What is Hyaluronic Acid & Why You Should Use It

Hyaluronic Acid has become a beauty buzz word the last few years for skin health, but what exactly is Hyaluronic Acid and why should you use it?

What is Hyaluronic Acid?

Hyaluronic acid is a lubricating, clear substance that is produced by the body naturally. It is found in large concentration in the skin, inside joints, within eye sockets, and other tissues, where it retains collagen, increases moisture, and provides elasticity. 

Hyaluronic acid has several functions, including retaining moisture, providing cushioning, holding together the skin structural components of collagen, and creating a barrier against microorganisms. It can hold 1,000 times its weight in water, allowing it to act as a moisture magnet. 

Nearly 50% of total Hyaluronic Acid found in the body is in the skin, but it depletes as we get older. Think of a babies skin how plump and bouncy it is. A baby has an Hyaluronic Acid level of 100, and someone in their 60s has a level of 25. But don’t worry, there are products available you can use both topically and internally with Hyaluronic Acid.

Why Should You Use Hyaluronic Acid?

The benefits of adding Hyaluronic Acid to your skincare regimen are endless! If you haven’t yet, check out my article “10 Benefits of Hyaluronic Acid For The Skin”. Here are some of my favorite benefits.

Hyaluronic Acid provides antioxidant benefits and helps skin cells survive longer, thickening the epidermis and preventing the buildup of dead skin. It can neutralize the free radicals created during sun exposure that cause damage to proteins, lipids, and DNA in the skin. It offers some protection against the damaging effects of ultraviolet radiation. But, while it has a beneficial effect, topical hyaluronic acid is no replacement for sunscreen.

The same study recorded an increase in skin hydration (up to 96%). Hyaluronic Acid plumps your skin, making it look softer and more youthful!

A study published by Dermato-endocrinology identifies Hyaluronic Acid as a key molecule involved in skin moisture and maximizes collagen levels. Skin aging is a multifactorial process consisting of two distinct and independent mechanisms: intrinsic and extrinsic aging. The study suggests that it can help boost collagen production in the human body. Collagen helps with elasticity, while Hyaluronic Acid holds moisture. Hyaluronic Acid works as a go-between of collagen and water. Consequently, when Hyaluronic Acid runs short, cells can no longer hold enough water and collagen itself degenerates, leading to loss of skin elasticity.

A study, published in The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, showed hyaluronic acid clearly demonstrated a significant benefit in decreasing the depth of wrinkles (up to 40%). Yes please…

The same study, showed after 2, 4, and 8 weeks of treatment, measurement of skin roughness showed a significantly finer skin structure after two weeks of treatment. It also showed skin elasticity had a significant improvement after 2 and 8 weeks (up to 55%) after treatment.

Remember when I said that it can hold 1,000 times its weight in water, allowing it to act as a moisture magnet? Not only is it GREAT for dry skin, but it is great for all skin types! Whether your skin is dry, oily, combination, sensitive or even blemish-prone, it can benefit from a dose of hyaluronic acid. 

The Best Hyaluronic Acid Products

There are many products on the market that contain different types of Hyaluronic Acid. Not all products are created equal and some not even contain enough Hyaluronic Acid to really benefit much at all. Here are a few of my personal favorites.

Lumière de Vie® Hydrate 3.0

Lumière de Vie® Hydrate 3.0 — the ultimate hydrating must-have — is formulated with three molecular weights of hyaluronic acid for superior hydration to multiple layers of the skin. Hyaluronic acid is capable of holding 1,000 times its weight in water, making it one of the most sought-after ingredients for any skincare lover. Hyaluronic acid supplies vital hydration to the skin, helping to smooth and soothe, support elasticity and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. This advanced serum has a lightweight texture that absorbs quickly into the skin, making it easy to layer with other treatments. Get ready to experience an undeniably beautiful, plump and supple complexion with Lumière de Vie Hydrate 3.0.

Benefits

• Formulated with three molecular weights of hyaluronic acid for a superior multi-level hydration
• Helps maintain deeply moisturized skin, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
• Soothes skin for a calm complexion
• Helps maintain elasticity for skin that is supple and smooth to the touch
• Lightweight formula absorbs quickly for layering with your favorite moisturizer
• Vegan, paraben-free and gluten-free

FAQs

How do I use Lumière de Vie® Hydrate 3.0?

Apply one full dropper of serum onto cleansed face and décolletage. For best results, apply to a slightly damp face. Use morning and evening. Follow with other treatments and moisturize.

Can I use Lumière de Vie Hydrate 3.0 every day?

Absolutely! We recommend using this serum every day, both morning and night, for maximum hydration and anti-aging benefits.

What skin type does Lumière de Vie Hydrate 3.0 work best for?

