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