Body & beauty

Everything You Need To Know About Hyaluronic Acid

Keen to understand more about the benefits of hyaluronic acid? Research and development expert Sam Conebar from supplement brand Regime London reveals everything you need to know…

Despite containing the word ‘acid’ in its name, hyaluronic acid is not something to be scared of. It is a skin-friendly substance that is naturally present in the human body and is one of the skincare industry’s latest buzzword ingredients and is often touted as the ‘fountain of youth’.

Hyaluronic acid is a type of sugary molecule that is a structural component in skin, joints and connective tissues throughout the body. It is also a natural humectant, which makes it an important cosmetic ingredient for its ability to absorb water and prevent the loss of moisture.

In fact, hyaluronic acid is capable of holding up to 1000 times its own weight in water, meaning that just 1 gram of hyaluronic acid could hold up to 1 whole litre of water! It basically acts like a sponge, helping to retain vast amounts of water to keep the skin looking smooth, plump and youthful. However, this amount starts to decrease due to our bodies producing less and less hyaluronic acid as we age. While the majority of products containing hyaluronic acid fall into the moisturiser or serum categories, it is thought that the molecules used in this type of skincare product are often too large to penetrate the dermis and become properly absorbed into the skin. This has seen a rise in nutricosmetics (ingestible beauty products) which help to promote ‘beauty from within’.

Five reasons why hyaluronic acid supplements such as Regime are good for your skin:

1. Hyaluronic acid is a natural moisturiser

Protecting against dryness is key when it comes to maintaining youthful-looking skin. As a natural moisturiser, hyaluronic acid can help the skin to retain water and prevent a loss of firmness and elasticity.

2. It can help you beat fine lines

It can improve skin smoothness by improving the uniformity of the skin surface and by reducing the appearance of wrinkles.

3. Supplements are easy to consume

It can work perfectly alongside your existing beauty routine and even improve its effects. Regular consumption of hyaluronic acid capsules has also been shown to improve some of the damage caused by make-up.

4. It helps with the skin’s natural function

Since hyaluronic acid is found naturally in the skin, it can be referred to as a ‘skin-identical’ ingredient. This means that it can help to reinforce the skin’s natural ability to function, help to fight against oxidative damage and environmental stress, reduce dry skin and improve skin texture. More importantly, it also means that hyaluronic acid is suitable for all skin types and ethnicities!

5. It can help joint health

In addition to its numerous beauty benefits, it also helps to improve joint health by helping to lubricate and cushion the joints. It works by acting as a ‘shock absorber’ to help provide strength and support, maintain flexibility, carry nutrients and relieve inflammation and pain.

Sam Conebar is a research and development expert from supplement brand Regime. Hyaluronic acid capsules are available as part of the Regime London range at Superdrug stores and online here. For more information visit regime.london

Plus, if you sign up to the Regime London newsletter in August here the brand will enter you into a giveaway to win a three month supply of Hyaluronic Acid & Deluxe Collagen capsules – five lucky entrants will be picked! Standard T&Cs apply, closes 31/8/2016. For details visit the website.