Why You Need To Know About Hyaluronic Acid

When it comes to facial filler injections, there is a common key ingredient across multiple brands and types: hyaluronic acid. While you may be familiar with the term, how much do you really understand about HA and how it works in your go-to filler?

The benefits of hyaluronic acid in terms of youthful skin rely on moisture and firmness. Hyaluronic acid is a polysaccharide (carbohydrate) that is naturally found in your body. This powerful agent acts as a moisture-binding ingredient within your skin. More specifically, large amounts of HA occupy the space between the skin cells. Your skin needs HA in order to support and hydrate elastin and collagen, the two most influential elements to youthful skin. When your skin has adequate amounts of HA, it is firm, moisturized and plump. Unfortunately, our body naturally loses hyaluronic acid as we age, often beginning as early as the 30’s.

When HA depletes and collagen and elastin lose their framework, the skin looks dehydrated and wrinkles begin to form. To combat this problem, a popular non-surgical approach can be used. Facial filler injectables, such as Juvederm, Restylane and others, are considered hyaluronic acid fillers. That’s because they contain a synthetic form of this naturally occurring anti-aging ingredient. By replacing HA into the wrinkled or aging areas of the face, patients get a renewed and more youthful appearance. Facial fillers do lose their effectiveness over time, lasting between 3 months to 18 months depending on the type and brand.

Facial fillers aren’t the only treatment that uses hyaluronic acid to turn back the hands of time. A lower molecular weight of hyaluronic acid can be found in many over-the-counter cosmetic moisturizers. However, these won’t be as effective since they stay mostly on the surface instead of penetrating into the deeper layers of the skin.

To learn more about hyaluronic acid and how facial fillers can improve your smile lines, furrows or crow’s feet, please consult Dr. Ben Talei of Beverly Hills.