What, exactly, does hyaluronic acid do?

First and foremost, for those of you who might be a bit leery about chemical ingredients, let me clarify that hyaluronic acid is naturally present in the human body. Our skin is responsible for producing 50% of our body’s overall hyaluronic acid, which plays a major role in hydration.

 
These molecules are like little sponges that are capable of retaining water. In fact, a single gram of hyaluronic acid can hold a whopping six litres of water!
The main benefit of having a sufficient amount of hyaluronic acid on the skin is its positive effect on skin density. 

That’s why it’s often described as being a filler. Although it’s often referred to as a hydrating ingredient, that’s not exactly right… hyaluronic acid is actually an ingredient that helps preserve optimal hydration in the dermis and epidermis. It’s a subtle difference in interpretation, but an important one!

Does hyaluronic acid have other virtues?

Hyaluronic acid is a component that is essential to ensuring the good overall functioning of the skin.

 
For instance, without hyaluronic acid (true water reservoirs), the elastin fibres of the skin, which give skin the elasticity it needs, would be in pretty bad shape!
If you compare elastin to an old, dried-out elastic, it’s easy to understand that, because it is stretched out and no longer flexible, it no longer serves its purpose.
Through its role as a water reservoir, hyaluronic acid keeps the skin’s many components healthy and functioning properly by ensuring adequate hydration. 

In these circumstances, in addition to providing skin with hydration and density, it also plays a role in healing and acts as an anti-inflammatory agent!

Who benefits from hyaluronic acid?

All women, regardless of their skin type, benefit from the virtues of hyaluronic acid. And, when it comes to hyaluronic acid’s ability to fill wrinkles, all skin types can benefit—however, those with dry skin, which tends to wrinkle faster than oily skin, will truly appreciate it.

What is the ideal dose of hyaluronic acid in skincare?

It doesn’t really matter what percentage of hyaluronic acid is in a particular skincare product. What’s most important is ensuring that the hyaluronic acid is bioavailable, which means that skin is easily able to assimilate it.

 
Once we hit 40, our production of hyaluronic acid considerably diminishes. So, the more you give your skin, the better. Your skin will only take what it needs.
Is there an ideal time for using it?

 

Most people enjoy applying it during the day. The instant filling effect of hyaluronic acid leaves skin feeling smoother in just seconds. Day, night, winter, summer… it really doesn’t matter.

 
The most important thing is consistency. Remember that a hyaluronic acid molecule produced by your body has a lifespan of only 24 hours. Because it is a daily challenge for your skin to produce hyaluronic acid… daily application is best.

 

At what age do you recommend using skincare products containing hyaluronic acid?

As soon as you feel the need to use an anti-ageing product, or even as a preventive measure. If you consider that hydration is the first step to keeping skin healthy, then hyaluronic acid is obviously a great ally! Keep in mind, for the skin to be well hydrated, it has to have a good protective barrier.

 

Is hyaluronic acid safe?

Yes: hyaluronic acid, as an ingredient, is very similar to the hyaluronic acid that your skin naturally produces. In fact, it’s one of the safest skincare ingredients on the market.

What about hyaluronic acid injections? Is this a better method, or is it equally as effective in a cream or serum?

An injection would clearly have a more direct effect. However, applying hyaluronic acid in the cream provides a more constant result, which is clearly a great advantage. At the same time, the effectiveness of creams can vary quite a bit depending on their formulation.

 
To maximize assimilation, many laboratories choose to fraction the hyaluronic acid molecule. Although this particular method works, the effect is short-lived.
Lierac Paris Laboratories prefers to keep the molecule whole in order to preserve its full effectiveness. Products are therefore composed of a solution that contains 95% pure hyaluronic acid molecules.

 
And, because the formula is very similar to what the skin naturally produces, it provides maximum effectiveness.

Which particular skincare products contain the most hyaluronic acid?

The PREMIUM The Supreme Mask from Lierac Paris, with a 10% concentration of pure hyaluronic acid, is a great make-up primer, thanks to its instant smoothing effect.

The PREMIUM The Eye Cream , for its part, works wonders when applied at night. It contains the Hyalu-3 concentrate, which works three ways:

1. - Hyaluronic acid which plumps skin on the surface and provides immediate action upon application;
2. - Encapsulated hyaluronic acid, which acts deep in the dermis layer of the skin over a period of 8 hours; and lastly,
3. - The hyaluronic acid peptide, which continuously stimulates your body’s own production of hyaluronic acid. Since the skin goes through intense regeneration at night, it’s the ideal time to use it—for increased effectiveness.

Thank you for explaining hyaluronic acid and its many virtues Janie!