How to protect your skin in Israel’s extreme weather

Skin care products that contain hyaluronic acid (HA) are squaring up as the face of the future.

By LEO GIOSUÈ

DECEMBER 23, 2018 19:13

Sunrise in the Negev (photo credit: Courtesy) — Sunrise in the Negev

(photo credit: Courtesy)

Israel is experiencing an increase in the frequency of extreme weather events, from storms and cold snaps, to droughts and heat waves. This extreme weather plays havoc with the skin – drying it out in cold weather and causing congestion and sun-damage in the heat. Skin care products that contain hyaluronic acid (HA) are squaring up as the face of the future – HA is a special conditioning ingredient that helps skin adapt to the extremes of climate change.

Next-generation skin care solutions for extreme weather conditions

As weather conditions change, with summers getting longer and hotter, and winters throwing up blizzards and freezing temperatures, the old faithful skin care products of the past may no longer be enough to fight off the damages of extreme heat and cold.

Hyaluronic acid is being touted as the skin care ingredient of the future with good reason. It is a super hydrator that can hold up to 1,000 times its own weight in water. When skin is hydrated, it appears firmer, plumper and has a luminous glow. The ability of the skin to hold so much moisture is key to protecting the skin against the ravages of extreme weather, which is dryness and dehydration, and unbalanced skin clogged with oil and pollutants.

Here’s what you need to know about this super ingredient.

Hyaluronic acid at a glance

Hyaluronic acid occurs in certain food sources as well as in the connective tissues and fluids of the body, with the highest concentrations in the skin. One of its functions is to increase the moisture content of the skin, protect it against environmental factors and promote healing.

Hyaluronic acid for commercial use can be isolated from its sources through chemical processes. In cosmetics, it exists in various formulations: injections, creams, gels, powders and supplements. Since the substance is so good at increasing skin moisture and diminishing fine lines and wrinkles, in cosmetics, it is most often used for the treatment of age-related changes, and general skin and wound care.

Not only is hyaluronic acid the most effective way to hydrate, but most products are suited to all types of skin: dry, oily and normal. It is also considered safe with no toxic effects except for a few isolated cases off irritation, tingling and bruising.

This is how you can, and should, be adding it to your skin care regimen.

The benefits of hyaluronic acid in cosmetics

Hyaluronic acid is used not only as a skin-conditioning agent, but also to increase the viscosity of cosmetic solutions. Used in Avon’s Nutraeffects Hydration Day Cream Broad Spectrum SPF 15, it boosts the barrier function of the skin which helps to protect against the dehydrating effects of wind, dry air, and cold. It’s especially effective for dry, rough and flaky skin with hydration lasting for an impressive 48 hours. With Avon’s Anew Hydra Fusion Gel Cream hydrations lasts for up to 72 hours and is hypoallergenic and both dermatologist and allergy tested, which makes it an effective product for sensitive skin.

Hyaluronic acid in the form of sodium hyaluronate is one of the active ingredients in Avon’s Anew Power Serum which detects and repairs damaged skin. This makes it an ideal anti-aging skin care product that firms and smooths the face and is then followed by a moisturizer.

Avon’s Anew Clinical Extra Strength Retexturizing Peel also contains sodium hyaluronate. This highly concentrated peel can be used at home to re-texturize and resurface the skin. As a complex of five acids, it has several benefits including giving the skin a smooth and brighter look, and minimizing the appearance of marks like fine lines, post-acne scars, and sunspots.