What is Hyaluronic Acid?

Hyaluronic Acid is a gel-like water holding molecule that is the space filler and cushioning agent in all mammals and is the most abundant glycosaminoglycan found in the dermis. The name Hyaluronic comes from the Greek word “hyalos” meaning glass or a glassy appearance. It may also be referred to as hyaluronan or hyaluronate.

A few interesting facts on Hyaluronic Acid…

Hyaluronic acid is able to hold approximately 98% of its own weight in water. In an adult body, with a weight of 70kg, the total amount of Hyaluronic Acid could be 15g, of which half or more of that can be found in the skin. The same way that skin cells go through cell turnover, so does the Hyaluronic Acid and one third of the 15g can be turned over in one day.

Hyaluronic Acid functions in the skin

• The synthesis of Hyaluronic Acid increases when tissue injury takes place
• Hyaluronic Acid regulates tissue repair and participates in wound closure
• Hyaluronic Acid activates inflammatory cells in the response to injury of fibroblasts or epidermal cells and regulates skin inflammation
• Forms the framework for blood vessel formation
• Provides internal skin hydration
• Regulates metabolic processes 
• Assists with skin repair 
• Provides protection against ROS
• Facilitates cell growth and migration
• Stabilises the intercellular structures

Unfortunately, as we age, Hyaluronic acid decreases resulting in less space-filling capacity and the appearance of a less full and plump skin. External factors such as UV exposure creates free radical damage that degrades the Hyaluronic Acid. Internal factors also include the enzymatic degradation of Hyaluronic Acid by the group of enzymes called hyalurodinases. It is therefore of the utmost importance that we maintain and replenish the skin’s natural Hyaluronic Acid content.

Skin with high Hyaluronic Acid content

• Thicker
• Plump and full
• Stronger with more turgor
• More internal hydration

Skin with low Hyaluronic Acid content

• Thinner
• Less plumpness and volume
• More internal dehydration
• More lines and wrinkles

How does Nimue achieve skin hydration through Hyaluronic Acid?

One of the four treatment principles that Nimue has as part of the brand philosophy is Restoration. This principle utilises active ingredients that are able to improve the state of skin health by restoring the imbalance of a physiological function or any other negative effect on a damaged skin. 

Nimue Hyaluronic Oil and Nimue Hyaluronic UltraFiller

One of these actives in some of Nimue Homecare products is Hyaluronic acid, particularly low molecular weight Hyaluronic Acid (LMW HA), providing moisturisation to the skin, restoring the water balance within the skin and thereby achieving optimal skin health. 

As it is of a lower molecular weight, it is able to penetrate deeper into the stratum corneum levels, attracting water into the cell walls to retain moisture and accelerate skin repair.

All Nimue Professional Treatments may be concluded with a professional product consisting of Hyaluronic Acid in three various forms, ensuring maximum penetration of moisture within the stratum corneum and providing long-term skin protection and repair post treatment. We incorporate LMW Hyaluronic Acid, together with HMW (High Molecular Weight) Hyaluronic Acid, which functions on the upper layers of the stratum corneum to plump skin cells, and Cross-linked Hyaluronic Acid that attracts and holds water for up to 24 hours. 

Nimue Professional Hyaluronic Acid Gel and Nimue Professional Hyaluronic Acid Superfluid

In conclusion, we can definitely see the importance that Hyaluronic acid plays not only within our skin, but also in skincare formulations, ensuring the hydration and in turn, the health of the skin.

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