The secret to eternal youth? What is hyaluronic acid?

In this article:

• The fountain of youth in modern skincare
• What is hyaluronic acid?
• A guide to molecular weights – Which one is best for what?
• What are the different forms of hyaluronic acid?
• How to choose a hyaluronic acid product?
• How to incorporate hyaluronic acid into your skincare routine
• Hydration? Anti-Aging? Problematic Skin? – Here’s what to use
• Hyaluronic acid and eternal youth

The fountain of youth in modern skincare

The search for the secret to eternal youth is like an endless journey through the world of beauty and wellness. Along the way, we encounter countless miracle ingredients, but few have such a deep and lasting impact on the skin as hyaluronic acid.
This powerful molecule is a cornerstone of modern skincare, capable of transforming the skin from within, providing hydration, elasticity, and a radiant, youthful glow. In this article, we unveil the secrets of hyaluronic acid and explore how this remarkable ingredient can revolutionize your skincare routine.

What is hyaluronic acid?

Hyaluronic acid is a natural polysaccharide (sugar molecule) produced by our body, playing a crucial role in skin hydration and elasticity. It has an exceptional water-binding capacity, capable of holding multiple times its own weight in moisture.
Its significance lies primarily in its hydrating properties. As we age, the skin’s natural hyaluronic acid levels decrease, leading to dryness, fine lines, and wrinkles. Topically applied hyaluronic acid helps replenish this loss, improving skin hydration, reducing the appearance of wrinkles, and enhancing skin plumpness and elasticity.

In addition, hyaluronic acid has anti-inflammatory properties, which help soothe irritation and support a healthy, youthful appearance. Due to its versatility, hyaluronic acid-infused skincare products are widely available and come in various forms, including face serums, toners, and creams, making it a key ingredient in modern skincare routines.

A guide to molecular weights – Which one is best for what?

In skincare, hyaluronic acid is used in different molecular weights, measured in kilodaltons (kDa). A kilodalton (kDa) is a unit used to measure the mass of large biological molecules such as proteins and enzymes (1 kDa = 1000 daltons).
Different molecular weights have varying effects on the skin. Here are the most commonly used types and their benefits:

High molecular weight (1000–1400 kDa):
• In this form, hyaluronic acid remains on the skin’s surface, creating a hydrating layer that helps prevent moisture loss. It protects the skin from environmental damage, maintains firmness and elasticity, and reduces the appearance of fine lines.

Medium molecular weight (100–1000 kDa):
• Due to its moderate size, this form of hyaluronic acid penetrates the upper layers of the skin (epidermis), where it improves skin structure from within. It provides deeper hydration and enhances cell regeneration, promoting a healthier and more resilient complexion.

Low Molecular Weight (10–100 kDa):
• This form of hyaluronic acid penetrates deeper into the skin, reaching the dermis (the lower layer of the epidermis), where it has a powerful anti-aging effect. It stimulates the skin’s natural hyaluronic acid and collagen production, improves skin structure, and enhances overall density and elasticity, leading to firmer, more youthful-looking skin.

What are the different forms of hyaluronic acid?

Hyaluronic acid is found in various forms in cosmetic and medical products, depending on its intended use. Here are some of the most commonly used types:

• Sodium Hyaluronate: This is the salt form of hyaluronic acid, which has a smaller molecular weight and dissolves more easily in water than pure hyaluronic acid. It penetrates deeper into the skin, providing more effective hydration.
• Cross-linked Hyaluronic Acid: In this form, molecules are chemically bonded, creating a more stable and long-lasting structure. This type is commonly used in dermal fillers, as it breaks down more slowly in the skin and provides long-lasting hydration.
• Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid: This broken-down form has a smaller molecular size, allowing it to penetrate the skin more easily and deeply. It provides instant hydration and helps refine skin texture.
• Encapsulated Hyaluronic Acid: Contains tiny hyaluronic acid particles enclosed in liposomes, which gradually release into the skin, ensuring long-lasting hydration.
• Fermented Hyaluronic Acid: This type is produced through fermentation, enhancing the bioavailability of active ingredients, making it even more effective in skincare.
  These different forms of hyaluronic acid allow for wide-ranging applications in both skincare and medical treatments, catering to various skin types and conditions.

How to choose a hyaluronic acid product?

1. Based on molecular weight: As mentioned earlier, different molecular weights penetrate different skin layers. It’s essential to determine your skincare goal before choosing a product. High molecular weight hydrates the surface, while low molecular weight reaches deeper layers for anti-aging benefits.
2. Review the ingredient list: Check the INCI list to see where hyaluronic acid (e.g., sodium hyaluronate, hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid) appears. The higher it is on the list, the higher the concentration in the product, meaning better effectiveness.
3. Formulation: Choose a hyaluronic acid product that is combined with other beneficial active ingredients to enhance skin health. Ingredients like vitamin C (for brightening and antioxidant protection), niacinamide (for skin barrier support and oil regulation), and peptides (for anti-aging and collagen production) can work synergistically with hyaluronic acid for even better skincare results.

