The dry skin saviour you need to know about
It might sound like something you’d put in your car, but if your skin is in need of hydration, hyaluronic acid is a moisturising miracle worker.
Fun fact: Hyaluronic acid (HA) can bind up to 1000 times its weight in water, which is why it’s considered one of the holy grail ingredients of skincare.
Also known as hyaluronan, hyaluronic acid is a humectant, a substance that promotes the retention of moisture. Which is why it’s really good at holding water molecules on to the surface of the skin to keep it hydrated.
And when you’re talking about that beautiful, radiant, dewy skin we all covet, you’re mainly referring to skin that has a lot of water content.
Before we get into the science that backs all of this up, let’s look at what HA actually is.
What is hyaluronic acid and why do we need it?
Hyaluronic acid is a glycosaminoglycan, a fancy name for a natural substance found in the skin.
It’s created synthetically for use in skincare products and is important for structural support of collagen (which is mainly made up of water) and elastin in the skin.
As we age, our natural hyaluronic acid production decreases, which can result in dehydrated, thinner, wrinkled and sagging skin.
That’s not helped by exposure to things like ultraviolet radiation from the sun, tobacco smoke and pollution.
When it’s applied topically to the skin, research shows that hyaluronic acid draws water to the surface to increase the hydration of the cells without blocking those same cells.
This moistens the skin surface to alleviate dryness as well as encouraging healing and creating a protective barrier. We salute.
The science behind hyaluronic acid
In one study on hyaluronic acid from Ludwig Maximilians University in Germany, 66 women – aged between 30 and 60 and with clinical signs of wrinkles – were asked to apply HA formulations of different molecular weights.
At every weight, elasticity and skin hydration showed improvement.
Hydration and the smoothing of wrinkles aren’t the only benefits – Indian researchers found it also has antioxidant properties to protect your skin from the environment, exposure to the sun and harsh chemicals.
How do I use hyaluronic acid?
By now you probably want to know exactly how you can get more of this wonder ingredient on to your skin, and pronto.
HA is included in many moisturisers, serums and other leave-on skincare products – great news for those chasing beautiful, supple skin.
Baptise H20 Ultra-Hydrating Water Gel by New Zealand organic beauty brand Antipodes contains plant-originated hyaluronic acid and is a weightless, intensive formula that immerses thirsty skin in pure, natural moisture.
Managing to be deeply thirst-quenching without heaviness or oiliness, the formula is easily absorbed but still powerfully hydrates skin, day and night.
There’s also a handy dose of New Zealand Mamaku black fern included to help regenerate and foster healthy cells and South Pacific hibiscus flower to gently exfoliate deadened skin cells, to freshen your complexion.
Add in New Zealand Manuka honey, a natural humectant that locks water into the skin and prevents moisture loss, and you’ve got a formula that can also help clear blemishes on the skin’s surface.
And unlike many topical hyaluronic acid products, Antipodes Baptise H20 Ultra-Hydrating Water Gel is certified vegan, is clean and natural and is clinically tested for effectiveness.
In fact, a 2019 clinical study by Dermatest Australia found this formulation increased skin hydration by 52 per cent*.
Now just to decide whether you’ll share the secret to your glow!
Written by Liz McGrath.
This post is brought to you by Antipodes Baptise H20 Ultra-Hydrating Water Gel.
*Dermatest Australia: clinical study of 10 women, ages 38-58, 2019.
