Hyaluronic acid – it’s an “ingredient” you see listed frequently when it comes to skincare and cosmetic treatments. But it’s also one that a lot of people know very little about.
Products list ingredients and promise the world in results – miracle agents that can work wonders on the skin. Without understanding each ingredient individually, though, it’s incredibly hard to comprehend how important those ingredients truly are to the success of a product. We’ve all fallen victim to effective marketing and advertising tactics that tap into the psyche with messages that tell us what we want to hear.
Hyaluronic acid is an active ingredient in some of the most expensive skin care products including La Mer and SkinCeuticals. Understanding its power and potential can help you navigate the skincare aisle with a little bit more tact.
Hyaluronic acid is actually naturally present in the human body with highest concentrations found in fluids within the eyes and joints. It’s natural form is gooey, with its main function being to retain water so that tissues can remain moist and well lubricated. About half of the hyaluronic acid in the body is present in the skin, but as we age and are exposed to different types of light and elements, the amount of hyaluronic acid in the skin decreases over time. Hyaluronic acid that is used as medicine, however, is usually extracted from rooster combs or produced within a laboratory.
Within the skincare industry in particular, hyaluronic acid is used frequently to solve issues like dry skin, to reduce the appearance of fine lines and to help speed up the healing process. Lots of men and women have introduced hyaluronic acid supplements into their daily skincare routine because hydrated skin often reduces the appearance of wrinkles which in turn makes the skin appear more supple and smoother.
Hyaluronic acid is frequently found in different brands of acne treatment. While it does not play a direct role in clearing acne, the ability of hyaluronic acid to draw moisture into the skin helps to treat the dryness an acne medicine can produce. With that said, if your skin already has enough moisture, introducing additional levels of hyaluronic acid could cause skin reactions to occur.
Skincare isn’t just something for older people with problem skin to be concerned about either. A skincare routine, inclusive of hyaluronic acid or not, should be kicked off early in life. In your mid-20s, signs of aging will begin to develop and the better care you take of your skin, the better off you will be.
Lastly, Hyaluronic acid can be used as a filler to restore lost volume in facial lines and wrinkles. HA filler brands include Belotero, Juvederm and Restylane. HA fillers are often preferred by skilled injectors, like facial plastic surgeons, due to their ability to store moisture and smooth the skin in a very natural way. An added benefit is that Hyaluronic acid is naturally produced by the body, so you’re not introducing anything artificial or unnatural into the body. HA fillers can be used in nasolabial folds, cheeks, tear troughs, lips, and more.
Doctor Jean-Paul Azzi, M.D. is a double board certified Palm Beach facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon specializing in the face, nose and neck. He urges those who want to introduce levels of hyaluronic acid into their skincare routine - whether it’s injections or topical serums - to consult a professional who can help assess whether or not this would be the best thing for their skin. Each person has a unique skincare story to tell and Dr. Azzi urges patients to seek guidance from doctors who treat patients as true individuals with specialized, individual plans.
With offices conveniently located in Jupiter and Palm City, Florida, Dr. Azzi and his staff serve patients in the following South Florida areas and beyond: Jupiter, Palm Beach Gardens, Palm Beach, West Palm Beach, Tequesta, Hobe Sound, Stuart, Palm City, Jensen Beach and Vero Beach. Our offices provide each and every patient with tailored and personalized care with the greatest attention to detail. To schedule an appointment, please call (561) 429-5403 or contact us online by clicking here.