Hyaluronic acid is the anti-aging ingredient on every skincare expert’s lips - but how does it work to protect our skin? We take a look at all the benefits this deeply hydrating ingredient can offer tired, dull complexions.
What is hyaluronic acid?
Also known as HA, this sugary molecule (described by scientists as “goo” up until the late 1970s - yep, we’re serious!) is loved by dermatologists for its intensely moisturizing properties - in fact, just one drop of hyaluronic acid can hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water. These impressive hydrating abilities have made hyaluronic acid one of the leading components of all types of skincare products, from serums to boosters to anti-aging complexes.
So, how does hyaluronic acid work? It’s all to do with molecule size. Not all hyaluronic acids are identical, so it’s important to know a little more about what the various kinds can do for your skin. High molecular weight HA is larger than small molecular weight HA, making it ideal for smoothing and plumping the surface of the skin. Smaller molecules penetrate deeper into the epidermis, making them more appropriate for specialist or targeted skincare products.
Is hyaluronic acid safe?
As hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring molecule found in the skin, it is perfectly safe to take orally as a supplement or apply topically through skincare. Natural and effective, hyaluronic acid is also gentle on the skin – making it appropriate to use on any skin type, at any age.
hyaluronic acid can hold up to
1000 times its weight in water
What has hyaluronic acid in it?
When it comes to fighting the visible signs of aging, hyaluronic acid has arguably taken the top spot in the list of hot ingredients to watch. Hyaluronic acid can be found in dermal fillers, which plastic surgeons and dermatologists sometimes use to plump the skin. For day to day use, hyaluronic acid is among the most common ingredients found in moisturizers, serums, boosters and facial masks.
Perfect for daily use, Minéral 89 harnesses the powers of high molecular weight hyaluronic acid, which works alongside Vichy’s Mineralizing Water to freshen and hydrate skin day after day.
How does hyaluronic acid benefit skin?
It’s all a question of hydration.
Firstly, it’s important to know why hydration is so important for healthy, fresh-looking skin. As the largest organ in the human body, our skin’s job is to act as a barrier, protecting us from harmful elements that can harm or damage our skin. These external elements, collectively known as the exposome, include everything from sun damage and lack of sleep to smoking and pollution. The stronger the cells of the epidermis - the skin’s outer layer - are, the better hydrated our skin is. This allows the skin to play its protective role to the best of its ability, fighting everything from bacteria and infection to free radical damage.
How hyaluronic acid hydrates skin
Hyaluronic acid works to fill the spaces that separate the cells of the epidermis - as a rough analogy, imagine pouring water into an empty swimming pool filled with tennis balls. This boost to skin’s water levels naturally leads to plumper - and, by extension, smoother - skin. While incredibly effective at preventing water loss, hyaluronic acid has a relatively short half-life (less than a day) when applied to skin.[1] In other words, daily application is key to getting the best out of this skincare savior!
When partnered with Vichy’s Mineralizing Water, hyaluronic acid helps to reinforce the skin’s physical barrier functions, improving water retention and skin structure. Find out why you should be adding Minéral 89 to your skincare routine here.
[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3583886/