What is Hyaluronic Acid and how is it used?

Hyaluronic Acid hair loss

Every now again an incredible new ingredient in the science of skincare will surface and become the hottest trend. Some come and go but others, such as the latest hydration booster hyaluronic acid, will stand the test of time because they have visible long-lasting results. Find out more about this beauty must-have and how the acid can be used at home and in regular cosmetic procedures for maximum effect.

Hyaluronic acid

It’s a bit of a scary name, and you may not be comfortable putting an acid on your skin, but in fact, hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance in the body. It is found in the skin and plays a significant role in the skin’s hydration – one molecule can hold 1,000 times its weight in water!

Although we already have an amount of hyaluronic acid in our skin, the body’s natural production of it slows down as we age. This is why ageing skin often looks dehydrated and dry – and why boosting the skin can give a plumper and more youthful appearance. The more acid the skin has, the more water it can retain.

How can hyaluronic acid be used on the skin?

Now we’ve established how important this compound is, you probably want to know how it can be used to boost your skincare regime! The good news is that hyaluronic acid has been used in good skin serums and creams as an active ingredient for some time. It’s a key moisturising ingredient because of the way it attracts and retains moisture, which in turn improves the elasticity and texture of the skin and the appearance of lines and wrinkles. 

While topical application is a good place to start, hyaluronic acid cannot penetrate into the deeper layers of the skin so the benefits will only touch the surface. With the use of injections, the acid can infiltrate the dermis of the skin for more effective results. This technique can be used in certain problem areas on the face, such as round the eyes, to plump up the skin or target areas which need deep hydration.

Hyaluronic acid is a key ingredient in dermal fillers, which are injected into certain areas of the face to improve the effects of ageing such as wrinkles and saggy skin. It is also used to rejuvenate the skin as part of mesotherapy improving the texture and firmness of the skin all over the face and neck.  

Hyaluronic acid has a wealth of advantages for the skin’s appearance, and as a naturally occurring molecule, it can breathe new life into your tired, lacklustre skin. It’s a no-brainer for any anti-ageing treatment.

Founder at Harley St M.D.
Dr. Chia Tan is a UK trained medical doctor that specialises in cosmetic and aesthetic medicine and testosterone replacement therapy. He is qualified as a medical doctor since 2003 and has since trained extensively. He has been featured in several leading magazines as well as invited to appear on TV to discuss aesthetic medicine and the latest cosmetic procedures.
Dr. Chia Tan
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