Back 24 May 2021 / MZ Blog, Spotlight

IN FOCUS: HYALURONIC ACID

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Hyaluronic acid has been a buzz word in beauty for a long while now. But has time proven Hyaluronic Acid is worth the hype? Does it actually hold the key to smooth, flawless and hydrated skin?

What does Dr Zamani say?

“HA (Hyaluronic Acid) is critical in maintaining skin hydration,” says Dr. Maryam Zamani, “although it can be degraded by free radical mechanisms caused by things like UV exposure. Topically applied, it helps to hydrate the skin and maintain this hydration as a humectant.”

In fact, our own skin cells actually produce Hyaluronic Acid naturally in a bid to maintain moisture levels. But, thanks to pesky ageing and environmental aggressors, to name just a few things flung at our faces on a daily basis, those levels can be reduced.

What is Hyaluronic Acid?

Hyaluronic acid is a macromolecule. It is critical in the synthesis of our cells extra cellular matrix internally. However, it has been reoriented to be nontoxic, non-immunogenic, and non-carcinogenic.

Hyaluronic acid is widely used for multiple medical purposes and one of its most valued properties is its ability to hold a large amount of moisture.  Just a single gram of Hyaluronic Acid has the impressive ability to hold up to six litres of water! Add to that, a super smart ability to regulate that moisture within the cells, so as not to drown them and you’ve got one genius ingredient.

Hyaluronic Acid has also been documented to be an excellent free radical scavenger and to have anti-inflammatory properties which could potentially help to diminish inflammation in the skin.

Skin that appears youthful continues to stay and feel hydrated because of the large amount of Hyaluronic Acid. We create Hyaluronic Acid daily but, as we age, this dramatically declines.

Therefore, applying Hyaluronic acid topically in the form of creams, serums, and lotions is crucial as it acts as a powerful humectant retaining water and bringing moisture to the surface of the skin, without being greasy.

What are the key benefits of Hyaluronic Acid?

Hyaluronic Acid is a powerhouse ingredient, which as discussed, replenishes and enhances moisture to the skin’s outer surface layers to smoothing skin texture and plumping the skin.

Moreover, Hyaluronic Acid is incredibly gentle, which means it is perfectly suitable for all skin types, including the most sensitive, acne and redness-prone skin.

What products from MZ Skin have particularly high levels of Hyaluronic Acid?

MZ Skin Soothe & Smooth Hyaluronic Brightening Eye Complex is rich in Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, which is essentially smaller, chopped up particles of Hyaluronic Acid component that penetrate deeper into the skin, providing a more immediate hydrating effect and a distinct increase in moisturisation. It is a perfect everyday firming eye cream to help reduce dark circles, restore moisture and smooth fine lines.

Another important benefit of Hyaluronic Acid is its property to reverse the skin ageing process. In simple terms, it is clinically proven to diminish wrinkles, improve skin elasticity, and boost skin firmness, resulting in a more radiant, younger-looking complexion. The skin tends to lose its ability to retain a balanced amount of moisture with age, which further triggers skin pliability, sagging and loss of firmness.

To keep the skin protected and moisturised, apply MZ Skin Tint & Protect Skin Perfecting SPF 30 Tinted Moisturiser daily. This lightweight SPF provides not only a full spectrum UVA and UVB protection but a major hydration boost, using a hydrating cocktail of Hyaluronic Acid and Kahai Nut Oil, extracted by cold pressing the nuts of the Cacay tree.

How to incorporate Hyaluronic Acid into my skincare routine?

Hyaluronic Acid can be used both AM and PM. In the morning, use MZ Skin Lift & Lustre Golden Elixir Antioxidant Serum. It contains low and high molecular of Sodium Hyaluronate, which constitutes the sodium salt of Hyaluronic Acid. It aims to provide hydration on a deeper level, thus reducing signs of ageing. The luxurious, silky formula deeply hydrates, restores radiance and adds a soft-focused luminosity. The serum is perfect to use as a primer for under makeup just before applying MZ Skin Hydrate & Nourish Retinol Day Moisturiser SPF 30, as well as to highlight cheekbones, bridge of the nose and cupids bow.

MZ Skin Vitamin-Infused Facial Treatment Mask is a perfect addition to bed-time skincare routine. A nice hydrating bedtime mask is not only a great way to release stress and promote wellness but also rejuvenate tired, lacklustre skin overnight. Gently place mask mesh side down on the skin, leave on for 15 minutes, then remove and massage in the remaining serum into the skin. The skin will instantly feel nourished, plumped and deeply hydrated.

Are there possible side effects of Hyaluronic Acid?

Hyaluronic acid is generally considered a very safe ingredient. Don’t be put off by the name, because, unlike some acids, Hyaluronic Acid doesn’t strip the skin or cause any downtime when applied topically.

“It is different to other acids which are used to exfoliate,” says Dr. Zamani. A natural and powerful moisture-binding substance, it delivers gentle hydration to where your skin needs it the most.

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