Hyaluronic acid for the face: effectiveness, pros and cons, how to apply

What is Hyaluronic Acid

hyaluronic acid is the most important component of the human body, including connective tissue and intercellular dermal substance (matrix) – it is in the skin that up to 50% of the substance is located. Thanks to its unique properties, in particular its high biocompatibility and hydrophilicity, hyaluron has found wide application in medicine and cosmetology.

Its main feature is to maintain the hydrobalance of tissues at an optimal level. Due to the high molecular weight, hyaluronate, like a sponge, absorbs moisture from the atmosphere 2000 times higher than its own weight and does not allow it to evaporate. Each molecule of hyaluronic acid attracts and holds 100 to 500 water molecules.

For the first time, the substance was discovered in the form of a polysaccharide, characterized by a very high molecular weight. It was discovered by the German biochemist Karl Mayer while working in an eye clinic in 1934, by isolating hyaluronic acid in the vitreous body of a cow’s eye. Since then, numerous scientific studies have proven the high efficiency of the component and its safety in use.

Types of hyaluronic acid for the skin

At first, hyaluronate was of animal origin – it was extracted from cockscombs and bovine cartilage tissue. Modern production methods imply a synthesized method of a substance by fermentation of cereals and bacteria, as the most humane and suitable on an industrial scale.

There are two types of hyaluronic acid for the face used in cosmetics: high molecular weight и low molecular weight. We will analyze their differences, methods of application and tell you which one to choose as part of a daily care product.

• High-molecular hyaluron for the face acts directly on the surface of the epidermis, creates a hydrolipidic film on it, softens dead cells, reduces skin flaking, and restores water balance. It has a quick moisturizing effect, smoothes dehydration creases, prevents premature aging and can be used in formulas for young skin from the age of 18.
• Low molecular weight (fragmented) hyaluronic acid has the ability to penetrate into the dermal layers of the skin, prevents transepidermal moisture loss by cells, and has a pronounced and stable moisturizing and smoothing effect. Creates antioxidant protection, restores the reserves of its own hyaluronic acid, has a rejuvenating effect and is suitable for mature skin.

What does hyaluronic acid do to the skin of the face: benefits and harms

The beneficial properties of hyaluronic acid for the skin are not limited to moisturizing alone. We will analyze how the substance affects the skin and what problems it is most often used to solve.

• Intensely hydrates and softens tissues.
• Creates a protective moisture-retaining mantle on the surface of the epidermis, prevents the evaporation of moisture from the cells and protects against aggressive external factors.
• Increases elasticity, density, firmness of the skin.
• It has an antioxidant effect, prevents oxidative stress of cells.
• Smoothes wrinkles and lines of dehydration.
• It helps to replenish the synthesis of collagen and elastin, which slows down after 25 years due to a decrease in the production of natural hyaluronic acid.
• Stimulates the regeneration of skin cells and promotes its renewal.
• Slows down the processes of premature aging.

Can hyaluron be harmful?

Hyaluronic acid is harmless to the skin. The substance is a natural component of the human body and is safe both for external use and as subcutaneous injections. Pay attention to what the product consists of – auxiliary components, such as parabens, preservatives, synthetic fragrances or dyes, can cause harm to the skin.

How hyaluronic acid is used in cosmetics: a review of the best La Roche-Posay products

Hyaluronic acid is found in products for different skin types and meets different skin needs. You can meet the component both in basic creams and in patches for the area around the eyes. It is important to bear in mind that the substance in the composition of washing products will not give the expected result, since hyaluronate acts only with prolonged contact with the skin, and cleansers require rinsing with water.

Let’s analyze what types of cosmetic products with hyaluronic acid are:

• day and night creams for the neck and face;
• tonics and lotions;
• highly concentrated serums;
• light gels and fluids;
• masks for intensive hydration and nutrition;
• sunscreen means;
• patches for eyes and lips;
• lip balms and lipsticks;
• masks and balms for hair and scalp;
• body and hand creams.

