Everything You Need to Know About Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic acid is produced naturally within the human body – it can be found everywhere from your eyes to your skin. It helps to keep your skin flexible and line-free while also ensuring your joints remain lubricated.
As a humectant, hyaluronic acid holds up to 1,000 times its own weight in water – this is why it’s great for increasing your skin’s hydration.
At Carol Joy London, we formulate our high-quality skincare with carefully chosen effective ingredients like hyaluronic acid to give you the skin of your dreams.
Hyaluronic acid benefits
Hyaluronic acid has various benefits for your skin. This hero ingredient can:
- help to increase the flexibility and hydration of your skin when used in the short-term
- plump and hydrate skin to keep it looking youthful and radiant when used in conjunction with high-quality collagen skincare.
- reduce the visible signs of ageing, such as fine lines and wrinkles
- prevent transepidermal water loss
- reduce redness and smooth skin
- fortify your skin’s barrier, protecting your complexion
- fight against damage caused by free radicals thanks to its antioxidant properties
- improve your overall skin health when used long-term as part of your regular skincare routine.
Hyaluronic acid can also potentially help to calm skin conditions like eczema. However, if you have sensitive skin, a skin condition or acne, you should consult a dermatologist about your specific needs and stop using any products that cause irritation.
What is hyaluronic acid?
Hyaluronic acid is formed of molecules called polymers, which are arranged in a chain-like formation. These molecules work together in this structure to grow and heal tissue while hydrating the skin. Hyaluronic acid is also often used to heal wounds.
Molecules of hyaluronic acid that have a low enough molecular weight and diameter can penetrate the surface layer of your skin. This allows the ingredient to boost elasticity, flexibility and hydration from within.
Once we reach our mid-twenties, our bodies’ natural production of hyaluronic acid begins to slow. This can result in the visible signs of ageing, such as sagging skin and wrinkles. By using firming and anti-ageing skincare in your twenties, you can take a preventative approach to skin ageing, plumping skin and minimising the appearance of fine lines.
Emma Wedgewood, Medical Aesthetic Injector and Skin Specialist, explains: “When combined with collagen, hyaluronic acid helps to boost your skin’s hydration levels, resulting in plumper, smoother, more supple skin. Hyaluronic acid also helps enhance the penetration of collagen molecules into the skin, ensuring maximum effectiveness and hydration when using collagen skincare.”
Hyaluronic acid and your skin concerns
Hyaluronic acid can help combat multiple skin concerns:
• If you’re concerned about the signs of ageing, hyaluronic acid can help instantly plump skin while also smoothing fine lines and wrinkles.
• For those with dry or dehydrated skin, hyaluronic acid can boost hydration and lock in moisture.
• If you struggle with acne, hyaluronic acid can aid with wound healing, helping to reduce any scarring from breakouts.
• If you’re dealing with oily skin, hyaluronic acid will not make your skin produce excess oil – oftentimes oily skin is actually crying out for hydration and is overproducing oil in an effort to keep skin hydrated.
Your hyaluronic acid skincare routine
A basic skincare regime should include a cleanser and moisturiser as a minimum, plus a good SPF for during the day. We also recommend a serum to ensure deeper hydration.
Specific treatments, like hydrating face masks and eye creams featuring hyaluronic acid, can be added to your routine to combat dry, tight or uncomfortable skin and target the signs of ageing. These are generally used once or twice a week as part of your nighttime routine.
For a boost of hydration and radiance, try our Brightening Mask – it takes action in just 20 minutes to plump your skin and illuminate your complexion.
FAQs
What does hyaluronic acid do for the skin?
Regular use of hyaluronic acid as part of your skincare routine can increase your skin hydration and flexibility, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. With long-term use, it can also improve your overall skin health.
Can anyone use hyaluronic acid products?
Hyaluronic acid skincare products are generally safe for everyone to use, including those who are pregnant or breastfeeding. However, if you are unsure about using any products during your pregnancy, always check with a healthcare professional first.
Those who have extremely sensitive skin or a particular skin condition may find that hyaluronic acid causes irritation – however, this is very rare.
How often should I use hyaluronic acid?
Serums and moisturisers formulated with hyaluronic acid can be used as part of your daily skincare routine. Keep face masks and more intensive treatments to once or twice a week and always remember to read the instructions relevant to your product carefully.
What does hyaluronic acid do for acne?
Hyaluronic acid can aid wound healing, helping to reduce the appearance of acne scars. Those with severe or ongoing acne should consult a dermatologist to discover the best treatment for their specific skin type.
Try adding products containing hyaluronic acid into your regular regime and enjoy properly hydrated, plump and radiant skin. Browse our hydrating skincare collection to rejuvenate and nourish your skin.