Hyaluronic Acid Explained

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In case you missed my most recent upload (it will be linked below), I made an entire video dedicated to explaining what hyaluronic acid is and I also debunked a few industry myths about the "magical" skincare ingredient.

If you'd just like the cliff notes version of my video, then just keep on scrolling! :)

MY VIDEO ON HYALURONIC ACID

ALLOW ME TO SAVE YOU SOME MONEY WHILE I EXPLAIN THE BASICS OF HAs

- Hyaluronan or Hyaluronic Acid (HA) is a non-sulfated Glycosaminoglycan (GAG) that’s naturally occurring in the body 

- HA can hold 1000x its weight in water

- HA is a humectant that performs much better in humid climates 

- HAs applied topically do virtually nothing to increase volume. They DO NOT "plump" the skin or reduce the look of fines lines/wrinkles. 

- Only Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid has a possibility of delivering HAs to the dermis, but a VERY LOW %

- Hyaluronic acid has a dynamic turnover rate, so within 3-5 mins of applying it to skin, the body has already had time to break it all down

- NO cosmeceutical on the market contains 100% Hyaluronic Acid (strength)
100% Hyaluronic Acid is POWDER
Most products use < 2% HA, anything higher than 2% is unspreadable on skin

- Sodium hyaluronate is considered more effective than pure hyaluronic acid due to its greater compatibility

- Sodium hyaluronate crosspolymer  keeps HAs within the skin’s uppermost layers longer, allowing for enhanced hydration

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For more detailed explanations on the aforementioned points, be sure to check out my video (I literally explain everything). I also hoped to save you a bit of money on your "serums" and/or moisturisers that contain hyaluronic acid, now that you know less than 2% is typically used in most cosmeceuticals on the market. A good rule of thumb to go by is, if you do not see the percentage of an active ingredient listed on the packaging (ie. "Contains hyaluronic acid & niacinamide" vs. "Contains 2% hyaluronic acid & 5% niacinamide"), then it is assumed that there is a very (very) low concentration of that particular ingredient (usually a fraction of a %). 

So there really is no need to spend $100 on a HA based serum/moisturiser when there are so many cheaper alternatives, many of which may contain a higher percentage of hyaluronic acid than their luxurious competitors. Personally, if I am looking to purchase a product that contains specific active ingredients, if the percent concentration of those actives is not listed, I simply do not purchase that product. Now of course, there is nothing wrong with choosing to continue purchasing your luxury skincare bits, I am simply here to share that there do exist options for us all, whether we choose to spend $100 or $10 (spending more $$ does not always equate to a better product/better skin, always do your research).

Now with all that being said, I would love to know what your favourite HA based products are, and if there are any you would like me to "review" then be sure to share those as well!

xoxo

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