How to choose effective facial cosmetics with hyaluronic acid

Want to hydrate your skin and slow down the aging process? Then use highly concentrated targeted products. Serum Hyalu B5 will help solve both problems at once – it protects against dehydration and corrects visible signs of age. The combination of vitamin B5 and two types of hyaluronic acid creates a film on the surface of the skin that prevents transepidermal moisture loss, restores tissues, restores natural radiance and softness to the skin. Madecassoside at the heart of the formula stimulates the production of collagen, helps to reduce wrinkles, gives the skin firmness and elasticity.

Also suitable for intensive and long-lasting moisturizing. Hydraphase products from La Roche-Posay : products for different skin types not only effectively combat dryness, dehydration of the skin, but also reduce its sensitivity, soothe, return her feeling of comfort.

How to Choose Moisturizers for Different Skin Needs

• Rich creamy textures are suitable for dry and sensitive, as well as dehydrated skin. The composition of such funds may also include nourishing, softening the epidermis oils and soothing components.
• For dehydrated sensitive combination skin, choose non-comedogenic fluid textures without oil fraction.
• For eyelid care, choose light cream-gel textures of products tested under ophthalmological control to avoid allergic reactions.
• To quickly restore dehydrated skin, use masks based on hyaluronic acid, which deeply moisturize and soften the epidermis. Such masks are suitable for mature skin care, have an additional rejuvenating effect and are effective against wrinkles.

What ingredients does hyaluronic acid work well with?

Hyaluronate is found not only in the composition of products for dry skin. There is an opinion that the level of hydration of the epidermis directly depends on the concentration of hyaluronic acid for the skin at the base of the cosmetic formula. This is a myth, since the content of the substance usually varies from 1 to 5% of the composition and this is quite enough for effective moisturizing.

To enhance the moisturizing effect of the use of the product will help hygroscopic components in the composition, for example, glycerin, thermal water. Together with collagen, hyaluronic acid improves turgor and restores skin tone, noticeably tightens the oval of the face, which is why it is often found in the basis of anti-aging formulas. Vegetable oils at the base of the formula have an additional nourishing and softening effect, for example, to get rid of severe dry skin, it is recommended to smear hands with a cream based on hyaluronic acid, olive oil or shea butter.

What is hyaluronic acid used for in cosmetics?

Starting from the age of 21, the production of natural hyaluronic acid in the body decreases, and by the age of 50, the synthesis of the substance is halved. At the same time, the skin condition changes: wrinkles become noticeable, the skin loses firmness and elasticity, tissues begin to sag and gravitational ptosis appears. To prevent such changes, there are a number of salon procedures based on hyaluronic acid for the face, which provide a quick visible result.

• Mesotherapy – these are injections of hyaluronic acid and meso-cocktail into the deep dermal layers (mesoderm), which improve skin structure, even out the tone and relief of the face, smooth out wrinkles in the face, neck, and are also suitable for hand skin care.
• Biorevitalization – a procedure similar to mesotherapy, when a hyaluronic cocktail is injected into the deep layers of the skin in order to compensate for the lack of natural moisture and rejuvenate the face, neck and decollete.
• Electroporation – an alternative non-invasive method of transepidermal delivery of liquid hyaluronic acid to the dermis, provides skin hydration, prevents dehydration, and prevents premature aging.
• Wrinkle filling with hyaluronic fillers – injection of a resorbable filler based on hyaluronic acid into deep wrinkles in order to instantly smooth out creases. Suitable for all types of folds, including smoothing crow’s feet and purse-string wrinkles.
• Lip augmentation – lip contouring by introducing an absorbable filler based on hyaluronic acid.

Should I apply hyaluronic acid to the skin in its pure form?

In its pure form, hyaluronic acid is not used for the face, as it can provoke allergies or cause irritation against the background of inflammatory acne foci. Choose water-based care formulas with up to 5% component content. To enhance the moisturizing and moisture-retaining effect, apply hyaluronic products to slightly damp skin immediately after washing or using a tonic.