Everything about Hyaluronic Acid

Hyaluronic acid (HA) was discovered in 1934 but has only been used in cosmetic and aesthetic products since the 1990s. It is naturally present in our body, and in particular in our skin, where the majority – 50 to 70% – of it is located. Most hyaluronic acid is stored deep in the dermis. Skin cells constantly produce hyaluronic acid, although it deteriorates very quickly – in less than a day! This very short life cycle is why the need for it is so high.

What is Hyaluronic Acid’s Role in Skin Health?

Hyaluronic acid serves as the skin’s main water resource. It helps to preserve the skin’s basic structures and is among the best treatments for dehydration and loss of firmness. In fact, hyaluronic acid has rapidly becoame immensely popular because of its ability to fulfills a variety of roles in keeping the skin hydrated, plumped, smooth and soft.

Hyaluronic Acid throughout Life

Hyaluronic acid can become  is fragile, and unstable over time. Our body’s own production progressively drops, starting as early as 20 years old. Thise deficit becomes even greater if there has been excessive exposure to external environmental stressors (UV rays, pollution, different treatments…). When hyaluronic acid is poor in quality, or not enough is produced, the first signs of ageing appear: fine lines from dehydration, followed by wrinkles and a loss of firmness.

Hyaluronic acid has multiple benefits for skin: it contributes in particular to keeping skin plumped and deeply hydrated, so that it stays smooth and firm.

. Like a sponge that holds 1,000 times its weight in water! 

Hyaluronic acid plays an essential role in regulating skin’s hydration. It holds water and reduces water loss.

. A natural filler that replumps skin

Acting like cement, hyaluronic acid fills in the empty spaces between tissues. It naturally fills out volumes, and therefore reduces the appearance of wrinkles. This is the main reason it’s used in aesthetic medicine. Thanks to hyaluronic acidHA, skin can stay  is smooth and soft. Intensely hydrated, it is supple and bursts with health.

Hyaluronic  Acid: True or False?

. Hyaluronic acid is also appreciated because it’s well- tolerated by the skin.

True: Bad reactions are extremely rare. Using a hyaluronic acid serum is, therefore, perfectly safe, with  and the risk of intolerance beingis very low.

. Hyaluronic acid can be taken as a dietary supplement

True; however, t but… There is no peer reviewed scientific evidence today that this active ingredient is readily bioavailable and can extend its benefits towards reach the skin. 

. Hyaluronic acid can be used along with other active ingredients 

True: Hyaluronic acid provides complementary hydration if you use acids (BHA and AHA), retinol or anti-acne treatments that dry skin out. Hyaluronic acid serums and vitamin C or collagen are some of the best also  combinations that are frequently recommended. 

. Hyaluronic acid is used only for skin

False: It has calming and anti-inflammatory properties that are used in a variety of medical applications: sore throat, eye surgery and hydration, cartilage protection…

Hyaluronic acid was first used in injection form before becoming an iconic active anti-ageing ingredient in dermo-cosmetics. In serum format, it should be used as much as possible to reduce the signs of ageing that accompany the unavoidable slowing of its natural cycle. And yet it’s not that easy to benefit from the acid’s incredible replumping properties. Hyaluronic acid has different effects depending on the size of its molecules. It’s necessary to make the distinction between high, mid and low molecular weight hyaluronic acid.

HIGH MOLECULAR WEIGHT HYALURONIC ACID 

In its original form, hyaluronic acid is a large molecule with a high molecular weight. Due to its size, it can’t penetrate  go deeply into the skin and instead intensely hydrates the epidermal surface by creating a film that holds water inside.

Action: This type of hyaluronic acid hydrates and smooths skin on the surface. It also reinforces the skin’s barrier role against outside irritation.

LOW MOLECULAR WEIGHT HYALURONIC ACID 

These molecules can be divided to obtain low- weight hyaluronic acid, which is able to slip down into the dermis. This hyaluronic acid can absorb water and restart the natural production of collagen in dermal fibroblasts.

Action: This type of hyaluronic acid visibly affects wrinkles and skin elasticity, making it supple and radiant.

The best skincare solution, obviously, is to combine the two types of hyaluronic acid to benefit from the full potential of this extraordinary active ingredient. At Bioderma, we decided to include both molecular weight forms in our Hyalu⁺serum formula. But this isn’t the serum’s only advantage. It also contains an innovative ingredient to lastingly hydrate skin.