PLUMPING – HYDRATING – BARRIER PROTECTING – GLOW!! All that from one ingredient???
It’s a buzzword – some people absolutely insist that it’s in their skincare – even if they don’t know why!! It’s a plumping, fine line-filling, hydrating superstar!
So I kinda figured out this thing – what we need for our skin basically boils down to three things: hydration, nourishment and protection.
All the good things, all the fabulous active ingredients that help/heal/promote collagen formation/feed the cells or the microbiome – the chemicals that accomplish these tasks can be considered nourishing.
The molecules that hold water (“humectants” – which are described as “hygroscopic”) and waters themselves – these are hydrating. Only water can hydrate.
When a raw material protects or reinforce skin’s structural proteins, protect cells from UV damage (NOT sunscreen), heal damage, form a protective film or provide components to the outer layers of the skin’s matrix, or otherwise shield from environmental damage – these would be protecting.
I decided for an ingredient to be worthy for a High Tea formula, it MUST accomplish at least one of those tasks in spectacular fashion, but preferably two or more. The best ingredients will either accomplish all three tasks, or they are the best at the one(s) that they do accomplish.
Let’s take hyaluronic acid! It comes in several “weights,” so let’s consider low molecular weight HA (LMW-HA). It stimulates collagen synthesis, holds 1000x its weight in water – therefore plumps skin and holds onto hydration – and it fills in fine lines and wrinkles due to that plumping action. Therefore, it hydrates amazingly well, and by stimulating the production of our most important structural protein, protects, too. High molecular weight (HMW-HA) sits on the skin’s surface, reinforcing its outer layer and providing a sealing effect while working in harmony with our protective acid mantle. HMW-HA also holds onto water but much closer to the surface, so it increases plumpness and radiance. It is hydrating and protective in a different way! HA is a chemical produced by our own skin, but its production decreases with age. Supplementing our skin with a variety of weights of HA is a great way to fight the signs of aging.
High Tea’s natural skincare products use 3 different weights of HA. Luscious face cream contains the highest molecular weight variety, and both our Exquisite & Quench serums contain low molecular weight and ultra-low molecular weight HA. It’s a simple polysaccharide that your body already makes, but as we age (particularly after 30), HA production decreases, and supplementing by applying it right on our skin absolutely works!
Stay tuned for more ingredient spotlights, where I will explain why I chose specific ingredients and how they can help HYDRATE, NOURISH and PROTECT your skin!
Until next time – drink your water – and be sure your skincare HYDRATES – NOURISHES – PROTECTS!
~ MARIKA
