The benefits of hyaluronic acid and turmeric are being increasingly studied for their effectiveness in hydrating and protecting skin. Taking a closer look at the role that they play in nature and in the body, explains why.
Hyaluronic acid, also called hyaluronan, is distributed widely throughout our bodies’ connective, muscle and neural tissues. In fact, the average person is believed to have roughly 15 grams of hyaluronan in the body—a third of which, is constantly being regenerated.
How does hyaluronic acid work its magic for the skin?
We all know that loss of moisture is one of the primary symptoms—and causes—of skin ageing. Youthful skin more easily retains a balance of moisture, but as we age, our skin loses this ability. This results in a loss of plumpness, suppleness and vitality. The drier or rougher cells also reflect light less easily than smoother cells so, besides fine lines and wrinkles, our complexion looks ‘duller’.
To look youthful, our skin needs to be able to retain its moisture and stay balanced. This is where hyaluronic acid comes into its own. As the chief glycosaminoglycan (a natural substance that supports the skin’s life and structure), hyaluronic acid works to keep every aspect of skin protected, balanced and renewed. It is also able to attract and hold vast amounts of moisture. The overall effect of hyaluronic acid in a topical cream is to both retain the moisture that skin needs to look young, and also revitalize skin’s outer layers so that it looks and feels softer and smoother.
Nature’s natural filler
These two results combined, are what makes hyaluronic acid one of nature’s superfoods to nourish our skin and instantly improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles—it behaves like a natural filler. The fact that hyaluronic acid is naturally occurring in human beings also means that it is a super safe cosmetic ingredient because our bodies know it and can process it. This property explains how the results can be dramatic, yet the effect is extremely gentle, making it suitable and soothing for sensitive, delicate or distressed skin, as well as for normal skin.
What does turmeric do that’s so special?
The active ingredient in turmeric is the plant extract curcumin—scientific name: diferuloylmethane—a crystalline compound, which gives the east Asian spice its bright yellow colour. Turmeric’s medicinal properties have been recognised and used in many countries and cultures throughout the world, for thousands of years. Now, peer reviewed research backs up its long list of claims and uses. From food use, through to medicinal applications in cancer treatments, traditional herbal medicine, and as a cure for any manner of ailments in Ayurveda.
Topical administration of curcumin can directly deliver it to the affected tissue, making it useful in treating skin-related disorders and inflammation. However, until now, the practical usefulness of turmeric in being topically applied was limited. Innovative advances in formulations by brands, such as Kinvara Skincare in their Hyaluronic Youth Boost, means that the benefits are now more-readily accessible (largely due to better means of extracting the turmeric active).
How turmeric potentially increases antioxidant capacity in the body
The past few decades have witnessed intense research devoted to the antioxidant properties of curcumin. As a potent antioxidant, the anti-inflammatory effect of curcumin is its ability to inhibit COX-2, LOX, iNOS, according to a study available on the U.S. National Library of Medicine. One specific example cites its effect on a dangerous molecule that travels into the very centre of a cell and triggers genes that cause inflammation. Curcumin is believed to block this molecule and therefore interrupts the process of inflammation. In addition, another study reports on curcumin’s ability to support the activity of the body’s odwn antioxidant deferneces. Clearly, it makes sense to use curcumin to look after ourselves.
Amazing apart, unbeatable together
Adding both hyaluronic acid and turmeric to your skincare routine will help to target signs of ageing in a natural and skin-supportive way. Together, they are something great for our skin that nature naturally provides.
This article was provided by Kinvara Skincare, the makers of natural, luxurious skincare. Visit: https://www.kinvaraskincare.com/
