Under the skin: What therapists say about hyaluronic acid

Hyaluronic acid is a buzzword in skincare at the moment, but what is it and why is it so popular? Should you be using it and will it make a difference? As a key ingredient in Ringwood Hall Hotel and Spa’s Hydra-Cloud Pevonia Facial, Spa Manager Jemma knows what it’s all about and is here to explain what you need to know about hyaluronic acid from a spa therapist perspective.

What is hyaluronic acid?

It's a naturally forming molecule in our skin that helps to hold moisture, but when our skin age reaches around 25 its levels deplete by up to 50%. As we get older those levels keep dropping. It’s a buzz ingredient in the spa and beauty industry because it’s something we can boost topically, stimulating the skin’s natural ability to produce hyaluronic acid but also safely delivering it as well.

What does hyaluronic acid do?

It’s all about retaining moisture in the skin. I think people can be put off because of the name - it sounds a bit aggressive if you don’t know how it functions. All it’s designed to do is attract and retain moisture, so when the skin is hydrated it looks more radiant, smoother, dehydration lines plump out and you have a natural glow.

How do you use it?

It’s always best to use it under a moisturiser. Apply it to clean skin and use it daily before applying serums and creams. A great way to boost its effectiveness is to apply a facial mist on top, and to spritz a little throughout the day to keep hydration levels up, especially if you work in a dry environment.

Do you have a favourite hyaluronic acid product?

I’m a big fan of the Pevonia brand and their Hyaluronic Acid Hydra Serum. Different products have different strengths of active ingredients. Most of the ones off the supermarket shelf have about 0.2% active ingredients, which is a good way to start using the product. However, Pevonia product lines that our therapists recommended tend to have around 10% active ingredients, which leads to faster and more effective results. In spa treatments, the active ingredients are closer to 12%, and facials containing it are recommended every six to eight weeks for best results.

Want more skincare tips and advice from the pros?