Hyaluronic Acid: The Anti-Ageing Molecule

I'm sure I've blogged about this miracle molecule before ... but its with good reason that I'm blogging about it again.  When it comes to anti-ageing and keeping your skin hydrated - this is nature's miracle molecule for sure!

To understand why Hyaluronic Acid (also called Hyaluronate) really is a skin care miracle, you need to understand what it is, where it comes from and how it works

What is Hyaluronic Acid?
Hyaluronic acid is a glycosaminoglycan, which is a polysaccharide (Beauty by the Geeks calls it basically a ‘very large sugar’).  It is a molecule with a gel consistency that exists to hold water. 

It exists naturally in our bodies, being found in our joints (to help keep them mobile), our eyes (to help keep them moist) and up to 50% will be concentrated in our skin, keeping it hydrated and supple.

FACT: Hyaluronic Acid gained its reputation for anti-ageing when a journalist visited Japanese village of Yuzuri Hari, intent on discovering why its inhabitants remained youthful visages well into in their 80s and 90s, as well as being active and mobile.  It was found that their soy and tofu rich diets encouraged their cells to make more hyaluronic acid, keeping them young and fit for much longer.

How does it Work?
It is estimated that each of us carries between 15 – 17g of Hyaluronic Acid naturally, with up to 30% being renewed daily. It offers slightly different benefits depending on where it occurs.

​These are proven to include:

• Increasing skin hydration
• Stimulating the production of collagen
• Scavenging damaging Free Radicals from the Skin
• Protecting joints and nerves
• Antibacterial
• Anti-inflammatory, particularly following trauma
• Wound Healing
• Sun-damage repair

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It is the key component of what scientists call our ‘extracellular matrix’ – the framework of our skin, holding the water our body needs to function.

Unfortunately, as we age, the quality and amount of Hyaluronic Acid we make declines – by the time you are in your mid-forties you will have less than 40% of the quantity you had in your teens. 

Why Choose Hyaluronic Acid in Skincare
As anyone who drinks too much alcohol can testify, dehydrated skin is dull, tired, sallow and often shows fine lines very quickly.
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Conversely, skin that is well-hydrated looks more even, firmer, fine lines are plumped and radiance is increased.

Hyaluronic Acid’s superpower is in its sponge like ability to hold up to 1000 times its own weight in water – so if your skin has more Hyaluronic Acid, it can be up to 1000 times more hydrated. 

I would have to say that Hyaluronic Acid is definitely up there with my favourite skin enhancing ingredients.  It can come in lots of forms; supplements, gels, injections, creams and even in makeup but in my experience the most effective source per research tends to be in lightweight serums with a pure fluid texture, which can easily be absorbed by your skin.

You can also look for ‘low molecular weight Hyaluronic Acid, which means that the molecules are small enough to penetrate the skin’s surface and be truly effective.

When it comes to keeping skin hydrated and plump, one of my favourite ingredients is Hyaluronic Acid.  It helps to  store water under your skin. please don't be afraid of this ingredient because it is an acid, because it isn't an aggressive acid.

Here are a few of my favourite products containing hyaluronic acid at the mo:​
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Daily Defence Moisture Mist by Evolve Beauty

Not only does it smell fabulous but its a potent facial mist with an organic Mexican cactuses' elixir to calm irritated skin whilst firming, protecting and increasing skin hydration. African Moringa peptides protect skin cells from pollutants and purify the skin. Hyaluronic Acid deeply hydrates.
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Fountain: The Hyaluronic Molecule

Drink your way to better skin?  This supplement, from one of my favourite beauty companies, Deciem,  is your ticket, in the form of a daily shot. This formula  is packed with Hyaluronic Acid that holds 1000 times its weight in water to plump your complexion, brighten your eyes and keep the body lubricated.
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Tata Harper Moisturising Mask

I like this mask because you can sleep in it - which makes it super easy to use, and doesn't mean having the time to hang around whilst it does its stuff! Plus, no hydrating list is complete without Tata. This rose-scented master is saturated with hyaluronic acid to replenish dehydrated skin. It also helps your skin lock in moisture in the future, so you can develop that lit-from-within glow.
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Farmacy: Eye Dew

FARMACY are somewhat of a skin care phenomenon, pioneering the 'farm-to-face' philosophy, growing and cultivating ingredients themselves, which are then activated in their labs for maximum potency. This firming and brightening Eye Dew Total Eye Cream is no exception – it works to boost hydration levels and helps to brighten and illuminate tired eyes too.

Do you have any favourite products packed with Hyaluronic Acid?  Please share as I love trying new things.

Emma x