Some of the High-Points of Hyaluronic Acid
- Posted on: Dec 30 2018
Until the development of soft tissue fillers, hyaluronic acid was a carbohydrate molecule that was primarily known only to scientists. Now that millions of people are getting younger-looking faces through tiny injections of hyaluronic acid, we are much more familiar with this organic sugar compound. Perhaps we should say that more people know what the acid is. When we list some of the high-points of hyaluronic acid, even the most avid dermal filler user may be surprised.
What Hyaluronic Acid Does
The action of hyaluronic acid in the body is critical to soft, supple skin, which many people know. Additionally, this molecule can be found in the joints, where it provides cushioning for shock absorption, and in the eyes, where it supports a healthy tear film. What is this action? Hyaluronic acid binds to water molecules. Not just a few, but thousands in a given area.
What Hyaluronic Acid Is
Because Hyaluronic acid holds on to water in the skin, it is:
The Ultimate Hydrator
When hyaluronic acid is introduced via injections beneath the skin, each molecule attractions approximately 1,000 molecules of water. When the two types of molecules bind together, the skin is plumped. This is what makes wrinkles disappear. In the same way that hyaluronic acid hydrates subsurface tissues, it also aids in holding moisture in by adhering to the epidermis when applied topically.
A Protector
Individual particles of hyaluronic acid are too large to penetrate the skin’s surface. However, they adhere to the uppermost layer of tissue, which lends support to the natural protective barrier of the skin. This layer of lipids and cells prevents free radicals and pollutants from causing excessive damage, so it needs to be as strong and consistent as possible. Applying hyaluronic acid along with moisturizing serums and moisturizers builds the quality of the protective barrier to diminish the effects of the outside world.
An Acne-Fighter
For many people with acne-prone skin, dryness is also a problem. When the skin is too dry, either naturally or as a result of harsh chemical substances (eh-hem, benzoyl peroxide!), it produces larger quantities of oil in an attempt to preserve the skin. Too much oil means clogged pores, and that means more breakouts.
Clearer, healthier, younger-looking skin needs the right ingredients, and hyaluronic acid is one we should all demand. To learn more about medical-grade skin care, contact our Manhattan office at 212.391.8600.
Posted in: Dermal Fillers, Skin Care