Hyaluronic Acid: Worth the Hype?

BY: STEF SCHULTZ

Skincare fads seem to come and go as quickly as you can say miracle cream. Every week there is a new substance that simply must be added to your routine… and lets face it, most of them don’t live up to the hype.

Hyaluronic acid, however, is one ingredient we can really get behind. Famed for it’s anti-aging properties ‘HA’ is the new king of moisturisation.

So, how does it work? Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring structural element of the skin and its water retention capabilities far outweigh any of its synthetic competitors. The key to its pedestal status lies in the combination of moisture renewal and the strengthening of the skin’s outer layers as well as its anti-oxidant rich, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory benefits.

BARBARA PALVIN MARIE CLAIRE HUNGARY 3

Image: Marie Claire

HA is used in medicine for the treatment of joint disorders like osteoarthritis and in certain surgical eye procedures, it’s used in plastic surgery as a lip filler and by normal men and women looking to find anti-aging gold. HA acts as a cushion and lubricant for joints and tissues.

It is an unfortunate fact of life that as we get older our skin loses moisture and therefore firmness, by adding HA to your routine, you are helping to replenish what is lost over the years.

So how can you reap its benefits? Easy.

Hyaluronic acid is now included in so many great products that there is bound to be one that can slip effortlessly into your existing regime. HA is mostly found in moisturiser and serum form, be sure to check the ingredients list and make sure hyaluronic acid or sodium hyaluronate is towards the top! Alternatively, you can stock your fridge and pantry with a whole bunch of hyaluronic acid rich foods. We recommend doing both!

Here are 10 foods that are high in Hyaluronic Acid:

1. Root Vegetables

Starchy root vegetables like potato and sweet potato are great for a fix of HA. Sweet potatoes have the added bonus of magnesium, which is essential to aid the body in synthesizing the hyaluronic acids in food.

root vegetables

2. Animal Products

Stews and broths made from animal bones, skin, meat and connective tissues are a great way to load your body up with hyaluronic acid.

  1. Fruit
fruit flatlay

Image: http://shinebythree.com/

Aim for fruits that are high in vitamin C like oranges, grapefruits, and strawberries because they are a good source of vitamin c for your body, and high in magnesium like bananas, apples, melon, tomatoes and avocados.

  1. Soy

Adding a dose of soy to your daily diet helps increase your estrogen levels, in turn raise the levels of hyaluronic acid. Go for a soy latte or some edamame beans with your sushi.

  1. Red wine
Image: Pinterest

Image: Pinterest

Like soy, the phytoestrogens in grape skins will increase estrogen in your body, helping aid your HA production.

  1. Spices and Peppers
spices flat lay

Image: http://www.anisassecretsspices.com/

Again, it’s all about the vitamin C, stock up on a range of peppers and herbs like parsley and cilantro.

We’re not saying that hyaluronic acid is a fountain of youth (unfortunately nothing is!) but it will go a long way to rejuvenating your skin, retaining hydration and giving your skins appearance a real boost.

If you’re looking for a topical fix for fine lines and wrinkles or just want to stay ahead of the skincare game consider a HA product today.

Have you made the switch to a HA product? If so, let us know your thoughts below!

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1 Comment

  • Reply Hyaluronic Acid Shampoo for Thinning Hair – Curling Diva Sunday 14th July, 2019 at 2:44 pm

    […] acid can be used in various forms to help prevent hair thinning and aid hair growth. Due to its moisturizing properties, HA is one of the key ingredients of shampoos, conditioners, serums and other hair care products […]

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