Skin Health Magazine Issue #4 / Summer 2017 | Page 25

Ingredient Spotlight HYALURONIC ACID O f all the skin types out there, the one we most covet is Supermod- el Skin. Ok, it’s not technically a recognised skin type but that beautiful dewy, bouncy, impossibly smooth com- plexion possessed by the world’s most beautiful women is our goal when it comes to skin and we think we have found the ingredient to help us achieve it: Hy- aluronic Acid. Naturally present in the body, with around 50% of it located within the skin, our production of Hyaluronic Acid dramati- cally dwindles with age. If we don’t replen- ish it sufficiently, the result is a complexion that is categorised as dry, flat, and prone to issues like dullness and wrinkles; in other words, not supermodel-worthy. To reclaim a juicier complexion the easy way, you need to use skin care packed with Hyaluronic Acid. It is the only ingredient capable of holding 1000 times its own weight in water (yes, 1000 times!), making it incredibly hydrating, and is one of the few ingredients that works for all skin types. Its light, almost water-like texture means it can be layered with other products without making the skin feel heavy and as it’s oil-free, problematic skins won’t have to worry about blocked pores or pimples. You can find Hyaluronic Acid in a wide range of skin care products but to get the most out of it, a serum is the way to go. And opt for formulas that contain both low and high molecular weight Hyaluron- ic Acid. Why? Because this takes care of both long-term and short-term skin issues, deep down and superficially. Low molec- ular weight Hyaluronic Acid (smaller sized molecules) can pass through the top layers of skin to reach the layers responsible for maintaining firmness and elasticity, and high molecular weight Hyaluronic Acid (larger sized molecules) hang around on the surface, softening dry patches and relieving tightness caused by general wear and tear or super-harsh skin care. After just a couple of applications, your skin will feel noticeably better. You might not be able to put your finger on it at first; it will just feel more alive. After a few weeks, you can expect expression lines to appear softer and previously flat skin to feel cushiony, like a plump pillow. Increased radiance and reduced inflammation are also highly likely. Still not sure where to place Hyaluronic Acid in your routine? Give it its own step: after toning and before moisturising. If you use an antioxidant, pat it onto the skin afterwards. And don’t forget to take a little over the lips; everyone needs a picture-per- fect pout to go with their supermodel complexion, don’t they? ISSUE #04 | 2017 | SkinHealthMagazine.com 25