Do Not Buy Any Hyaluronic Acid Serum Until You Read This
"Discover My Hyaluronic Acid Serum Recommendation and How I Saved $86"
Before I share my own recommendation for a hyaluronic acid serum and how I saved $86, I have a short story to tell you about how I first heard about HA.
Japan's "Village of Long Life" And What It Taught Researchers About Anti-Aging
ABC News did a feature story some time ago that I watched about the anti-aging benefits of hyaluronic acid. In the story entitled, "The Village of Long Life: Could Hyaluronic Acid Be an Anti-Aging Remedy?", the focus was on a village in Japan named Yuzuri Hara where people were living a lot longer than average and often had perfect skin way into their 80's and 90's. More than 10% of the population of the village is 85 or older, which is about 10x the average in America.
Studies were conducted on why this was happening and what they found was nothing short than a major breakthrough.
The reason that residents of Yuzuri Hara, known as "The Village of Long Life," live such long and healthy lives is mainly due to the fact that the local diet that is unique to the village features a starchy vegetable which is particularly rich in HA.
Hyaluronic Acid Was the Secret Behind Japan's "Village of Long Life"
Interesting, isn't it?
After I heard about this I started doing more research on hyaluronic acid in serum form and uncovered a few important points.
Hyaluronic acid serums should ALWAYS contain vitamin C.
Why?
These two work together to help the Hyaluronic penetrate the skin effectively. I would avoid any HA cream without any Vitamin C, it will be ineffective compared to creams that contain Vit C.
One of the Better Hyaluronic Acid Serums I Discovered and How I Saved $86
I ran into Cosmetic Skin Solution's Vitamin C 20 AOX+ serum because it was a best-seller on Amazon.
It's based off of Skinceuticals' Serum 20 AOX+ (a $116 serum) but the CSS version is only 1/4th of the price ($30!)- so naturally it appealed to me.
Just by buying the CSS version I saved roughly $86. Both serums have the much the same ingredients (however, I think the Skinceuticals version doesn't even have HA!).
Designed to restore and protect healthy looking skin, lightweight and fast-absorbing serum 20 AOX+ neutralizes free radicals, defends against environmental damage, and helps prevent premature signs of aging.
Here's the main ingredients it uses and what they do:
- Hyaluronic Acid - Prevents premature aging.
- 20% Vitamin C - Works in conjunction with Hyaluronic Acid and provides powerful anti-oxidant properties.
- Ferulic Acid - Fantastic antioxidant and photoprotective (protects the skin against UVB-induced erythema).
Vitamin C 20 AOX+ Serum
Advanced C serum containing Hyaluronic Acid, 20% Vitamin C, and Ferulic Acid
But You Don't Have to Take My Word For It
Here's what a few customers say about the serum.
"I've been using vitamin c based serums for over 5 years now with great results, including a more youthful, toned complexion compared to my peers. I initially used Cellex C, which was somewhat effective but oxidized (turned darker orange in color) relatively quickly. I then moved on to Skinceuticals due to the inclusion of ferulic acid (an antioxidant that also provides photo-protection) in their formula. Unfortunately both Cellex C and Skinceuticals are extremely expensive, almost prohibitively so when using long term and I have been unable to find a viable alternative. Until I decided to try this serum that is.
This serum contains not only the correct form of Vitamin C, at an effective concentration (20%), but also HA and ferulic acid. In addition the product arrived without any hint of discoloration meaning that the serum was fresh, it also appears to maintain its freshness for a longer period of time compared to other serums I have used, although this may just mean that this serum arrives in a fresher state to start with.
The texture and feel on the skin is extremely similar to the Skinceuticals product, which is a good thing, as some other serums (Obagi C serum for instance) are a little too heavy and contain unnecessary added fragrance.
Finally, when factoring in the often dramatic price difference compared to certain other C serums (Skinceuticals for example), choosing this product is a no brainer. Highly recommended."
Jamie Mutley @ Amazon
"This product is amazing. It has become a staple in my skincare routine. I have gotten many compliments since using it! I'm a repeat customer and the serum has gradually improved the appearance of my skin -- diminishing fine lines and wrinkles, smoothing the texture and leaving it feeling supple and looking younger.
