What is Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic acid is a glycosaminoglycan component. It occurs naturally in the dermis layer of the skin. yaluronic acid was isolated about sixty years ago from vitreous humor. Its name is derived from the Greek word for glass-Haylos which accurately describes its transparent, glassy appearance. The surface layers of the skin are supported from below by columns of fibers
made up mostly of collagen and elastin. This network of fibers form the molecular sponge known as connective tissue. The space within this sponge is filled with a composition of water, protein complexes and hyaluronic acid. This jelly like complex is necessary for transportation of essential nutrients from the bloodstream, via the capillary network, to the living cells of the skin. Hyaluronic acid can hold up to a thousand times its weight in water, therefore this jelly like substance provides the epidermis with a buoyancy so
common in younger skin. Over time, oxy radical attack, degrade and destroy hyaluronic acid. It has been estimated that by the time a person reaches the age of 50 they have only half as much hyaluronic as they did as a youth.
Hyaluronic acid has excellent water-binding properties and therefore is a natural moisturizer. Hyaluronic acid holds water so tightly it appears to be a gel, which it is not. It is a true liquid and maintains all the properties of a liquid. Hyaluronic acid that is applied to the skin will hold water in much the same way that it holds water in the intercellular matrix of the dermal connective tissue. This water holding ability makes hyaluronic acid an ideal hydrating base and an excellent vehicle for the delivery of other agents to the skin.
Because hyaluronic acid can hold up to a thousand times its weight in water, when applied after microdermabrasion, it is very soothing as well as hydrating.
Similarities and Differences
Cellex-C Hydra 5 B-Complex and Skin Hydration Complex are similar in many ways but they each have some unique differences.
Similarities: both
- Pure hyaluronic acid
- A clear oil-free gel-like substance
- One of the most effective moisturizing agents
- Facilitates better absorption of vitamin C
- Supplements and replaces hyaluronic acid lost through oxy radical attack
- Restores youthful translucency and buoyancy to the skin
Differences:
- Hydra 5 B-Complex contains pantothenic acid as part of the vitamin B complex which has been shown to speed wound healing. Hydra 5 B-Complex was formulated to work with Cellex-C topical vitamin C.
- Skin Hydration Complex contains Proline and Glycine amino acids, which are known to be important for collagen formation. It contains Ellagic Acid found naturally in many fruits and known to suppress lipid per-oxidation,
helping to inhibit the development of age spots. Formulated to work with the Cellex-C advanced products.
Hydrating
As a moisturizer it begins its work beneath the surface of the skin thus acting as a moisturizer barrier under the skin. Therefore, very oily skin does well when using hyaluronic acid as a moisturizer. Dry skin will do
best when the hyaluronic acid is applied along with a moisturizing cream. It can be mixed with the cream or applied first, allowed to dry then add the moisturizing cream. As a general rule, in the first few weeks absorption will be much greater and more is needed more often, especially on very dry skin. As the skin underneath becomes more hydrated and over all skin condition improves, less will be needed. In the beginning it can be used twice a day. As the skin improves once a day in the morning along with the Cellex-C topical vitamin C is sufficient.
Hyaluronic Acid and Wound Care
According to an article in the Skin and Allergy news by Timothy F. Kirm, The Association for the Advancement of Wound Care has been studying the use of Hyaluronic Acid as a wound healing agent and have found that hyaluronic acid
appears to have a positive effect on wound healing as well as soothing inflammatory and collagen remodeling.