We know you hear this a lot, but Lumière de Vie Hydrate 3.0 is great for all skin types! Whether your skin is dry, oily, combination, sensitive or even blemish-prone, it can benefit from a dose of hyaluronic acid. That being said, we have found that dry skin types will find this product especially beneficial as it draws moisture into the skin.

Can I add Lumière de Vie Hydrate 3.0 to my moisturizer or foundation?

Definitely! Lumière de Vie Hydrate 3.0 is super versatile and can be applied before moisturizer/foundation or mixed into your product for that extra hydration boost you’re looking for. For best results, we recommend adding a few drops of Hydrate 3.0 to your desired amount of moisturizer/foundation for a single use. 

Can I use Lumière de Vie Hydrate 3.0 under my eyes?

Yes! Hydrate 3.0 can be used for hydration of the skin underneath the eyes. Always remember to avoid applying close to the waterline and any direct contact with the eye to prevent irritation.

How much hyaluronic acid is in this product?

This serum features a 3% hyaluronic acid solution in three different molecular weights along with other skin-loving ingredients for supporting deep hydration that lasts.

Is Lumière de Vie Hydrate 3.0 tested on animals?

Lumière de Vie does not conduct or commission animal testing of any finished product.

Lumière de Vie® Intense Rejuvenation Crème

It’s very important to seal in your Hyaluronic Acid with a moisturizer. If you don’t, the air will actually pull the moisture from your skin. This is especially true when the air is drier, such as in super hot climates or when there’s dry winter air. My favorite moisturizer also contains Hyaluronic Acid.

Lumière de Vie Intense Rejuvenation Crème is a super-hydrating, intensive repair treatment developed for chronically-stressed skin and designed to work with the skin’s renewal process. An ultra rich, fast-absorbing formula specifically formulated to reduce the appearance of lines, wrinkles and age spots as it imparts skin with the look of improved radiance and newly-found firmness.

Benefits

• Supports normal, healthy collagen and elastin in the skin to keep the skin feeling supple and looking youthful 
• Reduces the appearance of wrinkles for a smoother, younger-looking appearance 
• Helps reduce the appearance of dark spots for a brighter-looking complexion 
• Hydrates the skin with essential lipids and other moisturizing ingredients for softer, smoother-feeling skin

 

FAQs

I have sensitive skin; will this product irritate it? 
No, Lumière de Vie Intense Rejuvenation Crème is made for all skin types and should not produce any irritation. However, each person’s skin has different sensitivities. 

Will Lumière de Vie Intense Rejuvenation Crème reduce the appearance of age spots? 
Yes, Lumière de Vie Intense Rejuvenation Crème is formulated to reduce the appearance of age spots and give your skin a brighter-looking complexion.

Will this product make my skin feel tighter? 
This product will leave your skin feeling moisturized and firm.

Will this product leave my skin feeling dry? 
No, this product is formulated to hydrate your skin, and leave it feeling supple and smooth.

Will this crème cause my skin to flake or peel? 
When your skin starts to flake or peel, that means it is time to moisturize! Lumière de Vie does just that! This product is formulated to penetrate deep into your skin’s layers to not only moisturize but to create smooth, even-looking skin as well.

Isotonix OPC-3® Beauty Blend

I personally believe in applying Hyaluronic Acid topically and also ingesting for internal benefits.

Isotonix OPC-3 Beauty Blend is formulated to promote skin elasticity, support healthy collagen production, replenish essential vitamins and minerals for the skin, and provide the skin and body with improved antioxidant defenses. This product helps maintain skin health at the cellular level, nourishing and rejuvenating skin cells with some of the finest antioxidants available today including grape seed extract, red wine extract, bilberry extract, citrus bioflavanoids and Pycnogenol®. They are powerful free-radical scavengers that not only work to keep the skin healthy and beautiful, but also provide free-radical-scavenging abilities which are beneficial in a world filled with smog, pollution and other various unseen toxins. These antioxidants are coupled with specific vitamins and minerals that are conducive to cell growth and division. Cell proliferation is important in maintaining healthy, vibrant skin.

Benefits

Isotonix OPC-3 Beauty Blend is an isotonic-capable food supplement that is made from a combination of bilberry, grape seed, red wine, pine bark extracts and citrus extract bioflavonoids, all found to be powerful antioxidants. Oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPCs) are bioflavonoids (complex organic plant compounds) found in fruits, vegetables and certain tree barks that provide exceptional nutritional benefits to the human body. Studies have shown OPCs to be up to 20 times more powerful than vitamin C and 50 times more powerful than vitamin E in neutralizing free radicals. Isotonix OPC-3 contains the only isotonic form of Pycnogenol in the world. Pycnogenol is a natural plant extract from the bark of the French maritime pine tree, and the most clinically-researched and powerful bioflavonoid.*