Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a substance naturally produced by our connective tissue. It becomes gel-like when combined with water and also serves as a lubricant for our joints. Unfortunately, the body produces less and less HA as we age. Our skin loses moisture and thus elasticity, and our joints creak. For skincare, it's recommended to start using products with HA from the tender age of 25. Yep! Skin aging already begins at 25, shocking, isn't it? From age 50, it progresses very rapidly, and by 60, we only have a meager 10% of our initial HA levels in our bodies. It's enough to make you cry!
But don't despair, we can help a little. Products that combine high and low molecular weight hyaluronic acid are good. The former acts on the upper skin layers, the latter in the lower skin layers. High molecular weight HA forms a film on the skin's surface, which creates that beautiful plumping effect and can also provide relief for redness due to dry skin. Unfortunately, the effect is short-lived – it fades quite quickly during the day. Therefore, it's particularly useful in the morning or just before important dates. Uh. Appointments, I mean. Low molecular weight HA works in the deeper skin layers, stores moisture there, and reduces wrinkle depth.
Incidentally, there are no known incompatibilities with hyaluronic acid. So if you've reacted to a product with hyaluronic acid, it was some other ingredient that wasn't suitable. There's no such thing as 100% hyaluronic acid; all products work well with an HA concentration of a maximum of 1%. So it's the remaining 99% of the product that bothered you.
My list of hyaluronic acid favorites is really long... so here are my Top 5:
Best value for money: Back-to-life Serum by Pai
High-end serum that, in addition to hyaluronic acid, contains a whole host of cell-renewing and protective ingredients: Luminous Youth Diamond Day Serum or for night: Luminous Youth Diamond Night Serum
Hyaluronic acid in toners is available from Agent Nateur, Nuori, Kahina, and Wildcrafted Organics, among others.
Hyaluronic acid in day or night creams... oh, tons! For example, in the Repairbalm from Pharmos Natur, in the Salvation Jane cream from Pai, or the fine care from Andrea Dablander.