Collagen & Elastin are primary building blocks to anti-aging but did you know they’re also found naturally in your body? Proteins in your dermis (deep skin tissue) they’re what make your tissues strong and resilient and able to withstand stretching (explains all the sagging skin claims right??)
Our bodies make Collagen and Elastin naturally but with age, the production decreases (starting right from your mid 20s 🤯) UV light is one of the primary deterrents that breaks down collagen - Like we needed another reason to wear sunscreen. But what ACTUALLY are the benefits of this ‘hyped’ ingredient - Hyaluronic Acid?
Also known as hyaluronan or hyaluronate and pronounced as Hi-leu-ron-ic acid - It’s extremely good at retaining water as a quarter teaspoon of H.A. holds about one and half gallons of water. Simplifying it - 5.7 Ltrs of water 🥲
Technically a group of sugar molecules called polysaccharides (formally known as a type of glycosaminoglycan) - these molecules work to cushion and lubricate, H.A attracts and binds to water molecules and increases the water content of the skin (known as humectants) Some of the benefits of Hyaluronic Acid -
- Hydrates your skin - Its moisture retention is what makes it an all-star ingredient. When dehydrated skin (top layer of skin doesn’t have enough water — appears dry, rough, and flaky) meets this ‘acid’ - your newly hydrated skin looks more plump, healthy and radiant (younger too, if that’s what you’re looking for)
- Age defying properties - Because of its water-pulling qualities, H.A can age-rewind in those dry, sunken, or ‘crepe’ areas of your skin by hydrating it in its stead, while also giving it a healthy glow!
- Lipid barrier enhancing - Protection is our skins main function, aesthetics come much later. With age, the lipid barrier (fatty acids that trap in water and prevent irritants entering the skin) Protection from toxins, UV rays to environmental pollution which may result in more fine lines and wrinkles, dark spots, and drier skin, H.A fortifies this natural barrier and helps to lock in moisture with its humectant properties
- Tighter skin tone - Pinch the skin on the top of your hand, if it bounces back quickly - Your skin is doing good - you still have a lot of elastin, but with age it doesn’t bounce back as quickly as its used to. H.A CAN’T replace the elastin but it CAN help with the appearance of tightness in your overall complexion for a more youthful appearance.
- Smoother texture - The way H.A makes your skin look tighter, it also smoothes the texture of skin. If visibly scarred from acne, it won’t fill in those scars, but combined with tools like rollers over time and consistent use, it can help your skin look smoother.
- Oil Balance - a common misconception - Oily and acne prone skin don’t need hydration because these skin types have higher oil production - Nope. They still do. For eg. when oily skin is stripped of hydration, it overcompensates to hydrate the skin by producing oil. H.A prevents over-production of oil that clogs pores and causes breakouts by promoting proper moisture balance in the skin.
- A powerful active ingredient, we usually use it in conservative moderation in products like Fountain of Youth and Elixir of Life
But Acids though?
Generally safe for all skin types, when applied topically it shouldn’t have any adverse reactions. Issues with products that contain H.A usually have to do with a problem with another ingredient - usually preservatives. Preservatives increase the life of a product but some including parabens, formaldehyde-releases, and isothiazolinones, which can lead to irritation
Which is honestly why we prefer no preservatives or if the product calls for it - Organic certified preservatives like Geogard ECT. The ‘Acid’ in its name causes love or hate reactions, but there is no reason for even sensitive skin types to tread lightly as again, it’s produced naturally in our bodies, just read the ingredient label to avoid above mentioned preservatives or any ingredients you may be allergic to. It’s only natural to just stare blankly at promised quick fixes and magical elixirs, or be overwhelmed with the amount of products to use for flawless skin. Skincare can seem like a big, scary world—but it doesn’t have to be.
Skincare should be simple, and we prefer fresh and natural too, just like you 😁