What is Hyaluronic Acid?
Though the thought of putting an acid anywhere near your skin may sound detrimental, just like recent findings around bacteria, there are actually acids that are good for the skin, helping to maintain our natural balance; arguably the best of all: Hyaluronic Acid. Naturally produced in our bodies to hold moisture and maintain good bone and joint health, Hyaluronic is a large sugar molecule that can be found from head to toe. However, our natural resources can become depleted due to the usual culprits, age and environmental aggressors. This is why it's essential to keep it topped up with a good skincare routine to keep the skin moisturised, plump and free from wrinkles and fine lines.
Some of the key benefits of Hyaluronic Acid include
- Able to hold 1000x it's weight in water to keep skin hydrated.
- Plumps skin to smooth texture and reduce wrinkles.
- Maintains good joint and bone health by keeping them lubricated.
- It is an anti-inflammatory.
- It has anti-oxidant properties which help repair skin damage and protect against environmental aggressors.
- Helps products applied after absorb easily to increase effectiveness.
- It is suitable for oily skin types as serums absorb fast into the skin without greasy residue.
How does Hyaluronic Acid work?
Hyaluronic Acid is far more effective than any other moisturising ingredient due to it's ability to be reduced to a minuscule molecular size. As the acid can hold up to 1000x it's weight in water, a little carries a lot when it comes to hydration. This means that the smaller molecules are able to penetrate into the deeper layers of the dermis (skin) to intensely moisturise, plump and smooth each layer, giving a filler like finish naturally. In it's larger form, the Acid is also highly beneficial in primers, due to it's ability to smooth and plump the surface layers of the skin. On both the deeper and top layers of the skin, the molecule has un-matched abilities in water retention to disperse added moisture and prevent any loss throughout the day, keeping skin healthy and comfortable.
A serum or moisturiser made with Hyaluronic Acid works by drawing moisture from the surrounding air and trapping it into the skin to leave it feeling instantly hydrated and lasting all day long. This supports the skin's health, making it more fortified to defend against irritants. For maximum efficiency, keep the skin slightly damp before applying your chosen HA serum or moisturiser for it to absorb the moisture and deliver maximum hydration to the skin.
Why do we need Hyaluronic Acid in our skincare?
As mentioned earlier, both the ageing process and external aggressors, such as pollution and sun exposure, can deplete our natural Hyaluronic Acid production over time, meaning that fine lines and wrinkles start to become more prominent. Therefore it is important to keep our resources topped up using topical creams and serums. As our bodies break down the acid on a daily basis, it is advised that you apply Hyaluronic Acid at least once a day (but can be incorporated into both your morning and evening routine) to see the full plumping effects. The lightweight, watery texture of Hyaluronic Acid means that it is suitable for all skin types and won't cause irritation or breakouts and can be used before or mixed with your current skincare products.
Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Multi-Recovery Complex Serum
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RRP: £65.00Current price: £48.75
The UK's #1 serum, the Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Multi-Recovery Complex transforms the appearance of the skin to leave it looking healthier and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The Hyaluronic Acid in the formula helps to plump the skin, helping to add firmness and elasticity to the complexion and hydrating for up to 72 hours. The multi-benefit serum also protects against environmental aggressors and brightens to leave you looking radiant and revitalised.
Lancôme Advanced Génifique Youth Activating Serum
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This luxurious Advanced Génifique Youth Activating Serum by Lancôme helps to minimise the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by plumping and hydrating the skin. The radiance-boosting serum enhances the complexion using Hyaluronic Acid that keeps the skin intensely moisturised and promotes healthy collagen production. Lightweight but effective, the formula glides onto the skin and quickly absorbs without any residue or heaviness.
GLAMGLOW THIRSTYMUD™ Hydrating Treatment
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£45.00
Infuse your skin with long-lasting moisture with this Thirstymud Treatmend from Glamglow. Harnessing the hydrating powers of Hyaluronic Acid blended with Raw Honey and Ginger Root, the formula nourishes and softens the skin for a smoother and healthier looking complexion. The treatment can be used 2-3 times a week or when you're in need of some serious moisture. Apply the mask to clean, dry skin and leave on for 10-20 minutes to absorb before rinsing off with water or leave on overnight for an even more intense treatment.
The INKEY List Hyaluronic Acid Serum
Made with a 2% Hayaluronic Acid formula made up of different molecular weights, the INKEY List Hyaluronic Acid Serum penetrates into the different layers of the skin to plump and intensely hydrate. The serum sinks into the skin to leave it feeling softer and visibly smoother without any residue, making it perfect for oily skin types.
VICHY Minéral 89 Hyaluronic Acid Hydration Booster
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RRP: £28.00Current price: £22.40
As seen on TV, this fortifying serum is an expertly blended mix of Hyaluronic Acid and Thermal Mineralising Water that delivers long-lasting moisture and comfort for the skin. The refreshing and lightweight serum, replenishes and refreshes the skin both plumping and correcting whilst defending against pollution and environmental aggressors. The natural minerals promote a healthy glow that will reduce any visible affects of stress or fatigue and is suitable for use around the eye area. With this powerful formula a little goes a long way so only two drops are needed both morning and night before your usual moisturiser to see it's transforming effects.
GLAMGLOW Bright Eyes Cream
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£32.00
Made especially for the delicate under-eye area that is prone to both dryness and visible signs of ageing, the Glamglow Bright Eyes Cream is infused with peptides and caffeine, along with Hyaluronic Acid to energise, moisturise and de-puff the skin. The soothing formula reduces the appearance of dark circles, providing intense hydration to brighten and fill the skin, reducing the appearance of lines and wrinkles. Gently apply the cream to the under eye, around the eye and on the eyelid, massaging it gently to avoid pulling the delicate skin.
L'Oréal Paris Revitalift Filler with 1.5% Hyaluronic Acid Anti-Wrinkle Dropper Serum
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£24.99
Made with 1.5% Hyaluronic Acid, this Serum mirrors the effects of a surgery filler treatment by plumping the skin right from the deeper layers. The Serum fills out and hydrates the complexion to give a more toned and younger appearance as well as a healthier and more balanced feel. Apply the serum in the morning and evening before your usual moisturiser, massaging it in with your fingers.
Filorga Oxygen-Glow Cream
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£40.00
This rich and creamy day cream is formulated with Hyaluronic Acid and an energising oxygenation booster to plump and smooth the complexion. The hydrating blend illuminates the skin for an instantly enhanced effect that are long-lasting and immediately recognisable. The formula feels luxurious on the skin and leaves a subtle glow.
By Terry Hyaluronic Hydra-Powder
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RRP: £42.00Current price: £33.60
Your daily dose of Hyaluronic Acid doesn't have to come from your moisturiser, this setting powder is enriched with the super hydrating minerals to complete your smooth and flawless look, locking in foundation whilst continuing to hydrate, smooth and perfect. The molecules fill in the pores and imperfections to create the appearance of an airbrushed look that can be worn alone or on top of your makeup. Not only will the powder moisturise, but it also balances oil on the face for a shine free finish.
benefit Hello Happy Flawless Liquid Foundation
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Look after your skin in both your skincare and makeup routine with this Happy Flawless Liquid Foundation from Benefit. Formulated with luminous pigments along with Hyaluronic Acid, the lightweight foundation creates healthier looking skin both at skin level and deep below the surface. The liquid is non-greasy and comfortable for all day wear.
Working with brands at LOOKFANTASTIC for over two years I have developed my knowledge of all things beauty from key skincare concerns to niche makeup tricks and haircare hacks. I have a major passion for finding effective solutions that are easily accessible to everyone so that we can all achieve our best, glowing complexion.
