The word ‘acid’ can have negative connotations, sounding harsh and too strong, especially when it comes to skin care. But hyaluronic acid (or HA) is the opposite: it’s hydrating and helps restore the skin’s natural moisture barrier, helping it appear plump and naturally glowing. It’s a great ingredient for helping to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and is gentle enough for skin that’s prone to sensitivity or redness. We break down everything you need to know about this skin care must-have.
What is hyaluronic acid?
Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring sugar that’s found in our skin. It holds up to 1,000 times its weight in water, which helps keep our skin hydrated. Unfortunately, just like collagen, the amount of hyaluronic acid in our bodies decreases as we get older, which is why it’s often found in skin care products aimed at reducing the signs of ageing. Eating antioxidant rich foods such as blueberries, raspberries and kale also helps the skin to retain hyaluronic acid.
Why hyaluronic acid is good for your skin
Hydration, hydration, hydration. Hyaluronic acid is a powerful humectant, drawing and retaining water and helping to keep your skin continually moisturised. Although our bodies don’t produce as much as we age, thankfully we can apply it topically and reap the same benefits. When used in creams and serums, it brings moisture to the surface of the skin, can improve elasticity and helps it to appear firmer. Hydrating and plumping? Sign us up.
Woman looking in mirror and holding bottle of Jurlique Herbal Recovery Signature Serum
When to use hyaluronic acid
Because HA is so powerful, you only need to have one skin care product in your ritual that contains it to see the effects. At Jurlique, our skin care products are natural-based, using botanical extracts grown on our biodynamic* farm that are carefully chosen for their skin-loving properties – including some plants that are known as nature’s answer to hyaluronic acid:
Senna Seed Polysaccharide: this natural active is a plant-derived form of hyaluronic acid. The extract from these seeds forms a protective film on the skin that strongly binds water to provide intense moisturisation and reduce the signs of fine lines and wrinkles, and is found in our Moisture Plus Rare Rose range.
Tremella fuciformis Polysaccharide: this is a rare extract that holds up to 500 times its own weight of water. It’s considered nature’s hyaluronic acid, thanks to its ability to restore dry skin to its optimal hydrated state, improving skin elasticity and promoting a healthy appearance. Find it in our Nutri-Define Supreme Rejuvenating Serum, which is applied after Activating Water Essence and before your eye care.
Red Clover Flower Extract: this powerful extract has been found to enhance the hydrating role of HA and smooth out the appearance of lines and wrinkles in our Herbal Recovery Signature Serum. You’ll also find Red Clover Flower extract in Purely Age-Defying Refining Treatment, a smoothing exfoliating treatment designed for weekly use.
*Certified biodynamic by the National Association for Sustainable Agriculture, Australia. Jurlique’s products and farm are not certified or affiliated with Demeter® USA or Demeter International.