What you need to know about Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic Acid- Not all are created equal
These days hyaluronic acid is a household name in skincare used in a variety of products ranging from targeted serums, moisturisers & masks right through to our sunscreen and makeup.
What is Hyaluronic Acid?
Touted for its ability to hold 1000 times its weight in moisture, hyaluronic acid is an easy all-rounder for all skin types to assist in maintaining hydration levels in the skin (something over 70% of Australians struggle with due to our climate and lifestyle).
Hyaluronic acid occurs naturally in our skin and while it helps us maintain a dewy glow it also assists in healing, cell turnover and all over cell health to maintain the perfect balance and keep our cells happy. Hyaluronic Acid production also starts to decrease in the skin as a natural part of the ageing process. This contributes to the slowing down of healing and regeneration of the skin as we age and also the loss of volume commonly associated with ageing skin.
Hyaluronic Acid is also the active ingredient used in cosmetic fillers to plump a targeted area, however the skin is constantly breaking it down which is why you must have it topped up every few months.
All ingredients are made up of molecules and these molecules come in different sizes. The larger molecules (for example Collagen) cannot penetrate the skin and thus will have little to no effect on the cell functioning. Ingredients like this are used to market a product, cos hey, who doesn't want more collagen in their life??!
Ingredients such as hyaluronic acid are the same, the cheaper supermarket bought products contain hyaluronic acid that is cheaper for the manufacturer to buy(i.e. larger molecule size) which will not penetrate deeply but will give a superficial 'glow'. Now that's not saying these big boys aren't helpful. Large molecular sized hyaluronic helps maintain our skin barrier and a healthy skin barrier does help keep the nasties out and the good stuff in.
Enter the professional formulated hyaluronic acids. Typically, you will see a smaller molecule size or even a group of different types of hyaluronic acid that all have different molecule sizes. These formulas are superior as they not only allow a deeper penetration of the active ingredients but they also simultaneously lock in those ingredients so they don't just evaporate off the skin. Some cheaper formulas will attempt to do this using occlusive oils almost like a cling wrap effect, however this can be problematic for certain skin types.
Babor’s latest Dr Babor Pro range offers a Hyaluronic Acid Serum containing 4 different types of hyaluronic acid all with different molecular weights (low, medium & high) to create instant saturation and work down into the deeper layers of the skin to replenish supplies. One of these types is the same form of Hyaluronic used in cosmetic fillers known as Cross Linked Hyaluronic Acid, as this has the smallest molecule size and is the longest lasting in the skin.
Much of the hyaluronic acid available on the market (certainly the more cost-effective options) are also made from rooster combs whereas Babor's hyaluronic is botanical based and not from animal sources, free from colorants and fragrance. Double win!
A Hyaluronic acid serum (if properly formulated) will also assist in the penetration of subsequently applied skincare making your skincare work harder to get more bang from your buck while also being suitable for use for all skin types and conditions.
The new Dr Babor Pro Serums have been carefully designed to promote this 'layering' of active ingredients to enhance penetration and uptake of the actives by our cells and can be fully customised to your particular skin concern. For example, apply your Hyaluronic Serum and then follow with their Vit A Serum for an anti-aging powerhouse at night without the risk of irritation commonly associated with Vit A. Or your Hyaluronic Serum followed by their much-loved Micro Silver Serum for those impaired, inflamed or acneic skin conditions to boost healing and inhibit bad bacteria. These are just a few of the endless possibilities your trained therapist can prescribe for you for your home treatment program.
Written by Bronwyn
Watch this space for more product highlights of the extensive new Dr Babor Pro range we have launched in the salon.