Trends in skincare can come and go. Sometimes these fashions are simply passing fads – from Elizabethans using white lead and vinegar to modern formulas containing snake venom - but sometimes they bring to the fore a key component that’s worth the hype. There has been a lot of noise about hyaluronic acid for a while now and skincare experts will tell you that this is no flash-in-the-pan ingredient – this super-hydrator is one for keeps.
What is hyaluronic acid?
Hyaluronic acid (also known as hyaluronan) is a moisture-boosting molecule found naturally in the body, plumping up skin cells and cushioning connective tissue. It is a clear substance, gel-like and viscous. It keeps moisture from evaporating away from the skin.
Despite its name, it’s not an acid as we generally think of acids; harsh and abrasive. It is actually very gentle. Think of hyaluronic acid as the skincare equivalent of plumping up your sofa cushions.
Why do skincare experts love hyaluronic acid?
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Hyaluronic acid (HA) occurs naturally in the body. In the dermis it helps bind water to collagen giving skin that plumped, hydrated look, and on a superficial level it works to keep skin softer, smoother, with more elasticity and more glow.
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It is hugely moisturising as it not only replenishes and protects moisture levels in the skin but it also aids collagen production. It acts as a humectant, attracting moisture to the skin, then keeps the moisture there as hyaluronic acid holds up to 1,000 times its own weight in moisture.
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It is non-irritating on skin. As it is naturally present in the body, hyaluronic acid is generally safe for all skin types to use, even those with sensitive skin or conditions such as eczema or rosacea. This gentleness means it can be applied twice a day without upsetting the skin. It also plays a role in helping to heal skin.
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It is compatible with other ingredients. Hyaluronic acid has no contraindications, in other words it can be used alongside any other products including vitamin C, niacinamide and other acids, even retinols, without interfering with their performance.
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It has antioxidant properties meaning it boosts the skin’s defences against environmental damage such as pollution, UV rays and stress.
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It loves your microbiome. Hyaluronic acid reinforces the skin’s protective barrier, helping to keep damage at bay.
- It is a great midlife ally. That gorgeous plump, velvety skin that babies and young children have? It’s due to bounteous levels of hyaluronic acid produced naturally in their skin. From your 30s onwards, TEWL (trans-epidermal water loss) becomes more of an issue and so applying a topical hyaluronic acid helps to restore moisture balance in your skin as you get older.
It’s why we use hyaluronic acid in our Willowberry Nutrient Boost Day Cream and Willowberry Reviving Eye Cream, along with ingredients high in vitamins, antioxidants and essential fatty acids to hydrate, plump, smooth and protect grown-up skin. This powerhouse skincare ingredient is one to add to your routine.
Willowberry is nutritious natural skincare for grown-ups, for your best skin.
A favourite with top make-up artists, Willowberry's luxurious award-winning products protect skin’s natural barrier function, to nourish and revive grown-up skin without telling women to be 'anti-ageing'.
As seen in Vogue, Independent, The Telegraph, This Morning and more.
