Hyaluronic acid. Don’t let the word “acid” scare you! Hyaluronic acid isn’t harsh, ablative or skin-stripping. It’s the exact opposite – a powerful moisture binding humectant ingredient that keeps skin youthfully plump and hydrated. It is the “fountain of youth” for skin repair.

When analyzing skin before facials in Fort Lauderdale there are certain things that almost always come up “dehydration” due to insufficient or ineffective moisturizers. And dullness of the skin from climate over exposure due to our outdoor lifestyle and ineffective sun protection. To address these recurring skin issues, the best “secret weapon” as far as a daily regimen that I have found is Hyaluronic Acid (HA), also known as Glycosaminoglycan (GAGS). Discovered in 1934 and often called the “goo” or “jelly” molecule, hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring polysaccharide (carbohydrate) in the human body. It’s present in large amounts in the spaces between skin cells, where it provides suppleness to the skin by adding moisture, plumpness, firmness and brightness.

All of us have approximately 15 grams of hyaluronic acid at any given moment in our bodies. We use up or “degrade” about 5 grams daily and our body synthesizes and replaces most of that daily loss. Ever notice how a baby’s skin always looks so beautifully dewy? It’s because babies are born with a high level of hyaluronic acid, which keeps their skin plump and smooth. Unfortunately, the amount of hyaluronic acid in skin starts to diminish around our mid 20’s and most significantly as we approach age 40. As we age our bodies begin to produce half the hyaluronic that we require.

Hyaluronic—the “smart nutrient.”

Research confirms hyaluronic acid’s ability to add and retain moisture, thus plumping up tissue to reduce the look of age-lines, dehydration and wrinkles. It has the unique ability to hold 1,000 times its weight in water. Hyaluronic acid will adjust its moisture absorption rate based on the humidity relative to the season and climate. It is perfect for all skin types, including oily and acne prone skin as well as aging, pigmented and dehydrated skin. Quality hyaluronic acid, is able to penetrate the skin’s upper layers, increasing smoothness and reducing new wrinkle formation, boosting elasticity and hydration. It will nourish healthy skin cell growth, enhance collagen synthesis and promote firm skin tone. Quality hyaluronic acid will protect the skin from UVB rays and the scavenging reactive oxygen species they generate which can lead to hyper-pigmentation (sun-spots).

UR-Beauty Hyaluronic Serum Skin Repair—an Urban Retreat Spa Exclusive.

At Urban Retreat Spa we take our Hyaluronic Acid very seriously. We have partnered with an FDA cleared lab to fine tune our unique UR-Beauty Pure Hyaluronic Serum. Our exclusive formula is pharmaceutical grade and made of a scientifically advanced low molecular weight for superior absorption. When using our exclusive formula, expect results that can be seen in days not months of use.

As the popularity of hyaluronic acid increases, lots of skin care companies are rushing to add it to current products, often using lower grade, thicker gel like versions. Many lower grade non-effective hyaluronic acids are flooding the market. It’s easy to spot lower quality because of the thick gel like consistency and the appearance of “bubbles” which is a sure sign that it is not of a low molecular weight, which can only be achieved with specialized, superior lab equipment and technology. For this reason many skin care companies include it with other ingredients or turn it into a cream or add it to an already existing cream formulation, so the bubbles and thickness of their product is less apparent. Or they include just enough to be able to list it as an ingredient on the label but the quantity is not of a therapeutic amount.

When looking for facials in Fort Lauderdale, turn to the “Evidence Based Skin Care Solutions” offered at Urban Retreat Spa. All of our services include the most researched professional strength skin care products and the purest hyaluronic acid available, thus insuring results. Trust the experts