Posted by April Watkins
Hyaluronic acid (HA) serums are all the rage with skincare experts lately, and for many beautiful reasons.
If you’re new to hyaluronic acid, you might be wondering how putting anything with the word “acid” in it on your face can be a good thing. No need to worry, though, because it’s not that kind of acid (think of all the friendly “acids” in your life, like folic acid and ascorbic acid)! Actually, HA serum is gentle as can be, and it can help unlock your skin’s natural, healthy radiance.
We’ve answered all your HA questions so you can put your best face forward.
What is hyaluronic acid?
Hyaluronic acid is a clear, gel-like carbohydrate that binds to water molecules like crazy (it can hold 1000x its weight in water!) to keep your body’s tissues, including your skin, properly hydrated and supple. HA is vital for maintaining healthy skin—in fact, that’s where about half of your body’s hyaluronic acid is located.1 The body naturally produces its own hyaluronic acid, and foods like root veggies, bone broth, soy products, and organ meats help support that process.
That said, getting older—along with UV exposure, pollution, and smoke—depletes your skin’s hyaluronic acid, which means your face is probably craving some extra HA love right about now.2 The good news is that you don’t have to sit around and wait for your body to make more, because there’s also a bioavailable version of botanical HA extracted from the polysaccharide-rich seeds of the Senna plant (Cassia angustifolia) that you can apply directly to your face for daily revitalization.
What can hyaluronic acid serum do for my skin?
Including HA serum in your daily skincare routine can do wonders for your skin’s appearance— both reinvigorating and refreshing your face. Because it binds so effectively to water molecules, it’ll keep your skin lusciously hydrated and supple all day long, which creates the perfect conditions for enviable skin.
As you continue to use the serum over time you can expect fine lines and wrinkles to become less noticeable as your complexion begins to smooth, brighten, firm, and take on a more balanced appearance.3 The end result is a fresh, dewy face with a more youthful radiance everyone will notice.
What if I have sensitive skin?
No worries! We’ve got you. Hyaluronic acid is incredibly soothing and gentle, and is beneficial for all skin types—even sensitive or oily skin. Our botanical Hyaluronic Acid Serum is light and absorbs into skin in seconds, providing the perfect hydrating base.
Can HA serum get even better?
Actually, yes! Hyaluronic acid is amazing on its own, but when it’s combined with other beneficial ingredients it becomes an even more powerful beauty booster—especially when it supports your skin’s delicate microbiome. That’s why our Valentia Hyaluronic Acid Serum also contains rejuvenating prebiotic peptides from micro-algae. (Prebiotics are plant fibers that beneficial microbes eat, so your friendly flora can stay strong and well-fed.)
But we didn’t stop there. We’ve made this the best hyaluronic serum possible by including even more special skin treats. Plankton extract and sea kelp bioferment also contribute protein, enzymes, and vitamin B5 to nourish your face, along with soothing tropical coconut extract and phytic acid for gentle exfoliation and freshness.
We’ve also left out all the things you don’t want in a serum. So rest assured that you won’t be exposing your skin to PEGs, parabens, phthalates, fragrance, mineral oil, formaldehyde, preservatives, or any other artificial additives.
How do you use it?
After cleansing and toning your face as usual (our rose water makes a heavenly toner btw!), just smooth a thin layer of plant-based HA serum onto cheeks, forehead, nose, and chin. To maximize hyaluronic acid benefits, follow up with facial moisturizer or facial oil to seal in moisture for long-lasting hydration.
Keep your serum in a cool, dark place to enjoy its goodness for up to 18 months, and keep the pump top on to prevent contamination.
That’s all there is to it...time to show your HA glow!
References:
1. Papakonstantinou, E., Roth, M., & Karakiulakis, G. (2012). Hyaluronic acid: A key molecule in skin aging. Dermato-Endocrinology, 4(3), 253-258. doi:10.4161/derm.21923
2. Simpson, R. M., Meran, S., Thomas, D., Stephens, P., Bowen, T., Steadman, R., & Phillips, A. (2009). Age-Related Changes in Pericellular Hyaluronan Organization Leads to Impaired Dermal Fibroblast to Myofibroblast Differentiation. The American Journal of Pathology, 175(5), 1915-1928. doi:10.2353/ajpath.2009.090045
3. Jegasothy SM, Zabolotniaia V, Bielfeldt S. (2014). Efficacy of a New Topical Nano-hyaluronic Acid in Humans. Journal of Clinical Aesthetic Dermatology, 7(3):27-9.
