Why Skin Needs Hyaluronic Acid & How to Get More of It
Why Skin Needs Hyaluronic Acid – And the Best Way to Get It
Hyaluronic acid is one of those ingredients in skincare products that every manufacturer is touting. In fact, you can barely turn on the TV or scroll the web without seeing multiple adds for something containing hyaluronic acid or “HA”.
So, what is this miracle product, and is it as important (and effective) as everyone is saying? Is it really an acid? And how (and where) should one apply it?
In this article the skincare experts at AMAE Plastic Surgery and Med Spa discuss everything you need to know about hyaluronic acid (HA) – including how you can naturally increase your body’s own production of this amazing substance!
What is Hyaluronic Acid?
Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a natural substance that is produced by the body. Its primary job is to hydrate the connective tissue that maintains the skin’s strength and elasticity. 50% of the body’s HA is found in the skin – with the rest being found in the eyes, lips and joints.
What makes hyaluronic acid so amazing is that it can retain over 1,000 times its weight in water, so it is super hydrating. It holds in the moisture that supports a bright, youthful complexion by keeping skin cells plump and strong. There is really no other substance that can help boost moisture levels in the skin like hyaluronic acid does.
Getting Enough Hyaluronic Acid
Many people wonder why they need to get hyaluronic acid from skincare products and treatments if the body already produces HA naturally.
Unfortunately, as we age, the body’s production of natural hyaluronic acid decreases. Babies are born with very high amounts of hyaluronic acid, which is why their skin is so soft, smooth and plump. But by the time we reach the age of 40 the HA levels in our body have already decreased by one-third.
So, people turn to high quality beauty products that contain HA – including moisturizers and night creams –to prevent dry skin and help stave off the effects of aging. Maintaining high levels of hyaluronic acid helps retain moisture and elasticity in the skin, to fight the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and sagging or dull skin.
And, don’t be concerned that HA is an acid. Not all acids strip cells and cause irritation. In fact, hyaluronic acid is actually a type of sugar molecule!
How to Get More Hyaluronic Acid
There are 3 way to improve and increase the amount of HA in the skin – to restore plumpness and elasticity and to fight the signs of aging.
#1. Topical Hyaluronic Skincare Products
When applied directly to the skin, hyaluronic acid will hydrate the skin cells for a plumper appearance that can also minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
HA also has some antioxidant properties that help protect the skin from UV sun exposure and other harsh environmental or chemical exposure.
However, it is important to purchase hyaluronic acid skincare products from a reputable, medical grade brand such as Elastin or ZO. This is because, hyaluronic acid molecules are often too big for skin absorption if they are not formulated properly.
#2. Hyaluronic Dermal Fillers
Hyaluronic acid can be injected directly into the skin and facial tissue, using dermal fillers to help fill wrinkles, and plump thinning or sagging areas of the face.
Popular facial fillers Juvéderm and Restylane are made of hyaluronic acid formulas. And because they are made of a naturally occurring sugar molecule, they are extremely safe, as well as natural looking and feeling, when injected into the skin.
Hyaluronic acid facial filler injections can last from a few months up to an amazing two years – depending on which formula is chosen and where it is injected.
#3. Aesthetic Treatments that Stimulate Hyaluronic Production
The most effective and long-lasting way to maintain high hyaluronic acid levels in the skin is through medical grade skin care treatments that actually stimulate the body to start producing more of its own HA.
At AMAE Med Spa we offer several Laser, Radiofrequency and Microneedling treatments that can activate the body’s natural hyaluronic acid production process – for dramatic and long-lasting anti-aging results.
Topical creams can provide excellent temporary improvements in skin over time. And fillers can offer immediate, impressive skin plumping results that typically last from 6 months to a year. But when you restore the body’s own HA production with laser or radiofrequency treatments you are actually causing the skin to rejuvenate itself from the inside out for continuing improvement.
Our CO2RE and IPL laser treatments, as well as our revolutionary new Profound and Morpheus8 radiofrequency procedures, all deliver thermal energy deep into the dermis (lower layer of skin) to renew production of collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid.
This rebuilds and repair the skin on a deep cellular level – smoothing wrinkles, tightening sagging skin, and plumping hollow, flat contours. And the tissue then continues to produce hyaluronic acid, so results are continuing and very long-lasting.
Hyaluronic Acid Products & Treatments
Hyaluronic Acid is known to prevent and reverse the signs of aging – often giving it the nickname ‘fountain of youth’. It helps reduce wrinkles and promote tighter, smoother younger-looking skin by hydrating the cells.
HA also works on all skin-types, even those with oily skin. Additionally, it is safe for all skin tones and colors – even darker skin. And it is also gentle enough for those who have sensitive skin.
If you would like to “turn back time”, schedule a consultation at AMAE Med Spa in Birmingham, MI and see whether hyaluronic acid skincare products, HA dermal fillers, or one of our advanced laser or radiofrequency treatments is right for you!