Hyaluronic Acid: Everything You Need to Know

Hyaluronic acid application on face

WHAT IS HYALURONIC ACID AND WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS?

Hyaluronic acid is more and more integrated in day to day cosmetic products. If this ingredient is becoming so popular and more essential, it is quite simply because this molecule naturally contained in the human body has benefits that make it a great ally in your daily beauty routine. This is especially true when it comes to hydrating your skin. Find out all you need to know about the use of hyaluronic acid in cosmetics!

What is Hyaluronic Acid?

Hyaluronic acid was discovered a little over 80 years ago by two German researchers. It is a molecule which is naturally present in the human organism. With a glassy and transparent texture, it is found in the muscles and in the eye but the skin is the organ which contains the most (the dermis contains more than the epidermis). 

Hyaluronic acid plays an essential role in maintaining the hydration, quality and appearance of the skin. Like a sponge, its structure allows it to capture and retain up to 1000 times its weight in water and preserve the skin's hydration by creating a protective barrier making it smoother and plumped.

Its production is constant however unfortunately with aging of the skin and repeated attacks of oxidation, the amount of hyaluronic acid in the skin decreases. This mainly results in skin dehydration and the appearance of fine lines on the face.
It is widely used in the form of injections in aesthetic medicine, but for those who are not fans of the syringe, Hyaluronic Acid is also incorporated in facial care and helps the skin to fight against skin aging, reduce wrinkles and preserve skin hydration. 

A cream, serum or mask containing Hyaluronic Acid will assure hydration of the skin while helping it to restore its vitality. However, there are different types of Hyaluronic Acid and they tend to differ with their benefits because they do not penetrate the skin in the same way. The main difference between the different types of acid are their size.
 

Types of Hyaluronic Acid

"XS" ​​Hyaluronic Acid
(low molecular weight)

Conversely, low molecular weight Hyaluronic Acid is a small molecule. This size allows it to penetrate the skin further and act in the layers of the epidermis to revitalize the skin more in depth. In this case, a cutaneous application of this size would also help to stimulate the natural synthesis.
 

"XL" ​​Hyaluronic Acid (high molecular weight)

As the name suggests, high molecular weight Hyaluronic Acid is a large molecule. It acts on the surface of the epidermis. It is used for surface hydration when the skin is barely marked by signs of aging. Ideal for reducing expression lines and wrinkles and bringing freshness to the skin.
 

Who should use Hyaluronic Acid?

Moisturising the skin is an essential part of any skincare routine. No matter someone’s age, they will benefit from using Hyaluronic Acid which is contained in certain cosmetics. 

For young skin, the use of this natural high molecular weight molecule will help prevent the first signs of aging and maintain good hydration of the skin.  

For more mature skin, Hyaluronic Acid of small size, will also help to "fill" the skin more in depth and will also participate in making it more beautiful, smoother and plumped.

Hyaluronic Acid in L'Occitane products

Precious Collection: Renew and Smooth ("XS" Hyaluronic Acid)

In our precious creams, Immortelle essential oil works in harmony with a dynamic Hyaluronic Acid complex. This complex combines "XS" Hyaluronic Acid and silicon - an essential mineral which acts as a transporter, bringing hyaluronic acid deeper into the epidermis. 

Our dynamic complex is able to quadruple the natural production of hyaluronic acid in the skin. It helps stimulate cell proliferation, while immortal essential oil helps cells "mature" so skin can renew itself faster.

Aqua Réotier Collection: Prepare and Moisturise (“XL” Hyaluronic Acid)

To provide your skin with a first base of hydration every morning, Aqua Réotier Hydration Essence is the ideal product. Enriched with Réotier water and Hyaluronic Acid, it creates a fresh and radiant complexion.

Immediately after, apply the Ultra Thirst-quenching Gel or Cream. The gel, made up of thousands of microbubbles, quenches thirsty skin and provides hydration throughout the day. For its part, the cream gently plumps and revitalizes the skin of the face.

In the evening, the Cleansing Jelly, on contact with water, transforms into a supple and delicate foam. It effectively eliminates all the impurities accumulated during the day without drying the epidermis to keep a fresh and luminous complexion every day.

Benefits of using a mask containing Hyaluronic Acid

If you want to keep your skin looking radiant, once or twice a week treat it to a mask. You'll enjoy it as much as your skin does! The Aqua Réotier Mineral Moisture Mask can be used by all skin types to give a thirst-quenching boost. 

To enjoy the benefits of this face mask, there are two options available: 
• Use it as an overnight mask: apply a fine layer before you go to bed, leave on while you sleep, then rinse off any residue in the morning. 
• Use it as an intense moisture shot: apply a thick layer, leave on for 10 minutes, then remove any residue with a moist cotton pad.  

If you're off on your travels, you can still take the mask with you – in its mini "Pod" form. That way your skin can soak up the benefits of hyaluronic acid and keep its glow, wherever you are! ​
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