"Why's Hyaluronic Acid so magical? For starters, HA can bind up to 1000 times its weight in water! In other words, it functions as a humectant and holds water molecules onto the surface of your skin to keep it nice and hydrated." -Healthline.com
I'm kind of a natural science nerd in a way. I am fascinated with why and how something works, especially if it has to do with the skin and body!
So Let's jump in and let me try to breakdown how skin ages, the problem with the loss of Hyaluronic Acid (HA) and what YOU can do to help slow down this process forever!_
Here Comes My Science Nerd Talk!
Hold On and Hang in There! I Think You Will Understand Where I Am Going With This!...
What is Aging Skin?
Skin aging has two different biological processes. The first is intrinsic (natural) or innate aging. This process is going to happen to our bodies whether we like it or not and is unpreventable.
The intrinsic process affects all internal organs just the same as your great, big external organ which is the skin.
Intrinsic (internal) skin aging is influenced by hormonal changes that occur with age, such as the gradual decreased production of sex hormones (androgen) from the mid-twenties and diminishing estrogens and progesterone associated with menopause. This deficiency in estrogens and androgens results in collagen degradation, dryness, loss of elasticity, epidermal atrophy and wrinkling of the skin-(Dermato Endocrinology, US National Library of Medicine, July 2012).
The second is extrinsic aging. This process happens when you are exposed to external factors, such as ultraviolet (UV) rays or irradiation, environmental chemicals, etc. This is also known as the dreaded "photoaging" process.
What is "Photoaging"?
This is damage to the skin from the sun. It has many names such as photodamage, solar damage, or sun damage.
Which Brings Us to Why You Need Hyaluronic Acid or HA On Your Skin Everyday!...
"In the dermis, HA is responsible for regulating water balance and maintaining the cell structure by utilizing its high water retention and viscosity. These facts suggest that HA is an important substance that maintains a healthy skin. The structure of hyaluronan."- Biomedcentral, Jul 11, 2014
Ok So Wait, What About My Collagen?...
Hyaluronic Acid and collagen are interrelated and cross-linked together.
Loss of moisture (HA) in the skin means loss of collagen. Which also brings about dehydration, atrophy and loss of elasticity which characterizes aged skin.
"Hyaluronic acid is a sugar molecule that occurs naturally in the skin, [and] it helps to bind water to collagen, trapping it in the skin so that skin can appear plumper, dewier, and more hydrated." Explains board-certified dermatologist Tsippora Shainhouse.
"Hyaluronic acid helps skin stretch, flex and reduces skin wrinkles and lines. Hyaluronic acid is also proven to help wounds heal faster and can reduce scarring." -Clevelandclinc.org May 4, 2022
"The marketing for collagen products claims they can improve skin elasticity, reduce visible wrinkles, and increase blood flow to the skin. "Collagen is what keeps our skin from sagging, giving us that plump, youthful look." cedars-sinai.org Jan 15, 2020
So as you can see, HA is a really BIG deal for your beautiful skin journey!
Botanical Hyaluronic Acid vs. Lab-Created Bioidentical Hyaluronic Acid...
Botanical Hyaluronic Acid is usually created by bio-fermentation in a lab rather than harvesting from rooster combs or originally cow eyeballs in the 1940's.
Generally in skincare, when you see hyaluronic acid, it means sodium hyaluronate that was LAB-created to be bioidentical (synthetic) to the botanical hyaluronic acid found in nature.
Bottom Line? Botanical HA YES! Lab-Created HA NO!
The Botanical Hyaluronic Acid that is used in our/your Dr. Lucy products, is the safest most natural and effective Hyaluronic Acid on the market today! Natural, safe, effective and toxic free now that's a win, win!!
To You and Your Beautiful Skin!
Rebecca
P.S. We would love to have you share your Bonjour French Friday with your friends and loved ones on the benefits of botanical hyaluronic acid! Sharing is caring! :) Merci!