If you've followed skincare trends at all lately, you've likely noticed that hyaluronic acid is everywhere. But what is hyaluronic acid? Why is it suddenly such a popular ingredient? Is it legit?
What is Hyaluronic Acid?
Let’s explore the many benefits of hyaluronic acid, including when and where it’s most beneficial to your skin rejuvenation goals.
Hyaluronic acid is a natural substance found in the body that helps to attract and retain moisture in order to keep skin looking young and healthy. It acts as a moisture magnet, drawing water to the area for hydration and healing. Hyaluronic acid breaks down and is replenished by the body, but as we age, we no longer produce hyaluronic acid as quickly to replenish what we lose. This leads to facial volume loss, skin sagging, wrinkles and folds, and dehydrated skin.
As hyaluronic acid has been identified as an ingredient essential to healthy skin and a youthful appearance, it’s added to topical products and professional injectable treatments. As it is naturally occurring, it is considered to be a safe and effective skincare ingredient.
Hyaluronic Acid Injectable Fillers
Professional injectable treatments with hyaluronic acid, such as Juvederm and Revanesse Versa, work by restoring lost facial volume and filling in wrinkles and lines from the inside out. This provides an immediate wrinkle reduction, as well as long-term results that can last for months or even years. Hyaluronic acid addresses and restores facial volume in multiple areas of the face and neck, including:
- Cheeks
- Chin
- Lips
- Marionette lines
- Nasolabial folds
- Temples
- Under eyes
Hyaluronic acid dermal fillers used here at Destin Botox Laser and Facial Aesthetics are FDA-cleared to restore lost facial volume, improve facial contours, and enhance lips and cheeks.
How Hyaluronic Acid in Skincare Works
Topical hyaluronic acid products work by penetrating the skin and hydrating from within. This helps to plump up the skin, reduce the appearance of wrinkles and lines, and give the complexion a more youthful appearance. It helps to hydrate dehydrated skin and can be found in products designed for extremely dry, cracked skin.
Products Containing Hyaluronic Acid That Really Work
At Destin Botox Laser and Facial Aesthetics, we advise our clients on the right skincare products. What is most beneficial for you isn’t necessarily going to be beneficial for someone else, which is why it’s important to have your skin evaluated by a professional who can guide you on the best skin care regimen.
That being said, some of our favorite medical-grade skin care products contain hyaluronic acid, including the SkinMedica HA5 Rejuvenating Hydrator and HA5 Smooth and Plump Lip System. Both products offer proven hydration, anti-aging, plumping, and smoothing.
It’s a good idea to be wary of any product containing hyaluronic acid that isn’t vetted and recommended by a skincare professional. If the product is over-the-counter, check the labeling and look into reviews of the products to make sure the hyaluronic acid will offer beneficial outcomes for your skin.
Is it Safe?
Since hyaluronic acid is naturally occurring in the body, there’s very little risk of side effects when used as directed. There are some rare exceptions to this, however, as hyaluronic acid may interact with some medications and vitamins. It’s important to give your provider a full health history before receiving hyaluronic acid filler injections.
Most hyaluronic acid fillers also contain other ingredients, including lidocaine as a local anesthetic. If you’re allergic to lidocaine, or you’ve ever reacted to a dermal filler treatment, you will want to discuss your options with your aesthetic provider.
How is Hyaluronic Acid Different From Collagen?
Hyaluronic acid and collagen are two of the most popular skincare ingredients. Though they have some similarities, hyaluronic acid and collagen offer different benefits to the skin.
Collagen is a protein that helps to provide structural support to the skin. Think of it like scaffolding holding your skin up. As we age, our bodies produce less collagen, which can lead to wrinkles, lines, and sagging skin. Topical products containing collagen are not proven to be beneficial, as collagen molecules are too large to penetrate the skin, and injectable collagen has been shown to cause more adverse reactions than hyaluronic acid fillers. Some types of fillers, however, can stimulate collagen growth beneath the skin, as well as PDO Threads and microneedling.
Hyaluronic acid is a glycosaminoglycan (a type of sugar molecule) that helps to bind water molecules in the skin. This provides hydration and moisture, as well as volume loss correction. Hyaluronic acid also helps to improve cell communication, resulting in a brighter complexion with fewer wrinkles and fine lines.
Though both hyaluronic acid and collagen are beneficial for the skin, hyaluronic acid is considered more effective for reducing wrinkles and lines, while collagen is better at restoring certain types of volume loss. They can be combined for even better results, depending on your needs.
Hyaluronic Acid is Used in Other Ways, Too
According to the Cleveland Clinic, Hyaluronic Acid is also beneficial for healthy joints and eyes, and it’s included in some oral supplements, eye drops, and even as an inhaled treatment for asthma! In fact, according to their website, oral hyaluronic acid supplements are also beneficial for skin health, and scientists are still studying ways in which hyaluronic acid can improve your overall health.
Contact Us for Topical & Injectable Hyaluronic Acid in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida
If you’re struggling with wrinkles, dehydrated skin, loss of facial volume, or loose, sagging skin, contact our aesthetic experts at Destin Botox Laser and Facial Aesthetics in Santa Rosa Beach, FL. We will assess your skin, discuss your goals, and develop a treatment plan based on your unique needs.
Schedule your consultation. We can’t wait to meet you!
