Pic credit: Megan Williams
Are you suffering from thirsty winter skin? Is it feeling dehydrated, tight and uncomfortable? A drop in temperatures, lack of humidity and increased heating can wreck havoc on our complexion.
Keep your skin happy by giving it a big drink of water with hyaluronic acid, the star of the skincare show. It’s naturally found in our skin and known as the miracle hydrating molecule – able to hold 1000 times its weight in water to intensely and lastingly retain water in the heart of the cells. A tiny gram of hyaluronic acid can hold up to six litres of water! It acts as a ‘humectant’, meaning it works like a sponge to help retain skin water and ‘plump’ up the skin.
Similar to collagen and elastin, the amount of naturally occurring hyaluronic acid in our bodies decreases as we get older. The good news is that it can be applied topically through a serum and cream to quickly increase the skin’s moisture level.
The ins and outs of this star ingredient
It can be added to any skincare routine, regardless of skin type and age (even suitable for sensitive and breakout-prone skin). Suitable for use all-year round, not only in winter.
Available in lots of different product forms from serums through to masks.
Eating fruits and veggies with lots of antioxidants protects the skin from inflammation and in turn helps the skin retain hyaluronic acid.
It pairs well with other star skincare ingredients like retinols, peels, vitamins and acids.
Wrinkles, fine lines and sagging skin often begin with dehydration. Hyaluronic acid helps to prevent that by holding in so much moisture. Properly hydrated skin feels soft, looks healthy and is plump and radiant.
It is best applied morning and night to damp skin, followed immediately with a moisturiser to lock everything in.
Look for products that include hyaluronic molecules in different sizes to penetrate all levels of the skin. The highest molecular weight acts as a ‘protective coat’ with a surface action that is immediate and helps prevent water loss. Medium molecular weight works in the epidermis (the top three layers of skin) to fill, plump, firm and smooth skin, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. A low molecular weight deeply hydrates lower layers of skin to revive collagen production and boost skin elasticity.
Amplify hydration results while you sleep by using an overnight mask that includes hyaluronic acid.
