Hyaluronic Acid emerged onto the skincare scene with wild success. But does the buzz surrounding this trendy ingredient really live up to its hype?
We’re getting down to the facts and answering some of the most common questions to help clarify what it is, how it works in your skin, and when to use it in your skincare.
What is Hyaluronic Acid?
When you think of Hyaluronic Acid (HA), think water. Also known as hyaluronan, it’s a carbohydrate (polysaccharide) that’s naturally occurring in your body and is capable of holding as much as 1,000 times its weigh in water. Just one ounce of HA can hold up to 7.5 gallons of H2O!
HA exists throughout the entire body; however, 50% of its supply can be found in the skin. It breaks down quickly and, as it does, old HA is consistently being replaced with new. In fact, about one-third of your body’s HA is replaced every day.
How does Hyaluronic Acid work in the skin?
HA is produced in the dermis, the layer beneath the epidermis. It’s no surprise that it plays a key role in plumping and firming the skin. As we age, our skin produces less and less HA, contributing to a loss of elasticity and fullness. These effects may become visible as wrinkles and fine lines. That’s where skincare comes in.
When should I use Hyaluronic Acid in my skincare routine?
Contrary to the perception of acid, HA is actually very soothing to the skin. It was first used in topical skincare in the 1980s, but its benefits were limited to short-term hydration and moisturization.
Then, HA made its most dramatic debut in 2003, when the FDA approved it for use as a dermal filler in Restylane. Three years later, it was followed by Juvederm. The lifting, firming and plumping benefits were dramatic and immediate.
Though oral supplements have revealed signs of improvement in skin hydration, the most effective results should be achievable through topical application.
But, the physical characteristics of HA have historically prevented it from being fully exploited in the skin. Due to its large particle size and water-loving nature, HA cannot enter the dermis and typically only offers a temporary boost of hydration on the surface level. Keep in mind, the skin is waterproof, so it tends to repel water-based products and large molecules like HA.
Though traditional HA can deliver modest improvements in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and provide a temporary boost of hydration, these results have historically been limited by the physical characteristics of the HA.
Until now.
After nearly 10 years of research and development, MD Complete formulated a whole new kind of Hyaluronic Acid to overcome the barriers that previously limited the potential of HA.
MD Complete NanoActive HATM was achieved by modifying microscopic (nanoparticle) Hyaluronic Acid so it would be more readily absorbed, accepted and utilized by the skin. Then the new HA was complexed (combined) with an amino acid + nutrient mix to further improve its effectiveness. This new complex transformed a relatively passive humectant into a highly active anti-aging ingredient.
The first product to contain this new NanoActive HA is MD Complete Quench & Restore Advanced Hyaluronic Treatment. Add it to a Retinol-based skincare system and you’ll have a best-in-class skincare program. Try Quench & Restore Hyaluronic Treatment to plump, firm and restore stressed skin!