Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance in the human body that plays a crucial role in maintaining moisture levels in the skin, joints, and eyes. It is a type of sugar molecule that is able to hold up to 1000 times its weight in water, making it a powerful hydrating agent.

Hyaluronic acid has become a popular ingredient in skincare products due to its exceptional hydrating and anti-aging properties. As we age, the natural production of hyaluronic acid in our skin decreases, leading to dryness, fine lines, and loss of elasticity. By incorporating hyaluronic acid into skincare routines, these issues can be effectively addressed.

One of the key benefits of hyaluronic acid in skincare is its ability to attract and retain moisture in the skin. It acts as a humectant, drawing water from the environment and deeper layers of the skin to keep it hydrated and plump. This helps to improve the skin’s texture, reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and create a more youthful and radiant complexion.

Hyaluronic acid is also gentle and suitable for all skin types, making it a versatile ingredient in skincare products. Whether you have dry, oily, sensitive, or combination skin, hyaluronic acid can help to balance moisture levels and improve overall skin health.

Additionally, hyaluronic acid has antioxidant properties that help to protect the skin from environmental damage and free radicals. It can also promote collagen production, which is essential for maintaining skin elasticity and firmness.

In addition to its benefits for the skin, hyaluronic acid is also used in joint health supplements to help lubricate and cushion the joints, reducing pain and stiffness. It is commonly used in eye drops to help lubricate and hydrate the eyes, especially for those suffering from dry eye syndrome.

There are different types of hyaluronic acid that are used in skincare and medical treatments. These types vary in terms of their molecular weight, which can affect their penetration and effectiveness in the skin.

• High molecular weight hyaluronic acid: This type of hyaluronic acid has larger molecules, which form a protective barrier on the skin’s surface to lock in moisture. It is often used in moisturizers and creams to hydrate and plump the skin.
• Low molecular weight hyaluronic acid: This type of hyaluronic acid has smaller molecules that can penetrate deeper into the skin. It is more easily absorbed and can help to hydrate the deeper layers of the skin, improving skin elasticity and firmness.
• Cross-linked hyaluronic acid: This type of hyaluronic acid is modified to form a gel-like substance that is used in dermal fillers to add volume and structure to the skin. It is commonly used in cosmetic procedures to fill in wrinkles, fine lines, and add contour to the face.
• Sodium hyaluronate: This is a salt form of hyaluronic acid that is often used in skincare products due to its stability and ability to retain moisture. It has a smaller molecular size than hyaluronic acid, allowing it to penetrate deeper into the skin and provide long-lasting hydration.

Each type of hyaluronic acid has its own unique properties and benefits, depending on the desired skincare or medical outcome. It is important to choose the right type of hyaluronic acid based on your specific needs and concerns to maximize its effectiveness.

Hyaluronic acid is a versatile and effective ingredient that offers numerous benefits for not only the skin, but our bodies, joints, and eyes. Its ability to retain moisture and improve hydration levels makes it a valuable addition to any skincare routine.

In this text I go over the positive and negative effects that caffeine; primarily from coffee, has on our health, beauty and skin. I explain why and how coffee can impact our skin, and how to make it as healthy habit as possible.

Coffee, the most of sourceful of caffeine drinks, has long been debated in the context of health and beauty. While coffee might have a positive effect on our overall health, it could potentially harm our skin, and contribute to premature photo aging. On the other hand. Coffee is packed with antioxidants, heroes for longevity. Though, there seems to be a way to enjoy coffee, without having to worry about the negative aspect, and it’s spelled re-hydrate.

Coffee has been linked to positive effects on our mental health as well as physical health and weight. A recent, extensive Harvard study have shown that coffee may offer a protection against Parkinson’s disease, diabetes, somewhat surprisingly heart attacks and stroke, among other health conditions and diseases. Other studies have shown a link between drinking coffee and weight loss, suggesting that coffee drinkers are more successful (then non-coffee drinkers) when trying to loose weight, as well as when maintaining a weight loss.

However, coffee can unfortunately have negative effects on our skin and overall beauty appearance. It is worth mentioning here that our skin is our largest organ. It is definitely our most visible organ, and its a huge contributor to how our age and beauty is perceived through ourselves and through others.

