Hyaluronate is the salt form of hyaluronic acid, a ubiquitous biopolymer. The average person has roughly 15 grams of hyaluronic acid in their body, and roughly one third of it is replaced and remade every day. It is a powerful humectant, or absorber and retainer of water. It is capable of holding over 1000x its own weight in water - in fact, one gram of hyaluronic acid can hold up to 6 litres! Hyaluronic acid is found naturally inside joints, in the vitreous humor of the eye, and in the skin. It is responsible for both hydration and for helping tissues to retain their shapes.
Hyaluronic acid is a major component of the dermis (the inner layer of the skin) and there it is one of the main mechanisms by which skin retains its moisture and elasticity. It can absorb phenomenal amounts of water—1 gram of hyaluronate can hold up to 6 litres of water—and this makes it a potent skin hydrator. Hyaluronate also plays a large role in skin regeneration and healing. During wound healing, hyaluronate is known to be a vital part of the process by which skin cells migrate into and close wounds, repairing damage. Higher levels of hyaluronic acid in a wound have been correlated with reduced scarring. It is also thought to provide some protection to the skin against free radical (oxidative) damage caused by ultraviolet light in sunshine. The dermis of young skin contains abundant levels of hyaluronate, but its levels decline with ageing and sun exposure. Skin becomes dryer and less elastic with age, leading to sagging, wrinkles and lines. When included in skin care products, hyaluronate is highly moisturising and produces a highly lubricating skin feel. Its ability to increase skin elasticity and to reduce fine lines and wrinkles is well-known. It has also been shown to be effective for relieving dry, scaly skin, even when it is caused by conditions like atopic dermatitis. It is non-comedogenic, has regenerative properties, and it is suitable for ANY skin type (e.g. acne prone, oily, dry, sensitive or rosacea affected).
If you would like help selecting which vitamins and oils you need in your skincare you can book a FREE UV skin analysis these can be done in-store or online via zoom with our skin consultant Melanie. or contact us to discuss your skin type and skin concerns.
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