COLLAGEN HYALURONIC ACID & GOLD PREMIUM Face Cream

Hyaluronic acid may sound a little scary to the uninitiated, but it’s actually one of the most can’t-go-wrong skincare ingredients of today. Unlike its other acid-based siblings (think glycolic, lactic and salicylic) hyaluronic acid is more of a hero hydrator than a power exfoliator: it’s all about feeding, not challenging, the skin.In short, hyaluronic acid is a highly effective humectant, meaning it works to ‘grab’ moisture and hold it within the skin’s cellular matrix. ‘Hyaluronic acid belongs to a group of compounds known as glycosaminoglycans, and also forms part of the skin’s framework,’ explains consultant dermatologist Dr Anjali Mahto. ‘It’s essentially a very large sugar molecule with a gel-like-consistency, and has the unique ability to bind 1000 times its own weight in water. Its purpose in skin is to keep it soft, plump and hydrated.’

Hyaluronic acid occurs naturally in our bodies – although the rate at which it is produced declines as we age – hence the rise of the topical top-up. Hyaluronic acid can be injected in the form of dermal fillers, or applied to the surface of the skin, where it can penetrate (to a limit) and hydrate on multiple levels.

How To Use A Hyaluronic Acid Serum Correctly

Getting the most from your hyaluronic acid serum requires a little more thought than simply slathering it on with abandon. As hyaluronic is a humectant, it’ll draw moisture in – just like a magnet – from wherever it can, be it the deeper layers of the skin, or the external environment (if you’re in a high-humidity climate). The trick to making hyaluronic acid work correctly is to seal it in with a thicker texture – cue your face cream– on top. This will ensure your new-found hydration says locked within the skin, rather than escaping from the surface.

The Best Hyaluronic Acid Serums To Try Now

The best hyaluronic acid serum? That’s a matter of molecular weight. HA can be split into molecules of differing size, which penetrate and settle at different layers of the skin. Simply speaking, the smaller the molecule, the deeper the hydration: so a serum containing multiple weights will deliver more wide-reaching moisture than one containing a singular weight. Like most things in beauty, hyaluronic acid serums span the pricing spectrum from small change to tear-inducing, but there’s no real need to get yourself in debt in order to obtain a good one. Today’s shelves are packed with plenty of effective affordable options, although some of the spendier options will come loaded with added beauty bonuses: think antioxidants or barrier-repairing extracts.