In the aesthetic world, much like other business categories, certain items or phrases become a hot commodity. Right now hyaluronic acid has that role in the aesthetic universe. You see hyaluronic acid in lotions, serums, and everything else seemingly short of a box of Wheaties.
So, what is this hyaluronic acid stuff?
What is hyaluronic acid?
Hyaluronic acid is found in pretty much every animal, even us human animals. In humans hyaluronic acid acts as a network that transfers essential nutrients from the bloodstream to the skin cells. You’ll find high concentrations of hyaluronic acid in the soft connective tissues and in the fluid surrounding your eyes. It’s in our cartilage and acts as fluids for the joints. You may have heard of people with bad joints having hyaluronic acid injections to help ease the pain and return some extra cushioning.
What about the skin?
But the skin is where most people want their hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid is a gel-like water-holding molecule that is responsible for keeping our skin plump and hydrated. How does it do this? Hyaluronic acid can retain over 1,000 times its weight in water within the cells of the skin. No wonder everyone wants to say it is an ingredient in their moisturizers!
When hyaluronic acid gel is injected for aesthetic reasons, it acts like an inflated cushion supporting facial structures and tissues that may have lost volume or elasticity due to normal aging. For the skin, hyaluronic acid binds with nearby water molecules to firm and hydrate the skin. And we all want firm, hydrated, plump skin, as that is a tenet of young-looking skin.
But, as you can probably deduce, hyaluronic acid is only able to bind with water molecules when it is under the epidermis, the skin’s outer layer. That’s why topical use of hyaluronic acid in lotions and all is probably only marginally helpful, at best.
Natural fillers
Hyaluronic acid is the basis of all of the “naturally derived” fillers. Juvederm and Restylane are the marquee names of these types of fillers. When injected beneath a wrinkle, crease, or area of volume loss, the hyaluronic acid in these fillers simply binds with nearby water molecules, instantly returning volume and pushing the skin back up. This erases the line or fills in volume. These are some specific issues Dr. Hetzler addresses with these fillers:
- Nasolabial lines
- Marionette lines
- Parentheses lines
- Barcode lines
- Acne scars
- Cheek depressions
- Redefining lip borders
- Adding lip volume
Now you’ve passed Hyaluronic Acid 101. Since you’re an expert, is it time to see Dr. Hetzler and put some of this stuff to use returning volume to your face? Call us at (732) 219-0447 to make an appointment.
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