Caffeine has a slight dehydrating property. This means that the more coffee we drink, the more water we lose in our bodies. Water is a huge factor in the overall physical health, and our skin needs it for various reasons in its constant replenishing efforts. Dehydration generally makes our skin look dull and sunken in, tired and older. Long term dehydration affects our cell renewal and collagen building process. However, dermatologist and skin care enthusiast Doctor Dray, says that the dietetic properties in caffeine that makes us dehydrated, are extremely mild. Caffeine in skin care, usually eye care products, work because caffeine can temporarily reduce blood flow when applied topically. That’s why caffeine can work temporarily, for dark circles under our eyes.

Coffee can trigger acne and skin irritation, like rosacea. This might be more prone to people that are more sensitive to the effects of caffeine; individuals who can’t drink too much coffee without getting stressed or anxious. How our mind feels, will also reflect on our skin. Stress is a contributor to acne. Coffee is acidic and can potentially disrupt the skin’s pH balance. pH balance is crucial for a healthy skin, and a disrupted pH balance is likely to cause breakouts.

Luckily, caffeine drinks like coffee and green tea, are rich in antioxidants, which helps protect us from premature aging and skin damage through free radicals. A lot of foods, usually referred to as super foods, are high in concentration of antioxidants. But even coffee, from a good bean, can boost us with antioxidants.

The way to drink coffee without getting the negative effects that comes with dehydration, is simply to rehydrate extensively. Suggestively, for every cup of coffee, drink two cups of water. Whether caffeine has extensive dehydrating effects or not, most of us will benefit from increasing our daily water intake. It is also important that the coffee consumption is adapted to your body, and your response on caffeine. The total caffeine intake per day shouldn’t exceed 400 mg, which is equal to around 4 cups of coffee (not Starbucks size). A cup of black tea has around 40 mg of caffeine, and green tea, is around 25 mg caffeine.

If you find a balances way to drink coffee, without excessive stress, a balanced sleep, and of course a good rehydration scheme. Then you can enjoy coffee and tea, while staying on top of your health, beauty and longevity game.

In this text I discuss the potential benefits of Red Light Therapy, what the science says, and whether it’s worth it to invest in your own RLT device.

In recent years, Red Light Therapy; RLT have increased in popularity. More and more skin care, as well as body health brands are now offering their own Red Light Therapy device. Skin care brands are most commonly offering therapeutic tools in the form of a face mask. The prices vary, and spending more than a few 100 dollars on a device, might spark skepticism. Is is a hype or is it actually making a difference? Are there any risks?

Red Light Therapy is a therapeutic technique that uses low level wavelengths of (not so surprisingly) red light to treat skin conditions such as wrinkles and psoriasis. Scientifically, RLT is referred to as photobiomodulation, among various other terms. The potential positive effects on skin and hair growth was accidentally discovered already in 1967, by a scientist in Hungary. Ever after, it’s been studied, amongst others by NASA, for its health benefits and beautifying traits.

How does it work? Red light devices should operate at low wavelengths. Red light does not generate heat at the low wavelengths, but does penetrate the skin 1-2 millimeters. When the light penetrates the skin, it might create a positive effect of cells, by strengthening the mitochondria. The mitochondria is where the cells energy is created. Red Light can increase the transportation of electrons and oxygen consumption. Mostly by increasing the mitochondria where energy is created, scientists believe that cells intensify in the efficiency, repair and rejuvenate themselves better.

Consistency is Key: While red light therapy offers promising benefits for the skin, it’s important to note that results may not be immediate. Consistency in treatment is essential. This is why the benefits of red light therapy really comes when you incorporate red light therapy into your skincare routines. For example, using it several times a week for an extended period 10-20 minutes, to see noticeable improvements.

Safety Considerations: Red light therapy is generally considered safe for most skin types and tones. It does not emit harmful UV rays, making it a safer alternative to tanning beds or excessive sun exposure. However, it’s crucial to follow manufacturer instructions and consult a healthcare professional if you have any concerns or underlying skin conditions.

