It might seem that we already know everything about hyaluronic acid. However, most women still associate hyaluronic acid only with treatments aimed at filling and enlarging the lips or modelling the contours of the face. Remember that these are the effects that are provided utilizing hyaluronic acid, but they are mainly due to its moisturizing properties, and this is what the following entry is devoted to.
To fully understand the fantastic moisturizing properties of hyaluronic acid, it is important to recall its origins and properties. Referring to the previous post about the properties of smoothing and filling wrinkles with hyaluronic acid, let us recall – hyaluronic acid is a polysaccharide that occurs naturally in human skin and its main property, which we use in aesthetic medicine, is the ability to bind considerable amounts of water molecules. As a result, tissues containing large amounts of this ingredient are better moisturized and toned. Unfortunately, in the process of skin ageing, the amount of hyaluronic acid contained in human skin decreases, which results in sagging and lack of moisture, i.e. visible wrinkles. Medical hyaluronic acid is a synthetic preparation, which significantly reduces the risk of allergic reactions in its operation. Using hyaluronic acid to fight the signs of ageing skin as a moisturizer by injecting it into the deep layers of the skin.
Hyaluronic acid is often called the “elixir of youth” because it stimulates the production of collagen and elastin in the skin, provides the effect of firm, elastic, elastic and taut skin, giving a youthful appearance. Thanks to its building properties, it is also a filler of the extracellular space, protects against mechanical damage, participates in the transport of nutrients to the cartilage.
The unique hygroscopic properties of hyaluronic acid provide a wide range of possibilities for the use of this ingredient in cosmetics. Hyaluronic acid is present in many lotions, creams, masks and toners, after which it creates a protective layer on the skin, preventing it from dehydration. In aesthetic medicine, hyaluronic acid is used in many skin restorations and anti-ageing treatments by injection and inserting it into the deep layers of the skin. Usually, cross-linked hyaluronic acid is used, i.e. one that has undergone chemical modification and the process of creating intermolecular bonds to enable it to be bound into larger sets of molecules – conglomerates. This is to prevent or hinder the activity of a naturally occurring enzyme in the human body – hyaluronidase, which is responsible for the breakdown of hyaluronic acid molecules. Thanks to the cross-linking of hyaluronic acid, we gain the ability to stay longer at the injection site, which makes it much better as a filler and moisturizing substance.
Cross-linked hyaluronic acid can remain in the human body for up to 12 months. This time depends on the natural predispositions of each organism and on external factors such as high temperature (sunbathing, solarium, sauna) or cigarette smoke (active and passive smoking), which significantly reduce the effect of using hyaluronic acid.
Non-crosslinked hyaluronic acid is an ingredient left exactly in the form in which it occurs in the human body, without changing its structure and properties. It gives immediate, spectacular and visible effects of moisturizing and firming the skin, but its action at the injection site is much shorter than that of cross-linked acid, it decomposes much faster in the natural processes in the skin. For this reason, it is used more ad hoc to improve the hydration of the skin in cases where it has become very dry due to, for example, sunlight. It is worth performing such a procedure, for example, after returning from a holiday, when the skin is dehydrated, dry, flabby and less elastic due to increased exposure to the sun.
It is better to prevent than to cure – probably everyone knows this old truth, so it is worth mentioning that it is also valid in the case of using hyaluronic acid. In addition to restoring vitality to the skin of the face, neck or cleavage, improving hydration, firming, we recommend hyaluronic acid as a prophylaxis against signs of ageing skin. It is irreplaceable in protecting the skin against wrinkles and furrows in sensitive areas where the first signs of ageing are visible.
At the Dr. Stachura Clinic, we use a wide range of preparations based on hyaluronic acid. We work on the highest quality formulas.
We invite you to find out more about our offer.