HA is naturally found in several regions of the body including the joints, bones, muscles, eyes and skin. Almost 50% of the body’s entire composition of HA is located within the dermis and superficial epidermis of the skin. Its function in the skin is to regulate hydration, shielding against free radicals, promoting wound healing, and supporting the shape of the skin’s infrastructure.

HA’s ability to attract tremendous amount of water makes it the skin’s most powerful natural inner moisturizer. It is often quoted that this molecule has the ability to hold a 1,000 times its weight in water. Cosmetically, this translates into soft, hydrated skin that looks firm, plump, glowy and youthful.

One of the main reasons for HA’s popularity in skincare and cosmetics is that it is extremely skin friendly. Because it is so readily available in our own bodies, it is unlikely to cause any irritation or adverse reactions and can be use on any skin type including acneic or oily skin.

When used topically, HA acts as a potent humectant, suctioning moisture from the environment, much like a vacuum rapidly sucking in air. By binding with water molecules, it moisturizes and boosts hydration, causing the skin to look smooth, refreshed and dewy. When used together with skin barrier type ingredients, it reduces trans epidermal water loss (TEWL), or the gradual evaporation or moisture from the skin. In other words, HA can be a powerful agent in attracting moisture to the skin and trapping it in, thereby increasing and maintaining healthy hydration levels.

HA can come in different molecular sizes. It is usually simplified into 2 forms: high molecular weight and low molecular weight. High molecular weight HA is a larger molecule and cannot enter the deeper layers of the skin, they settle at the top building hydration on the surface for immediate short term surface plumping.

Low molecular weight ( including Sodium Hyaluronate) is made up of much smaller molecules that can penetrate through the skin’s surface and increase hydration for longer and at a deeper level. For those looking for more intensive and lasting results, products formulated with a low molecular weight HA, such as Sodium Hyaluronate can often be a better choice.

1. Hydrates – A big drink of water for your skin
2. Acts as a Humectant – acts like a sponge drawing in and holding onto moisture
3. Protects – fortifies the skin’s natural barrier
4. Increased resilience – the skin’s lipid barrier is enhanced & protected helping the skin to be able to defend itself against environmental age-factors and pollutants
5. Increases or tightens skin tone – HA helps with the appearance of tightness as the skin is plumped up and firmer
6. Smooths the texture – plump, hydrated skin looks smoother
7. Less visible fine lines and wrinkles - when moisture is retained in the skin, lines appear less deep
8. Improved skin clarity – by promoting proper moisture balance in the skin, HA prevents the over production of oil that clogs pores and causes breakouts.

Now you know why we ALL should be including a low molecular weight (like Sodium Hyaluronate) in our daily routine. If you are still feeling confused, book a consult with one of our Medical Aestheticians or Aesthetics Nurse for some advice.