Despite its difficult pronunciation and even more difficult spelling, hyaluronic acid is an essential component of your daily skin care regimen. It’s common in serums, sheet masks, and moisturizers. This is due to the fact that HA, a naturally occurring molecule in the skin, binds to water, plumping the face and imparting a dewy, glowing appearance.
And it’s clear that word of its benefits has spread, as it’s one of the most in-demand ingredients in skin-care products. However, hyaluronic acid serves other purposes aside from increasing skin moisture levels.
What exactly is hyaluronic acid?
Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring sugar molecule in the skin that helps water bind to collagen, retaining it within the skin and imparting a plumper, dewier, and more hydrated appearance.
Essentially, hyaluronic acid improves skin hydration, which aids in the preservation of the skin’s youthful, full, and bouncy appearance. The structure of our skin is determined by collagen in our dermis. Natural hyaluronic acid is covalently linked to water molecules on one side and collagen on the other, giving the skin plumpness.
What is the function of hyaluronic acid?
Our collagen and hyaluronic acid levels gradually decline as we age, causing the skin to become increasingly dry. Furthermore, harsh weather, winter heaters, specific skin care products, and underlying skin disorders can cause microscopic tears in the protective skin barrier, allowing water to escape. As a result, implementing a customised skin care regimen that includes moisturising products may be very effective.
Hydrating skin-care ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, glycerin, colloidal oatmeal, urea, propylene glycol, and sorbitol act as humectants, drawing water to the skin to hydrate it.
These chemicals are present in a wide range of products, including moisturisers, eye creams, and serums. Using HA-containing products tightens the skin around the eyes, increases hydration to reduce puffiness, and softens fine wrinkles all over the face. Because of its ease of penetration, hyaluronic acid is effective when applied topically. Our skin is the body’s largest organ, absorbing up to 60% of the nutrients applied to it.
Furthermore, hyaluronic acid’s lightweight, fluid nature, as well as its ability to retain moisture from the environment and deeper dermis to completely hydrate the skin, are advantages.
Who should take advantage of hyaluronic acid?
Hyaluronic acid is beneficial to all skin types. It is generally non-irritating and does not aggravate acne, rosacea, or allergic skin conditions. However, there is a slim chance of experiencing any negative effects.
Individuals with dry and/or older skin will benefit the most from hyaluronic acid application. Because our bodies produce less hyaluronic acid as we age, those of us in our forties and fifties will benefit the most from topically applying it.
Although the term “acid” appears in the name of hyaluronic acid, sensitive skin should not be alarmed; it is completely safe for everyone. Because hyaluronic acid is produced naturally in our bodies, there are no known side effects from its use. If you have an allergic reaction to it or a product containing it, contact your dermatologist right away; the reaction could be caused by another active or inactive ingredient.
Hyaluronic acid that is injectable.
Hyaluronic acid is also available as an injection. Hyaluronic acid is a gel-like substance found in dermal fillers that draws water to replenish volume and restore lost structure after injection. This helps to reduce the overall sunken or drooping appearance of the face while also smoothing the appearance of lines and wrinkles.
These fillers can be used to treat nasolabial folds, marionette lines (vertical folds from the corners of the mouth to the chin), cheek augmentation, chin augmentation, undereyes, lips, and dorsal hands.
Because the quality of fillers varies, it’s critical to discuss your options with your dermatologist to ensure you get the best one for you. A cosmetic physician compares the various types of hyaluronic acid fillers to the various types of paintbrushes. They all contain the same component, but their density, lift-ability, and durability differ depending on the size and arrangement of the molecules.
Furthermore, it is reversible.
It is not permanent simply because it is injected into your face. Because hyaluronic acid dermal fillers are reversible, if you are dissatisfied with the results or if a blood artery is blocked during the injection process, your dermatologist can dissolve the filler quickly using the enzyme hyaluronidase.
The enzyme works quickly; the substance begins to dissolve immediately and is completely destroyed within 24 to 48 hours. Individuals who are allergic to bees, on the other hand, should exercise caution — and consult a dermatologist — before attempting hyaluronidase-based therapy, as the enzyme is found in bee venom.
However, hyaluronic acid fillers are not for everyone.
Except for pregnant women, hyaluronic acid fillers can benefit the vast majority of people. Pregnancy and fillers have not been thoroughly studied, but dermatologists generally avoid injecting pregnant women due to apprehension about the unknown. Additionally, if you have an active skin infection, you should avoid these fillers. Treat the infection first, and then return to your appointment once your dermatologist has cleared you.
If you’re thinking about using hyaluronic fillers, you should be aware of a few minor risks. The most common side effects of any injectable treatment are bruising and swelling. The good news is that these shortfalls are only temporary. Tenderness should go away in a few days.
Blood-thinning medications such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and red wine should be avoided for about a week before treatment to reduce the risk of bruising. Furthermore, substances such as arnica and bromelain may help to reduce swelling and bruising.