Hyaluronic acid: 3 surprising things you didn’t know about it

Did you know that hyaluronic acid, also known as hyaluron, is naturally produced by our bodies? However, just like collagen and elastin, the amount of naturally-occurring hyaluronic acid in our bodies decreases as we get older, resulting in our skin going from velvety soft to dry and rough. This is why babies are born with such bouncy, firm and smooth skin; they have lots of hyaluronic acid in their bodies.

In addition, hyaluronic acid is not only important for our skin, it is also needed to keep our joints well-lubricated, reducing any pain so that we can go about our daily activities easily.

Everyone, regardless of age and skin type, can benefit from hyaluronic acid. This active ingredient acts like a humectant, drawing in and retaining moisture to continually keep your skin well-hydrated throughout the day. Another reason why hyaluronic acid is favoured in skincare products: it is non-irritating and does not trigger allergic skin reactions.

For mature skin that’s drier, hyaluronic acid quenches skin’s thirst. For sensitive skin that’s prone to itchiness, hyaluronic acid instantly soothes the skin, reducing irritation and inflammation. Even younger, oilier skin types need hydration. Often, oilier skins tend to produce more oil because it is trying to overcompensate from the lack of moisture within. Thus, it’s important to ensure that skin is adequately hydrated for a balanced oil-water ratio, and a healthy complexion.

This is where hyaluronic acid’s moisture-binding abilities come into play. As we age, not only does the amount of naturally-producing hyaluronic acid dip, but our skin’s ability to hold onto water decreases as well. The result? An appearance of fine lines, and loss of firmness and suppleness.

When applied topically, hyaluronic acid instantly moisturises the skin, plumping up the fine lines and smoothing out the roughness, so skin feels soft and supple. Plus, hyaluronic acid is also a potent antioxidant. It forms a barrier on the skin’s surface, which in turn strengthens our skin’s resilience, reducing free radical damage and delaying signs of ageing.

Now, there’s an easier way to keep your complexion healthy and youthful-looking always, thanks to the new NIVEA Hydra Skin Effect range.

The secret lies in its use of Pure Hyaluron, an active ingredient derived through fermentation, along with both long- and short-chain hyaluronic acids.

Together, these active ingredients provide a longer-lasting moisturising effect for the skin (compared to other hydrators) via a unique three-pronged approach:

1. Replenish moisture by binding water to the upper skin layers

2. Lock in moisture throughout the different skin layers

3. Stimulate and naturally boost skin’s own hyaluron production by 3X*

These three steps increase skin’s overall moisture, inside and out. The result? Skin is plump, hydrated and comforted for up to 72 hours.

*in vitro test

The NIVEA Hydra Skin Effect range consists of three moisture-loving products – Boosting Serum, Refreshing Day Gel and Regenerating Night Gel-Cream. For the most effective results, pair the Serum with the Day Gel and/or Night Gel-Cream for the perfect skincare duo.

For the day – Boosting Serum + Refreshing Day Gel

The Boosting Serum’s water-like formula gets quickly absorbed by the skin, penetrating deeply to boost skin’s own hyaluron production while enhancing the efficacy of the Refreshing Day Gel that follows. With its hydrogel texture, the Refreshing Day Gel rejuvenates the skin upon application.

For the night – Boosting Serum + Regenerating Night Gel-Cream

Following the Boosting Serum, enhance skin’s hydration levels with the Regenerating Night Gel-Cream. Its unique gel-cream texture melts into the skin, recharging it with moisture and reinvigorating it while you sleep. Wake up to a dewy, soft and supple complexion.

The NIVEA Hydra Skin Effect Boosting Serum ($13.90), Refreshing Day Gel ($19.90) and Regenerating Night Gel-Cream ($20.90), are available at Guardian stores and Guardian.com.sg.