Hyaluronic acid is recognised as one of the most hydrating skincare ingredients in the world due to its unique capability of binding and retaining water in the skin. This makes it particularly effective at targeting ageing signs as it delivers moisture directly to the surface layer of the dermis, plumping and smoothing the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and overall skin tone.
Clinical studies.
Recent independent research have outlined that the hyaluronic you want to use should be between 80,000 to 1,000,000 Daltons (80 – 1,000 kDa). Thus, this seems to be the most effective molecular size that supports the skin to maintain its moisture and elasticity according to studies. Anything higher won’t do much good and has a short-lived effect that is getting removed after you cleanse your face. Anything lower might cause inflammation if used in too high dose as it penetrates deep into your skin. So one needs to carefully formulated with those and leave it to experts with years of experience.
How hyaluronic acid works?
Hyaluronic acid is naturally present in our body and has a molecular weight of 4000 to 8,000,000 Daltons. In cosmetics, there are different types of hyaluronic acid that can be used in cosmetic formulations. And they vary based on their molecular size and their effects can vary based on the molecular size that is indicated by its Daltons.
Hyaluronic is typically labelled as sodium hyaluronate (INCI = Sodium Hyaluronate) and thus doesn’t outline the different molecular sizes that a manufacturer is using. It is at the discretion of the brand to be transparent about the type of sodium hyaluronate it is using.
Again, type in relation to the molecular size which has different effects on the skin. If you want to find out which Hyaluronic Acid a brand is using you need to ask the brand about the specifics so you get the result you are looking for.
Once it sinks into skin, hyaluronic acid can hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water — and in doing so gives skin a soft, plumper texture and more even skin tone. It can improve fine lines and wrinkles as well. On top of that, hyaluronic acid is not an acid , as is PH neutral, is gentle on the skin barrier, making it a good choice whether you have dry or dehydrated skin.
Why size matters?
But not all hyaluronic acid molecules are created equal. In fact, there are six different sizes. Different molecular weights penetrate to different levels of the skin.
What does hyaluronic acid do?
Hyaluronic acid, also known as hyaluronan, is a carbohydrate molecule found throughout the body and skin. It has a unique capacity to bind and retain water molecules and can retain over 1,000 times its weight in water within the cells of the skin. This is what makes it such a brilliant natural humectant when used within skincare.
Hyaluronic acid for wrinkles and anti-ageing.
While hyaluronic acid is present throughout the body, it is highly concentrated within the skin tissue, notably in the surface layers where it attracts water. This allows it to act like a scaffold for essential proteins such as collagen and elastin which naturally deplete with age.
Read on to discover more about this super-hydrating ingredient and the SkinCeuticals products that draw on its amazing benefits.
SkinCeuticals H.A Intensifier
H.A Intensifier by SkinCeuticals is a powerful corrective serum that helps amplify the skin’s hyaluronic acid levels to improve the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and texture. It’s formulated with a high concentration of hyaluronic acid, proxylane and botanical extracts of purple rice and liquorice root, and is proven to restore plumpness, elasticity and firmness in the skin.
This serum effectively delivers surface hydration to the skin, whilst improving the appearance of crow’s feet area, nasolabial folds and marionette lines for a more refined complexion. Apply 4-6 drops to the palm of your hand and dab it onto the forehead, cheeks, chin and neck. It is also clinically proven to be well tolerated under the eyes and lips – two main areas prone to natural hyaluronic acid loss.
The key ingredients within H.A Intensifier
• Proxylane: known to help support skin’s Hyaluronic Acid function
• Dipotassium glycyrrhizate and purple rice extract: dipotassium glycyrrhizate is the principal component of liquorice root while purple rice originates in China
• Hyaluronic Acid: this formula features a combination of full molecular weight, fragmented and encapsulated hyaluronic acid. It also helps to deliver hydration to the skin’s surface.
SkinCeuticals’ H.A. Intensifier is an amplifying serum that increases the level of natural hyaluronic acid in skin by up to 30% to improve the skin’s volume and hydration, It works with a unique and innovative complex of purple rice and liquorice extract, Proxylane and hyaluronic acid”.
Proven results
SkinCeuticals H.A. Intensifier is clinically proven to significantly improve the appearance of skin plumpness and texture while increasing hyaluronic acid levels in the skin by up to 30%*. It also improves the appearance of crow’s feet leaving the skin hydrated and smooth”.
