How Hyaluronic Acid Benefits Skin
Formulators secret to smooth, plump, hydrated skin...
This long, difficult to pronounce ingredient has become a favorite for skincare formulators globally. You'll find Hyaluronic Acid [hahy-uh-loo-ron-ik] in your serums, moisturizers, masques, and more, but, what is it, why is it beneficial, and what should you look for?
What Is Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic Acid, occurs naturally in your skin's matrix and what makes it special and key for skin hydration is, it's chemistry! Natural Hyaluronic Acid is linked to water on one end, and bound to collagen on the other. In other words, it helps bind water to collagen, thereby locking hydration into your dermal layer (where we have the most collagen). With the ability to draw and hold moisture, HA continuously keeps skin moisturized throughout the day, and over time, works to keep every aspect of skin stable, safeguarded, and and renewed. In fact, it can hold a THOUSAND times its weight in water.
The result? Plump, dewy, youthful looking skin.
Why We Need Hyaluronic Acid
Unfortunately, with age, the levels of naturally occurring Hyaluronic Acid and collagen in our bodies naturally diminish, decreasing the skin's ability to hold onto moisture. As a result, skin dehydrates easily, appears dull, and has less bounce (hello wrinkles). On top of the natural aging process, winter chills, dry heaters, and UV damage further compromise the skin barrier, causing microscopic tears that allow more water to escape. Throw sensitizing skincare products into the mix, and you'll start to see uneven skin tone, skin sensitivities, and appearance of fine lines.
Solution?
Luckily, you can treat dehydrated skin with humectants like Hyaluronic Acid, to keep your skin barrier healthy, hydrated, and happy. It’s great for all skin types, the ingredient is non-irritating, and when used in the right formulations, holds onto moisture in our skin matrix.
There Are Different Types of Hyaluronic Acids
Hyaluronic Acid typically has a large molecular weight and therefore, does not easily penetrate the skin barrier––they will remain closer to the surface of the skin working to SMOOTH and HYDRATE. HA plumps up cells, causing them to increase in size. These plump, happy, "radically hydrated" cells give the skin a much smoother appearance- diminishing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Smaller molecules with lower molecular weight can reach deeper layers of the skin where it will sustain the skin’s moisture content, increase elasticity, and visibly reduce fine lines.
How We Developed our Conductive Gel
To create a useful topical that can easily penetrate skin, we take pure Hyaluronic Acid, and extract it’s “sodium salt” to get Sodium Hyaluronate––the salt form of HA. Sodium Hyaluronate is just as powerful as Hyaluronic Acid, but, due to it's lower molecular weight, easily penetrates into deeper layers of the skin. This form is also less susceptible to oxidation, making it more stable.
We knew we had to incorporate HA into our Conductive Gel, because it's gives you the BEST results. The gel is not only ionized to help currents travel deeper into the dermal layer, but allows HA molecules to work both on the surface of the skin, to plump cells and in the dermal layer for more long term effects.
It can also double as a soothing face mask. Glide a thick layer on after a day out in the sun, or, even if your skin feels like it needs some extra TLC. Simply wipe off after 10 minutes and seal in with a moisturizer or oil!
Is Hyaluronic Acid For All Skin Types?
Who can use it?
Hyaluronic acid is gentle and beneficial for all skin types. It works to restore the skin barrier, calm, and hydrate skin.
How do I use it?
Hyaluronic acid can be incorporated into your day and night time routine.
What can I pair it with?
Hyaluronic acid is a great moisturizer that can be paired with basically anything––it's a great addition to any skincare routine. There are no known negative reactions with hyaluronic acid. People with eczema or rosacea can patch test the product prior to using.
Are there any potential side effects?
It's main goal is to hydrate, reduce apeparance of fine lines, replenish cell moisture and speed wound healing. It's unlikely to irritate your skin. Unlike vitamin c, where in higher concentrations, can cause skin irritation, there's no "acid" in hyaluronic acid.
What are the Benefits of Hyaluronic Acid?
1. Smooths Fine Lines and Wrinkles:
Hyaluronic Acid is a glycosaminoglycan- they are a key constituent of the extracellular matrix and act as a filler substance between cells and fibers in tissues, and play an important role in holding moisture into your skin's youth supporting matrix.
Dry, dehydrated skin accentuates fine lines and wrinkles. Conversely, when skin is properly hydrated, it perks right up, and fine lines are instantly diminished.
2. Brings Back Radiance and Hydration:
Hyaluronic Acid is also a humectant, and works to hydrate the skin by drawing moisture in.
Dry skin often looks dull. Hydrated skin feels soft, smooth, supple, and bouncy. Incorporate Hyaluronic Acid into your routine for a natural filter-free finish.
3. Immediate Results, Long Term Benefits:
Hyaluronic Acid absorbs quickly into the skin, so you'll see the benefits of Hyaluronic Acid immediately. Having consistently plump, hydrated skin, also curbs signs of aging!