Ingredient Spotlight: Hyaluronic Acid October 29, 2009

photo:Sxc.hu/stem pl

The name can be decieving…Hyaluronic Acid isn’t technically an acid in the traditional form. It is NOT an alpha or beta hydroxy acid, and it has no exfoliating properties.

Hyaluronic Acid holds 1,000 times it’s weight in water. That means it is super-hydrating! Think of it as a drink of water to your skin.

Our skin naturally products Hyaluronic Acid in the dermal layer….that means that skin readily accepts it in products because it is recognizable. As we age, our natural Hyaluronic Acid depletes, so it’s a good idea to add it for a “plumping” effect.

It’s a fabulous ingredient for dry skin, but oily skin can use it too. Sometimes oily skin types can look “flakey”…this is because they are lacking water. Hyaluronic Acid is the perfect fix!

You may find it in moisturizers, and especially “serum” type products. It is very concentrated, which means a little goes a long way! It may read on the label as “Sodium Hyaluronate”.

Dermalogica products with Hyaluronic Acid include:
Skin Hydrating Booster
Super Rich Repair
Dynamic Skin Recovery
Renewal Lip Complex

What’s the Deal With Hyaluronic Acid? February 16, 2009

Photo: Sxc.hu/stem_pl

You may hear a lot about Hyaluronic Acid…it’s in a lot of skin care products these days! But there are a lot of questions/misconceptions about what it is, so here are the facts:

We all have naturally occuring Hyaluronic Acid in the “reticular layer” of our skin. It’s function is to lubricate and cushion the skin. As we age, Hyaluronic Acid production is slowed down (making skin seem drier & less “plump”).

The skin care industry has been able to replicate ingredients to match our bodies’ production of Hyaluronic Acid. This is great b/c our skin penetrates the synthetically developed form very well (since it recognizes what HA is). In fact, products containing HA can hold about 1,000 x their weight in water!!! That means it is super-hydrating, and can help “plump” areas where you have fine lines.

Don’t confuse the word “acid” with Lactic or Salicylic Acid..HA falls in a completely different category.

Sooo…if you have problems with topical dryness (or are looking to “plump” your skin), look for products with Hyaluronic Acid. You won’t regret it!