Hyaluronic acid: a guide to the podium - the best skincare ingredients
When researching skincare, very soon you will come across a particularly popular ingredient that's as difficult to pronounce as it is to write: H-Y-A-L-U-R-O-N-I-C-A-C-I-D: no doubt, in its simplicity, one of the best and most effective moisturizers, not only enhancing the skin's own ability to retain moisture, but also smoothing it out by hydrating the upper and deeper layers of the skin. Think of hyaluronic acid as "mother nature's sponge" that absorbs as much water as possible when it comes into contact with it!
What is hyaluronic acid and why is it in so many skincare products?
Contrary to its name, it is not a magic acid, but a naturally occurring sugar molecule in our bodies that can bind to and absorb water, 1000 times its own weight, and retain it over time. Since around 50% of hyaluronic acid is found in the skin, it plays a particularly important role in its condition and appearance. Its concentration in the skin decreases steadily with age, but drastically after the age of 40. By the age of 60, only 10% of the youthful state is found in the skin. So, it is particularly important to replenish it, as it is a natural 'filler' of the skin, responsible not only for its hydration but also for its firmness and elasticity.
Not only a moisturizing and anti-ageing ingredient
It is not too often mentioned, but hyaluronic acid has a significant regenerating effect. In the event of skin damage, it promotes the perfect regeneration of epithelial tissue, reinforces the skin's natural protective layer and improves its structural integrity. In addition to cosmetics, hyaluronic acid and its derivatives are also widely used in medical treatments. Hyaluronic acid also plays an important role in the formation of the intercellular matrix and the cell envelope, has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, vascular wall strengthening and antimicrobial properties. It also provides a moisturizing medium for collagen fibres, which are responsible for skin elasticity.
How to use it in order to get the most out of it
As soon as you start browsing drugstores and beauty webshops, you'll see that hyaluronic acid is found in a wide range of products - there are serums, creams, sheet masks, ampoules, and sometimes it's also found in other products such as sunscreens or retinol products.
If you want to give your skin the best, make sure your skincare product contains a range of hyaluronic acid molecular sizes. The smaller molecular size particles are more effective, i.e. they penetrate deeper into the skin, while the larger ones stay on the skin's surface. And if you have a little bit of everything in your cream or serum, you have the best chance of keeping your skin fully hydrated for long periods of time.
Always apply your favourite hyaluronic acid moisturizer to a cleansed and moist skin. So, after washing your face, use a toner (alcohol-free!) or face spray, then apply a hyaluronic acid serum or moisturizer to damp skin to lock in moisture.
TIP
Hyaluronic acid can be combined with the following active ingredients:
Vitamin C: antioxidant; enhances the regenerating effect of hyaluronic acid
Glycerine: strengthens the moisturizing effect of hyaluronic acid
Squalane: improves the absorption and moisturizing effect of hyaluronic acid
Solanie cosmetics with hyaluronic acid IN HIGH concentration:
