The road to hydrated skin is paved with Hyaluronic acid!
I’m sure you’ve heard or read about hyaluronic acid but do you know what it is and why it’s so important for your skin during the menopause? Basically, used correctly, it can transform how your skin looks and feels and totally change your skincare routine.
So what exactly is this astonishing acid? In scientific terms it is a group of sugar molecules called polysaccharides that naturally occur in the connective tissues, helping to lubricate and cushion. In everyday language - It has so many amazing benefits and uses in your body, helping to keep things like your joints, moving smoothly, preventing pain and injury.
It is also an amazing humectant, meaning it retains water, apparently capable of binding over one thousand times its weight in water. This helps skin stretch and keeps it flexible.
Hyaluronic acid naturally occurs in our bodies but starts to degrade over time, and can also be affected by things like free radicals, smoking, drinking and pollution, leaving our skin’s moisture levels lacking.
What has this got to do with the menopause? If, like me, you are going through the menopause, then as swell as other symptoms you may be having (aarrggh, pesky hot flushes), dry, sensitive skin, as well as other changes such as acne, are super frustrating. Your skin can suddenly become irritated by the products you’ve always used. As your skin becomes drier, tiny micro-tears can form, allowing moisture to escape and irritants and allergens to enter. This isn’t confined to your face either, your whole body can be drier and become itchy if not properly moisturised. This is a really good reason to avoid harsh exfoliants and overly hot water, which can seriously exacerbate the issue.
The depletion of oestrogen during menopause can cause changes in skin’s elasticity, texture and tone. Oestrogen is also related to the production of collagen (an essential building block of your skin). You lose about 30% of your collagen reserves in the first five years after menopause so building it up as soon as you can is essential in the fight against wrinkles. Taking Vitamin C or applying it topically is essential as it is essential for collagen production.
This is where Hyaluronic acid comes into its own. It’s ability to retain water means your skin maintains its hydration throughout the day. The last few years have seen it become readily available in serums, lotions and creams as it’s a terrific way of increasing your skin’s moisture levels quickly. It has been shown to minimise the signs of aging, plumping and hydrating the skin, making fine lines and wrinkles visibly decrease.
Puremess believe whole-heartedly in the benefits of Hyaluronic acid, not just during menopause, but for all ages (why wait hey!), which is why we’ve used it in our Rejuvenating and Revitalising (let’s not forget the men) Face Creams. We’ve combined it with Tamanu oil which is packed with antioxidants such as Vitamin C, and boosts the production of collagen so your skin gets a double wammy! All of the ingredients work together to promote healthier, happier more supple skin.
Going through the menopause has many challenges, but dry irritated skin doesn’t have to be one of them!