As we head into the colder months, it's very likely that our skin will start crying out for more hydration to counteract the effects of winter. When it comes to keeping skin hydrated and comfortable, few ingredients deliver like hyaluronic acid. It's no wonder, then, that hyaluronic acid is among the top 5 most searched cosmetic terms of 2020...
We have talked about hyaluronic acid on several occasions as it is one of the main ingredients in the line. But it's good to refresh some concepts if you're looking to preserve the most important characteristics of healthy skin, such as elasticity and tone.
What is hyaluronic acid?
Despite the word "acid," it is a substance naturally produced by our bodies and retains up to 1000 times its weight in water. Hyaluronic acid is a fundamental component of the epidermis and belongs to the group of glycosaminoglycans (a group of sugars naturally found in the skin), and helps to hydrate and protect tissues. Additionally, along with elastic fibers and collagen, hyaluronic acid contributes to the formation of what can be defined as the "key structure" of the skin, giving it elasticity, hydration, firmness, tone, and resistance.
Why is hyaluronic acid so important?
Over time, we naturally lose hyaluronic acid, so the skin dehydrates more easily. That's why hyaluronic acid creams or serums are a great ally to make skin more elastic and hydrated for longer. However, harsh weather, heating, certain cosmetic products, and skin problems often lead to a compromised protective barrier, which allows more water to escape than usual. That's why incorporating products with optimal levels of hyaluronic acid is very beneficial for all skin types and ages.
Not all hyaluronic acids are the same!
With new advances in the scientific world, there are now two types or versions of this star ingredient (yes, two!); high molecular weight (its natural state) and low molecular weight or hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid (scientifically modified). High molecular weight has the ability to attract and retain and forms a non-occlusive film on the skin's surface, like a kind of water-filled cushion, which will maintain its hydration, providing a firming and wrinkle-smoothing effect. The other version, being smaller molecules, can easily penetrate the superficial layers of the skin and, in doing so, gives a plumping effect, albeit temporary and short-lived, to superficial expression lines.
However, it is important to pay attention to the concentration of HA in the cosmetic product you are going to use. There are formulas that incorporate it in concentrations that do not provide significant benefits. In fact, our skin metabolizes larger amounts daily.
When formulating the Twelve Beauty line and after extensive research, I opted to include the high molecular weight version in most of the range due to the effects and benefits mentioned above (and in beneficial concentrations for the skin too!). For me, its ability to protect and preserve elasticity and tone is paramount. Without a doubt, it is one of the key ingredients to give your skin extra care throughout the year.