In conclusion, red light therapy represents a fascinating intersection of science and skincare, offering a non-invasive and holistic approach to improving skin health and appearance. As research continues to unveil its potential, it is likely that this therapy will continue to gain prominence in the ever-expanding world of skincare and wellness.

In this text I explain the differences between two common cosmetic grade acid types, and which one to use depending on skin concern.

Most of us beauty connoisseurs know that one of the quickest ways to a radiant, smooth skin is spelled A C I D.

While some should not be used without an appropriate amount of planning and preparation (like getting a TCA medical grade peeling from your dermatologist) others can be used with less caution. The later doesn’t mean that they can be used excessively without consequences, or that they can’t harm your skin. It does mean however, that they are sold over the counter and manufactured as safe skin care in any drug store or even grocery store nowadays. Not to mention as promising ingredients in our beloved world of cosmetic skin care in all price ranges; AHA acid, and Salicylic Acid (a form of BHA acid). These acids are relatively safe to use, meaning they won’t risk to cause a huge damage to your skin. However, using them wrong, and overuse of them, causes an irritated, unhappy skin with a damaged barrier. Using them right, over time, can make small wonders for your skin. So let’s learn all about them.

AHA:

Alpha Hydroxy Acid, is an acid that occurs naturally, and originally was derived from sugar cane. Today, its mostly produced with acids from a synthesized labratory production. Various forms of AHA include Glycolic Acid, Lactic Acid and Mandelic Acid.

AHA acids, in its various forms, is shown to exfoliate the skin, and increase the shedding of dead surface skin cells. Glycolic Acids, is the AHA with smallest molecules. This means that it can go the deepest in the skin (of all the AHA), and therefore be the most effective one. AHA acids are water soluble, but not oil soluble. Simplified, the AHA acids can’t solve oil, such as build up sebum; the oil substance our skin naturally produces.

AHA acids are shown to stimulate collagen production, and by working on the surface layer of our skin, this acid, when used over time, can help fade hyperpigmentation, as well as restore moisture and plumpness.

Alpa Hydroxy Acid chain

BHA:

Beta Hydroxy Acid, as well occurs naturally in the nature, but mostly lab made these days. The most common form of BHA is Salisylic Acid; SA.

BHA’s are oil soulable, meaning that, contrary they can solve oil, which make them, and hat they can be used for, a lot different then the AHA’s. The Salisylic Acid particularly, is an oil loving acid. This means that the SA will be attracted to the oilier parts of the skin, going down to the pores and work on buildups to prevent clogged pores, blackheads and acne.

The BHA acids works to not only clear pores and keep our oil levels (sebum) in order, they can also help minimize the appearance of pores. Due to these factors, BHA have anti inflammatory and anti bacterial properties.

Beta Hydroxy Acid chain

So, which acid will work best for you?

The good news is that if you have a normal, combination or oily skin type, these acids can be used simultaneously, if you’re cycling your skin care routine.

An AHA will work on the surface of your skin, and is great to use in the form of a chemical peel mask, or in a toner, or even a moisturizer. This will help you get rid of excess dead skin cells, work on your complexion and moisture levels. Exfoliating your skin from already dead cells will help your skin to absorb more of the nurturing and hydrating ingredients of the other skin care you applying. AHA is therefore a good acid to use for a young face, as well as a more mature skin, suffering from dryness and in need of plumpness and glow.

A BHA acid, commonly the SA, on the other hand, will not be suitable for a dry skin, or a mature skin needing of hydration. We do not need to remove oils from a skin that is balanced, and overuse of any BHA in this case, can lead to an unwanted overproduction of sebum. A BHA is therefore best to use for a skin, that is too oily, or have skin concerns such as acne, excessive oil, clogged and enlarged pores. Using for instance a SA cleanser or toner, can help clear those oil levels and pores, for a finer, clear skin, with decreased breakouts and excessive oil.

So, to summarize, for a dewy, healthy hydrated and clear skin. If you have dryness, a mature skin, use only the AHA acids. If you have excessive oil, breakouts, or enlarged pores, use BHA acids. If your skin is a combination, use both, and don’t forget to hydrate and nurture your skin as a part of your routine.