As an avid beauty product researcher and writer, I have tried MANY skincare products, many of which cost over $100, and nothing has compared to this serum. I highly recommend it."
Sheryl M. Coonan @ Amazon
"THIS IS A MIRACLE !!!!!!!! MY SKIN IS TRANSFORMED IN 4 DAYS. Severe hyperpigmentation around mouth is already half faded. I added vit C to my face regimen after excellent results with redermic (la roche posay) for eyes- which, BTW made my eye area brighter than rest of my face! Redermic is 5% vit c, and I wanted to go all out. I was advised to start with 10% serum, 15% and then this.
It does sting quite a bit, so moisturize a lot and use a very gentle cleanser, also stay away from other harsh products until your skin is acclimated. DO BUY THIS."
Ambika74 @ MUA
Vitamin C 20 AOX+ Serum
Advanced C serum containing Hyaluronic Acid, 20% Vitamin C, and Ferulic Acid
Some Scientific Info on HA If You're Interested
Lately it seems that the more time I spend researching and studying hyaluronic acid and hyaluronic acid serum, the more appreciation I gain for what a truly AMAZING substance it is.
Today it's pretty much common knowledge that hyaluronic acid or hyaluronan, as it often referred to, is the “primary active component” of some of the most effective moisturizers on the market.
However; are you aware of any of the other vital functions that it plays an active part in? Not just in your skin but all throughout your entire body.
Hyaluronic Acid Molecules are Tiny Enough to Penetrate
Before I get into that though, let me point out one of the most notable aspects of a hyaluronic acid serum. That is that the hyaluronan molecules are small enough to PENETRATE the skins outer protective surface layer.
This is vitally important, due to the fact that your outer most skin layer, the epidermis, contains absolutely no hyaluronan. Nor does it need any. It's the “living cells” in your skins underlying substrate that require it.
However; if you're not the type who likes to wait for cumulative results from surface applications, there are now injectible gel form hyaluronic acid products. These are injected DIRECTLY into wrinkles and skin folds.
Understand that before a product of this type that is injected by syringe can be approved by the FDA, it must be proven both safe and effective. So these injectibles are “proven to work”.
Through my my research of hyaluronan I was quite surprised to learn of the number of various functions that it performs in the skin and just how incredibly complex they tend to be.
Just How Does Hyaluronan Help Your Skin to Hold Moisture?
Of course I've heard hyaluronic acid serum described as being able to INFUSE skin with what amounts to microscopic sponges to retain moisture. But the reality is far more complex than that.
In reality, it functions on a cellular level with living skin tissues to facilitate the production of keratinocyte and retinoic acid. It's these two substances that are so “essential to fluid retention” in normal healthy skin.
Yet one more function of a hyaluronic acid serum is to drive dermal collagen production. You see hyaluronan is a crucial element of certain matrices that collagen is made up of. It combines with peptides to create these vital collagen “building blocks”.
So What Else Can a Hyaluronic Acid Serum Help With?
So now you may be thinking that it pretty much covers all that hyaluronic acid does, just a fraction of an inch below your skins surface. While the fact is, that it's involved in countless more biological processes, all throughout your body.
For instance, you may be interested in knowing that every living cell in muscle connective tissue, such as tendons and cartilage gets a thin “protective coating” of hyaluronic acid. It lubricates them as they pull on muscles.
So what does this mean for the skin on your face? The simple answer, is that the skin on your face is FILLED with tiny muscles and tendons and depriving them of what they need to function correctly will lead to early aging.
Vitamin C 20 AOX+ Serum
Advanced C serum containing Hyaluronic Acid, 20% Vitamin C, and Ferulic Acid
P.S. Remember when you use this serum you're only going to need to use a couple drops. Don't overdo it - your bottle will last a lot longer if you use the recommended amount.
Also if you end up not going with the recommendation I've made be sure you find another product that contains Vit C with HA because these two ingredients work together very well...I wouldn't pass on this tip.