How to incorporate hyaluronic acid into your skincare routine

1. After cleansing: The best time to apply hyaluronic acid is right after cleansing, while the skin is still slightly damp. Since hyaluronic acid attracts water molecules, applying it on damp skin helps lock in moisture and enhance hydration.
2. As a serum: Hyaluronic acid serums are particularly effective because they contain a higher concentration of the ingredient. Be sure to check the molecular weight in the product, as different forms penetrate different skin layers and provide varying benefits.
3. Moisturizers: Choose a hyaluronic acid-infused moisturizer, as these help deliver hydration to deeper skin layers and lock in moisture for long-lasting hydration.
4. Eye care: Hyaluronic acid is particularly effective around the delicate eye area, helping to reduce fine lines, hydrate, and nourish the skin, making the eyes appear brighter and more refreshed.
5. Consistency: Regular use (once or twice daily) helps maintain optimal skin hydration, keeping the skin healthy, plump, and youthful over time.

Hydration? Anti-Aging? Problematic Skin? – Here’s what to use

Hydrating toner with hyaluronic acid – An alcohol-free, intensely moisturizing facial toner suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin. Hyaluronic acid, well known for its anti-aging properties, provides excellent moisture retention, while niacinamide helps keep the skin smooth and well-hydrated.

The Skin-Perfecting Niacinamide + HA Serum and the Botox-Effect Peptide Serum are especially recommended for those who want to maximize the benefits of hyaluronic acid. These serums not only utilize hyaluronic acid’s hydrating and skin-structure-improving properties but also enhance skin health, elasticity, and youthful appearance by combining it with niacinamide and peptides.
The Skin-Perfecting Niacinamide + HA Serum is an excellent choice for those with acne-prone, oily, or problematic skin, helping to regulate oil production while keeping the skin smooth and hydrated.

Niacinamide (Vitamin B3): Niacinamide helps reduce the appearance of enlarged pores and normalize sebum production, making it especially beneficial for oily and acne-prone skin. It strengthens the skin’s barrier function, helping to protect against oxidative stress-induced cell damage. Additionally, it provides intensive hydration, supports overall skin health, and reduces the visibility of fine lines and wrinkles for a smoother, more youthful complexion.

Hyaluronic Acid: Hyaluronic acid enhances the skin’s natural moisture retention, making it plumper, softer, and more elastic. It supports skin regeneration, strengthens the skin’s protective barrier, and has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

• Reduces oily skin texture and helps fight acne
• Fades pigmentation spots, deeply hydrates, and promotes skin regeneration
• Soothes inflammation and contributes to optimal hydration levels
• Enhances the skin’s defense against UV radiation

The Botox-Effect peptide serum focuses on reducing fine lines and wrinkles, offering a 2-in-1 anti-aging solution. It works both on the surface of the skin and in deeper layers, helping to smooth, firm, and rejuvenate the skin for a more youthful appearance.

Argireline® (Acetyl Hexapeptide-8): A neurotransmitter-inhibiting peptide that targets expression lines caused by facial muscle movements. It helps reduce the depth and width of wrinkles, making the skin look smoother and more youthful.
MATRIXYL® 3000 (Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 & Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7 Complex): Regular use enhances skin repair processes in deeper layers, effectively boosting collagen production. This leads to a reduction in wrinkle depth, size, and density, while also delaying the formation of new wrinkles. It improves skin elasticity and helps reduce visible skin damage.
Hyaluronic acid: Enhances the skin’s natural hydration ability, making it plumper, softer, and more elastic. It supports skin renewal, strengthens the natural barrier, and has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

• Improves skin elasticity and helps reduce visible skin damage
• Helps maintain a healthy appearance and feel, protects against dryness, and works to preserve the skin’s moisture balance
• Has soothing, hydrating, wound-healing, and regenerative properties

The Hydrating HA+NMF is an intensely moisturizing and hydration-boosting formula that combats skin dryness, improves skin structure, and helps maintain elasticity and firmness.

Three molecular weights of hyaluronic acid enhance the skin’s natural moisture retention, making it plumper, softer, and more elastic. It supports skin regeneration, strengthens the skin’s natural barrier, and has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Natural Moisturizing Factors (NMF) are a group of compounds naturally present in the skin that, together with lipids, ensure the optimal balance of moisture necessary to maintain skin softness and elasticity. NMF components help maintain the skin’s hydration level, protect against environmental damage, support and preserve the skin’s barrier function, and promote a healthy, radiant complexion. A lack of NMF can lead to premature peeling and loss of elasticity. Replenishing NMF components through enhanced hydration helps counteract these effects.

A hydrating face cream with hyaluronic acid is a lightweight formula that provides deep hydration, enhanced by PENTAVITIN®, a natural, plant-based “moisture magnet” active ingredient for even more intense hydration.

PENTAVITIN® is a 100% natural, plant-derived, skin-identical carbohydrate complex that retains moisture in the skin for up to 72 hours. As a super-hydrating ingredient, it provides instant moisture, strengthens the skin’s defense barrier, and helps prevent dryness. Its exceptional moisture-binding and regulating properties are due to its ability to attach to the free amino groups of lysine in the epidermal keratin, acting as a “moisture magnet” to lock in hydration.

Hyaluronic acid and eternal youth

The excitement surrounding hyaluronic acid is no coincidence. This remarkable molecule has revolutionized skincare, enabling the skin to stay hydrated, elastic, and youthful. As we’ve explored its journey, it’s clear that hyaluronic acid is more than just a passing trend. It doesn’t only work on the surface of the skin but penetrates deep at the cellular level, ensuring that the skin maintains its vitality and youthful appearance in the long run.