosphere around you is dry (think heating/air con), Hyaluronic Acid will draw moisture from the deeper layers of skin, bringing it to the surface and potentially exacerbating dry skin symptoms.
Hyaluronic Acid works most effectively when it is sandwiched between two layers of additional moisture. Think of your HA serum as your sandwich filling with layers of moisture either side for your bread.
So, start with a freshly cleansed base (of course) and spritz your face to dampen skin ready for the next step and the application of your hydrating serum.
Next apply your Hyaluronic Acid serum while skin is still damp, I like to do this using a push & press technique. With the serum spread evenly across the palms of your hands, gently push/press your hands across your face, neck & décolleté to get a nice even coverage.
Seal in all that hydration with your moisturiser of choice and don’t forget SPF during the day!
Who can use HA?
Most skin types will benefit from the hydration and moisture-boosting properties, but dry and dehydrated skin types in particular will find it a very beneficial addition to their routine – if they follow our tips above!
How often can I use HA?
Hyaluronic Acid works best when incorporated into your skincare routine daily. I prefer to use it underneath an antioxidant serum in the morning, and under a vitamin A serum in the evening. I’ll then use a moisturiser to keep everything locked in and prevent trans-epidermal water loss.
Why is it called an acid? Does it exfoliate skin?
When you think ‘acid’ in skincare, you often think of the exfoliating likes of Glycolic, Lactic and Salicylic. However, Hyaluronic Acid is the complete opposite. HA is a powerful humectant and because it is found naturally within the skin, it’s great for most skin types.
What does molecular weight mean?
Serums containing a variation of high and low molecular weight Hyaluronic Acids are the multi-tasking hydrating heroes! The varying molecular weights determine how far the HA will penetrate skin. The smaller the molecule, the further the serum can penetrate skin for hydration throughout skin’s layers and a visibly plumped-up effect.
What should I look for on ingredients lists?
When you’re looking at an ingredients list, keep an eye out for Sodium Hyaluronate. Sodium Hyaluronate is a salt derivative of Hyaluronic Acid with all the same benefits, except it is more easily absorbed. Look for a product containing both Sodium Hyaluronate and Hyaluronic Acid for the optimum hydration boost.
What’s the best HA Serum?
Now you’re all clued up on Hyaluronic Acid, which serum should you choose?
Mesoestetic HA Densimatrix is a Hyaluronic Acid concentrate in several forms and molecular weights. It also contains a potent antioxidant to deliver a moisturising, anti ageing and filling action, whilst also promoting collagen and elastin synthesis to improve skin firmness and elasticity.
This revolutionary anti-ageing and moisturising treatment enhances collagen and elastin synthesis, providing skin tissue support for increased firmness, elasticity and fewer wrinkles.
What Kate thinks
“This ultra hydrating daily treatment is one of the most advanced Hyaluronic Acid serums and really delivers incredible results. I love that you only need 3 to 4 drops, which makes the 30ml bottle go a long way. The most important action that this serum delivers is protecting and promoting the production of Hyaluronic Acid for a well hydrated, supported and healthy complexion.”
Shop HA Densimatrix and other Hyaluronic Acid products online now! To book a face-to-face consultation with our professional clinicians, call 0113 282 3300. If you are looking for skincare advice, take our online skin test now and receive personalised product recommendations direct to your inbox!
