Hyaluronic Acid. Why size is everything for menopausal skin changes with this skincare superstar. 

You’ve probably heard of hyaluronic acid - it’s well-known as being the ultimate skin hydrator.   A real skincare superstar – it’s true that nothing beats it when it comes to restoring that plump, fresh, dewy look that can seem like a distant memory as we go through menopause.

Fluctuating hormones have a huge impact on our skin, and it can often feel as if our complexion has changed overnight. As oestrogen declines, collagen production slows rapidly leaving skin drier and thinner with a weakened skin barrier.  Skin starts to lose its ability to hold onto water becoming dull and dehydrated.

Hyaluronic acid really is menopausal skin’s best friend when it comes to replenishing lost hydration but only if you use it correctly.  There are a lot of products containing hyaluronic acid on the market but not all hyaluronic acid is created equal.  It’s important to use the right type in the right way to make sure you get the best results for your skin.

What is Hyaluronic Acid?

Hyaluronic acid is produced naturally by the body which is what makes it such a powerful yet gentle skincare ingredient.  Despite the acid in the name, it’s not an exfoliant.  It’s a sugar molecule found in the body that can hold up to 1000 x it’s weight in water to keep skin cells hydrated and plump.  It functions like a sponge in the body and binds water to the skin which is why it is known as “the moisture magnet”.  

Why do we need hyaluronic acid in menopause?

Just like collagen and elastin, as we go through menopause, hyaluronic acid levels in the body decline. As a result, skin becomes parched and dehydrated with a weakened skin barrier.   Skin needs extra hydration, and a well-formulated product will the right types of hyaluronic acid is can deliver not only an instant hydration hit but lasting, deeper hydration over time.  This hydration super-hero also helps with skin barrier repair, cellular renewal and can protect against the inflammation which can occur due to increased skin sensitivity in menopause.

Why Size Is Everything – Molecules Matter

We are talking about molecules here and it’s important to know that not all hyaluronic acid products are created equal.  You need to know what to look for that is going to make a real difference to your skin.  First up there are different types of hyaluronic acid and they perform different functions when applied to the skin.   To get the best results for both immediate AND long-term effects, you need products and formulations that contain different sized molecules of hyaluronic acid.

Molecule sizes vary from compounds that sit on the surface of the skin to smaller ones that go deeper into the layers of the epidermis.  This combination mimics what happens naturally in the skin with its natural reserves of hyaluronic acid which start to deplete as we go through menopause. 

Most products on the market use hyaluronic acid in the larger molecule form.  While this is great for surface hydration, it isn’t going to do anything to boost skin hydration over time at a deeper level.  For long-lasting hydration and optimum results, you need to look for products formulated with hyaluronic acid in different molecular weights. This treats the skin is on multiple levels to replenish moisture and glow to regain that dewy complexion. 

Living M skincare products are all formulated with three different-sized molecules of hyaluronic acid for superior hydration. We use multi-molecular hyaluronic acid as a base in all of our skincare blended with other skincare super ingredients to treat the hormonal skin changes caused by menopause.  Low and medium weight molecules provide maximum below the surface hydration while high weight compounds deliver immediate intensive hydration to the surface levels of the skin for an instant smoothing and firming effect.

Quench & Soothe Serum and Collagen Boost Moisturiser are both formulated with

• Hydrolysed hyaluronic acid is a low-molecular weight version of hyaluronic acid that is able to penetrate deeper into the skin’s layers for maximum below-the-surface hydration. 

• Sodium hyaluronate cross polymer a special"cross-linked" from of the super moisturizer.  Normal pieces of hyaluronic acid are chemically bound together to create a mesh structure that coats the skin.  The special mesh has an amazing water-binding capacity, five times more than regular hyaluronic acid. This water filled hyaluronic gel forms a smooth film on the skin that continuously hydrates giving long-term moisturizing benefits. 

• Sodium hyaluronate is the sodium form of hyaluronic acid. It is a smaller molecule than regular hyaluronic acid and can penetrate below the top of the epidermis for superior hydration.

Hyaluronic acid is suitable for even the most sensitive skin types and plays well with other skincare active ingredients making it a must-have for treating menopausal skin.  You can layer it in products because it won’t cause irritation.

So that’s the end of the science lesson.  For perimenopausal and menopausal skin, hyaluronic acid is the holy grail of hydration and for the best results it’s all about the molecules.  Size really does matter (but you already knew that).

Try The Perfect Pair : Quench & Soothe Serum and Collagen Boost Moisturiser for superior hydration that lasts. 

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