I have decided to add a piece about Hylauronic acid as it has been a real topic of conversation since I introduced the Skinbreeze System to the clinic. Clients are sometimes a little apprehensive to have a product that contains an ingredient with the word “acid” in it.  I am hoping that this article will put their minds at ease and really show the amazing benefits it can give to your skin.

As a therapist I have always had a interest in how the skin can be treated holistically and with products that are naturally derived and non toxic both to the environment and the client, but give maximum results to any skin concern that a client contacts me with.

Hylauronic Acid (Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate, HA) has many benefits and is one of the most interesting ingredients in skin care. Naturally found in the body, it secures moisture and creates fullness.  First off, don’t let the word “acid” scare you. Hyaluronic acid isn’t harsh or skin-stripping at all. In fact, it’s the exact opposite – a powerful humectant (aka moisture-binding ingredient) that keeps skin plump,hydrated and young-looking. We all love how a baby’s skin always looks so deliciously plump. It’s because babies are born with a high level of hyaluronic acid, which keeps their skin smooth. Unfortunately, the amount of hyaluronic acid in skin diminishes with age, most significantly after age 40.

The science bit…….

It is a natural glycosaminoglycan (polysaccharides that are an important component of connective tissue) and can be derived from multiple resources, foods, supplements and HA powders. It is distributed widely throughout connective, neural, and epithelial tissue. It is of the main components of the extra-cellular matrix (the tissue that provides structural support to cells). In short, hyaluronic acid supports many important areas of the body, with notable benefit to joints and skin.

Interestingly, the average human has approximately 15 grams of hyaluronan (hyaluronic acid) in the body, one-third of which is “turned over” (degraded and synthesized) every day.

Benefits of Hyaluronic Acid and Skin

As we age, skin moisture can drop significantly, which makes the skin lose elasticity and expose the signs of aging on the skin. Hyaluronic acid plays a critical role in skin health with its unique ability to hold in moisture (1000 ml of water per gram of hyaluronic acid).

Hyaluronic acid is also a “smart nutrient” as it can adjust its moisture absorption rate based on the humidity, season and climate.

Unlike collagen, Hyaluronic Acid is able to penetrate the skin’s upper layers to improve and benefit the skin when applied topically. Hyaluronic acid is a major component of skin, where it benefits tissue repair and protection. When applied in an HA cream or serum, hyaluronic acid forms an air permeable layer and penetrates into the dermis,  boosting the elasticity and hydration of the skin. The protective barrier on the skin locks in moisture, which gives the skin a youthful appearance.

One of the most skin damaging elements are UVB rays from the sun. Hyaluronic acid benefits the skin as it protects the skin from UVB rays (and the scavenging reactive oxygen species they generate), which can cause sunspots.

Hyaluronic acid is one ingredient that works across the board. Every skin type, even oily, can benefit.

In conclusion what is there not to love? Hylauronic acid can be found in all the skin specific serums and my favourite mask in the whole world at the moment, the Hydro mask. These can be used at home as well as the Skinbreeze facial.