Hyaluronic acid is a very popular ingredient in cosmetics today. Advertisers praise it excitedly and present it as one of the most versatile substances. They say the acid can do everything, from moisturizing to reducing wrinkles. Is it really so? Or is hyaluronic acid another marketing trick?
What Is HyaluronicAcid
Hyaluronic acid is naturally present in our body, and especially in the skin tissues. Its function is to maintain the action of elastin and collagen, though the amount of hyaluronic acid, just as of these two substances, is being depleted with age. Hyaluronic acid got its name from two words: the Greek word «hyalos», which is translated as “glass” (externally, hyaluronic acid really looks like a glassy substance and has a very nice gloss) and the word «uronic», which names uronic acids with sugars, that are also contained in hyaluronic acid.
What Is Hyaluronic Acid Made of?
Hyaluronic acid, which is used in cosmetics, can be obtained in two ways: most often it is a natural connection, but sometimes it is produced by chemical means. However, no matter what the origin of a hyaluronic acid is, it is non-toxic and therefore suitable for all skin types; it does not cause irritation and allergies.
Moisturizing the Skin with Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic acid is a great moisturizing component, since it can draw water from the environment and deliver it to the skin. In addition, it reduces moisture loss by constantly maintaining a good level of moisture in the skin. Hyaluronic acid is superior to even such recognized moisturizing agents as glycerol and urea. Firstly, because it holds 1000 times more water than its weight. And secondly, it works well in both high and low humidity.
The ability to retain moisture helps to “inflate” the skin, concealing wrinkles and sagging. The problem is that hyaluronic acid does not penetrate deep into the skin, it remains only in the upper layers of the epidermis. Hyaluronic acid molecules are too large to pass through the stratum corneum of the epidermis. Therefore it is necessary to rely only on the moisturizing effect of creams with hyaluronic acid, and such a composition will not be effective while fighting wrinkles. It is impossible except the cases, when hyaluronic acid is delivered deep into the skin, and it can be realized only with the help of hyaluronic acid injections.
Anti-Age Creams
A useful tip: If you are looking for an anti-age cream to smooth and prevent wrinkles, it should contain retinoids. However, remember that retinoids “work” at night and stimulate the action of sunlight. They should not be included into day creams. And if you choose the cream with retinoids, do not expect instant results. They need a lot of time to produce their rejuvenating effect.
Does Hyaluronic Acid Treat Skin Irritations?
We will have to disappoint those, who believe that hyaluronic acid is able to soothe skin and remove skin irritations. Scientists agree that hyaluronic acid may have such properties, however, there have been no specific studies about what concentrations are able to remove irritation. But using it as an addition to some other product is quite possible.
Hyaluronic Acid Fillers
Hyaluronic acid has become a popular ingredient in fillers. Here one uses its properties of inflating the skin and smoothing it, when the skin is filled with moisture. It is clear that this effect is manifested only in places, where injections are made.
Consequences of Hyaluronic Acid Injections
You might have seen the capsules of the most famous fillers in salons. The disadvantage of injections is that, like any other intervention, they may have negative consequences. Although by itself, hyaluronic acid is not harmful to the body.
Results of Hyaluronic Acid Injections
But the results may differ from what you wish to have. And you should be warned about it. So look for a qualified surgeon and consult a dermatologist. Then you might get a result like Angelina Jolie, the famous fan of hyaluronic acid injections.
How Often Do You Need to Make Hyaluronic Acid Injections?
There is another drawback in the fact that any injection needs a certain period of rehabilitation, that is why the face may have swelling or irritations at first. And every 5-12 months, you will have to make some more hyaluronic acid injections (and they are not cheap!), because the effect of the drug usually ends during this period.
