Hyaluronic acid: everything you need to know

Hyaluronic acid is the unsung hero of skin care. From acids to vitamins, oily to sensitive skin - hydration remains one of the most crucial aspects of skin care and the key to glowing and youthful skin. “Youthful skin has a higher water content, which helps give it that healthy appearance,” explains Peter Thomas Roth, founder of his eponymous skin care brand Peter Thomas Roth. This is where hyaluronic acid comes in. RELATED: How to update your skin care kit for Spring RELATED: Why your skin needs essential fatty acids What is hyaluronic acid? Hyaluronic acid is basically a super star hydrating ingredient, “[it] is a water-attracting sugar molecule found naturally in the skin - and you can also find it in plants! It’s an amazing skin care ingredient because it helps increase hydration and lock in moisture. [A single] molecule of Hyaluronic Acid can hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water from moisture in the air,” says Thomas Roth. What does it do? “As we age, we lose some of the natural moisture our skin possesses when we’re young. Applying skin care products with Hyaluronic Acid can help restore lost moisture and keep your skin looking healthy and youthful,” says Thomas Roth. And not to get too scientific, but as Thomas Roth explains Hyaluronic Acid can be found in different sized molecules. The larger molecules work from the outside in to help smooth skin’s appearance and the smaller molecules work from the inside out to target fine lines and wrinkles. The Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench Hyaluronic Cloud Cream has three molecular sizes of Hyaluronic Acid, so it works on hydrating all aspects on the skin at once. The molecules then work to lock in the moisture for up to 72 hours.   Why is it so important? As a skin care ingredient, Hyaluronic Acid is so important as it exists naturally in the skin. “Young skin has a lot of it, but skin’s ability to produce it decreases with age, which can lead to dryness, fine lines, wrinkles and other signs of ageing. This is why using topical Hyaluronic Acid is so important,” says Thomas Roth. It bolsters the skin’s natural production and ability to stay hydrated, meaning fine lines and wrinkles have a lower chance of developing.  Is it right for me? Thomas Roth says not to let the word ‘acid’ mislead you. “Hyaluronic acid provides intense yet gentle hydration that’s [good] for even the most sensitive skin. It’s ultra lightweight, which makes it great for oily and problem skin types.” The Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench Collection, which includes a cream, serum and cream cleanser are all oil-free, alcohol free and fragrance-free, so suitable for all skin types. Whether you incorporate a cleanser, serum, moisturiser or face mask there are Hyaluronic Acid infused products to fit into every routine. Here are a few bh loves: Serums: Ella Bache Hydra Hyaluronic Cellular Serum, Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench Hyaluronic Cloud Serum (available at sephora.com.au), Medik8 Hydr8 B5 Liquid Rehydration Serum (available at adorebeauty.com.au) Eye Creams: Trilogy Age-Proof CoQ10 Eye Recovery Concentrate, Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Eye Concentrate Matrix, This Works No Wrinkles Tired Eyes Serum (available at mecca.com.au) Moisturisers: Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel, Andalou Naturals 1000 Roses Heavenly Night Cream, Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench Hyaluronic Cloud Cream (available at sephora.com.au)  Masks: BCL Saborino Morning Face Sheet Mask, FOREO H2Overdose Ultra Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Infused UFO Activated Mask, Ultraceuticals Ultra Replenishing Mask, Skin Republic Hyaluronic Acid & Collagen Sheet Mask  Have you tried this ingredient before? What did you think of it?