Dr Barbara Sturm On Why Hyaluronic Acid Is More Than A Beauty Buzzword
Is Hyaluronic Acid really the key to flawless, hydrated skin?
Photo: Courtesy
Known for its ability to hold onto 1,000x its weight in moisture, Hyaluronic Acid is a naturally-occurring substance found in our skin and is responsible for locking in moisture so skin appears plump and wrinkle-free. However, our levels of Hyaluronic Acid decline as we get older, which is why we need to apply it topically to help replenish skin with much-needed moisture. Below, BAZAAR spoke exclusively to Dr Barbara Sturm, founder and CEO of her eponymous skincare brand, to find out more about this miracle ingredient.
What exactly is Hyaluronic Acid?
Hyaluronic Acid is a naturally occurring compound in our bodies with multiple, essential functions. One of the most remarkable properties of Hyaluronic Acid is that it binds 1,000 times its weight in water in our skin. Hyaluronic Acid also maintains the extracellular space with fluid, and has been proven in clinical trials to promote the skin’s natural barrier function.
Why has it become so popular within the beauty industry?
Hyaluronic Acid’s popularity has to do with both its immediate and long-term effects. Applying an optimized formulation of Hyaluronic Acid strengthens our skin’s natural barrier function and makes it more difficult for harmful environmental factors like bacteria or UV rays to damage our skin. As our skin grows stronger it becomes less prone to aging and fine lines. My balanced molecular weight Dr. Barbara Sturm Hyaluronic Serum replenishes both superficial and deeper moisture reservoirs, and noticeably improves the skin matrix. Hyaluronic Acid also has an immediate lifting, glowing, and plumping effect on the skin.
Photo: Courtesy
Who is it suitable for?
Because Hyaluronic Acid is naturally occurring in our bodies, it’s not a dangerous or harmful product. It is not only suitable but essential for anyone who undertakes a skincare regime, and understands the importance of hydration and protection of their skin barrier function. Aging and irritated skin loses moisture and suppleness that Hyaluronic Acid helps restore.
How should it be applied for best results?
Not every Hyaluronic Acid serum is created equally. It is important to use a highest absorbable does, balanced molecular weight (high and low weighted molecular chains) to penetrate to deeper skin layers. This deeper penetration also makes Hyaluronic Acid a penetrating agent for other active ingredients, like Purslane. Hyaluronic Serum, which is water-based, should be applied immediately after washing your face and before the application of lipid-based moisturizers, which would block the penetration of Hyaluronic Acid serum. Also, water typically has more alkaline pH-level to skin and can disturb it, which a Hyaluronic Acid serum also corrects through use immediately after washing.
Dr. Barbara Sturm Hyaluronic Serum, $321.37, net-a-porter.com
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