What is Hyaluronic Acid?
Hyaluronic acid or sodium hyaluronate is a humectant, it is a hygroscopic ingredient, meaning that it draws moisture in from its surroundings. Hyaluronic acid can retain over 1,000 times its weight in water within the cells of skin, making it a brilliant moisturiser. The average human body contains 15 grams of hyaluronic acid, one third of this gets synthesised on a daily basis; 50% of the remaining is found in connective tissues throughout our bodies, the other 50% can be found in the skin as hyaluronic acid it is a major component of the extracellular matrix. Our naturally occurring levels of hyaluronic acid decrease with age therefore it is great to have hyaluronic acid in a skincare routine to help plump and hydrate lacklustre, dry skin.
What are the benefits of Hyaluronic Acid?
Improves skin hydration and production of collagen
Fights free radicals
Maintains skin elasticity
Antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties to help with wound healing
How does hyaluronic acid work?
When applied topically via Harley Skincare products the skin acts as a highly effective barrier and the hyaluronic acid molecules are too large to penetrate the dermis, which is where the moisture needs to be to help plump up fine lines and wrinkles. The hyaluronic acid sits on the skins surface and acts as a moisturiser due to its humectant properties, water is drawn into the skin from the surroundings, penetrating beneath the dermis, plumping up the skin, keeping it hydrated and supple. Hyaluronic acid is also an antioxidant, meaning it removes free radicals from the skins surface, preventing them causing damage to the skin.
The following Harley Skincare products contain Hyaluronic Acid?
Hydrate – Hyaluronic Acid Serum
15% Hyaluronic Acid Serum
Hydrate contains natural hyaluronic acid, a powerful humectant to attract moisture into your skin. Hydrate is suitable for use in all skin types and absorbs quickly to hydrate and keep skin supple. This active serum will help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles whilst promoting an even skin tone and a youthful complexion. Optimal skin hydration helps to heal and soothe inflammation.
Protect SPF 20 – Daily Moisturiser with SPF 20
Organic UVA and UVB filters, 2% Hyaluronic Acid, 2% Vitamin E, 5% Aloe Vera
An ultra-skin nourishing and anti-ageing moisturiser, providing all day hydration and protection. Harnessing peptides, to tighten and firm whilst diminishing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Skin loving antioxidants encourage cell re-growth and regeneration. Your skin will be thoroughly hydrated whilst looking fresher, firmer and tighter.
Rejuvenate – Stimulating Daily Active Serum
12% Glycolic Acid, 2% Hyaluronic Acid, O.5% Salicylic Acid
Contains the natural clinically proven AHA, glycolic acid to gently remove the build-up of dead skin cells. It increases cell turnover to reveal the fresh, younger looking skin and it is effective at controlling breakouts, reducing pigmentation and fine lines.
Recover – Active Night Cream
0.8% Retinyl Palmitate, 1% Hyaluronic Acid, Argireline (Hexapeptide 12)
Provides some much needed extra care for your skin to help it repair and renew from the stresses of the day whilst you sleep. It has been specifically developed to help rejuvenate through its antioxidant activity. It also re-hydrates your skin to allow overnight recovery and reveal a softer more youthful appearance for the new day ahead.
Refine – Intensive Eye Serum
1% Lactic Acid, 7% Refined Silica, 4% Vitamin E, 1% Vitamin C
Refine is an intensive eye serum which actively works to rejuvenate and repair the signs of ageing. Containing a unique blend of ingredients including vitamin E to hydrate, almond oil to repair and protect against the signs of ageing and lactic acid which has gentle resurfacing properties to diminish the appearance of crow’s feet and visibly improve clarity and tone.