I won’t assume everyone knows what hyaluronic acid is or what it does. For those who know, feel free to come back next week. Everyone else, here goes. First: don’t let the word ‘acid’ terrify you. Yes, it sounds like a brutal liquid that should come with ‘use at your peril’ signage, but it’s nothing of the sort. Hyaluronic acid occurs naturally in the body and its purpose is to retain moisture. This function, however, is compromised by factors such as age and environmental aggressors. Hence it needs replenishing. Hyaluronic acid holds more than 1,000 times its weight in water and so, used topically, it helps to combat those diminished reserves leaving you with plumper, more youthful and super hydrated skin. But not all hyaluronic acids are created equal and choosing is a minefield. But hopefully the following will help. When hyaluronic acid is well formulated with say an active such as niacinamide, the results are way more impressive. Hyaluronic acid comes in different molecular weights – the most basic is, well, basic. But not bad. The results simply take longer to see. A mixed, more complex weighting of hyaluronic acid (like NIOD’s), however, will give you quicker results. Using hyaluronic acid to boost the effect of your other skincare products – as opposed to using it on its own – really supercharges its efficacy. It’s like a side dish that compliments your main course. Think of it like that and you won’t be disappointed.
1. Lancôme Rénergie HCF Triple Serum £76, johnlewis.com
2. Dr Dennis Gross Hyaluronic Booster £69, spacenk.com
3. Hada Labo Tokyo Super Hydrator £17.45, superdrug.com
4. Beauty Pie Triple Hyaluronic Acid £18.52, beautypie.com
5. Summer Fridays Dream Oasis Hydration Serum £42, cultbeauty.co.uk
6. NIOD Multi-Molecular Hyaluronic Complex £25, net-a-porter.com
7. Q&A Hyaluronic Acid Serum £6.50, hollandandbarratt.com
8. Bliss Glow and Hydrate Day Serum £19.99, boots.com
9. StriVectin Re-Quench Water Cream Hyaluronic £45, lookfantastic.com
10. The Ordinary Natural Moisturising Factors HA for Hair £6.80, cultbeauty.co.uk
Follow Funmi on Twitter @FunmiFetto
.jpg?w=600)
