When it comes to effective skin care ingredients, hyaluronic acid skin care products (along with related sodium hyaluronate) rank right up there with other superstars including l-ascorbic acid, retinoids and sunscreen. This naturally occurring substance is a carbohydrate that is found in our joints, our eyes and connective tissue, along with our skin. It helps to lubricate things and also has an immense capacity to attract and hold large quantities of moisture. It can do this without the skin receiving too much water, which can be just as bad for skin as too little.
Aging skin loses its ability to maintain moisture, resulting in the visible loss of firmness, pliability, and plumpness. Hyaluronic acid acts as a humectant (attracts moisture from the environment into the skin) and replenishes moisture that is essential to the appearance of younger-looking, healthy and supple skin. Other ingredients, including glycerin and propanediol also do this, but hyaluronic acid is far more effective, capable of holding 1000 times its weight in water! The result is skin that looks and feels softer, smoother and hydrated, with a diminished appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
What about sodium hyaluronate? This salt form of hyaluronic acid also acts as a humectant but is more stable and less likely to oxidize. It also has a lower molecular size, helping it to penetrate deeper into the skin. Chemists, however, have developed low molecular weight versions, which solves this issue. The key is not to go too low with the molecular weight as this can lead to skin inflammation.
Hyaluronic Acid Skin Benefits – More…
You don’t need super high concentrations of either sodium hyaluronate or hyaluronic acid. Concentrations of 2% and less deliver great results so don’t be surprised to see them listed at the end of the ingredient list. Higher concentrations can conversely, dry the skin. While hydration is the main reason to incorporate hyaluronic acid, it also can:
- Increase skin elasticity
- Fight inflammation, thereby helping to soothe skin irritations such as atopic dermatitis and rosacea as well
- Deliver antioxidant benefits, helping to protect skin against free radical damage.
Useful for all skin types, we love hyaluronic acid for its multi-tasking ability. Oily or combination skin types benefit from non-greasy hydration. Because it is so gentle, even sensitive and redness prone skin is able to tolerate it. Find it as sodium hyaluronate in our Bespoke Vitamin C 15% Serum (10% too).
