Things You May Not Know about Hyaluronic Acid

The quest for youthful skin is ongoing. One of the most coveted holy grail products is hyaluronic acid. But such a popular ingredient means that there is a lot of misinformation and misunderstandings on the internet. We are unpacking things you may not know about hyaluronic acid so you can truly understand what it is, the benefits, and if it’s right for your routine.

Misconceptions about hyaluronic acid

While these myths are losing their grip as more and more people are actually using the product, they are still around. The most common misconceptions about hyaluronic acid are that they involve painful treatments, unnatural appearance, or even skin damage.

The key to success is correct application. So, make sure to follow the application instructions on the bottle when applying it at home. While including hyaluronic acid could be right for you, it’s important to get a professional’s opinion. Having a specialist determine if this is right for you, or even better, perform the application as a service guarantees you’ll have the best experience. 

Hyaluronic acid and our bodies

Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance found in the eyes and joints and acts as a lubricant or cushion. 

It’s highly sought after in skincare because of it’s hydrating properties. It helps your body maintain proper skin hydration and protects against free radicals.

Sourcing

This fact ranks high on the list of things you didn’t know about hyaluronic acid. In the past, hyaluronic acid was collected from animal tissues. Now, hyaluronic acid is most commonly derived safely through bio-fermentation and then subsequently collected and purified for skincare and beauty products. 

Common applications

Skincare

Hyaluronic acid minimizes acne scars, keeps skin hydrated, and plumps facial features.

Over the years, the natural production of hyaluronic acid decreases. This contributes to signs of aging. Adding a hyaluronic acid serum or cream smooths and hydrates the skin, giving a plumper, more youthful appearance.

You can explore this and other spa treatments on this blog.

Medicine

Hyaluronic acid treats cataracts and osteoarthritis in medicine. It’s also widely used to dry eye syndrome and to combat inflammation symptoms. For more about the health applications, read this article.

Injectables

Hyaluronic acid gained popularity as a cost-effective alternative to surgery. This means that instead of undergoing a complicated medical procedure with weeks of downtime, you can get a treatment and get back to life as normal.

It can sculpt areas of your face in its injectable form. The treatment allows you to add volume, moisturize, and make the skin more elastic. Visible effects appear immediately, so you there’s no waiting for the glowing glass skin of your dreams.

However, it’s worth noting here that hyaluronic acid doesn’t permanently reverse the signs of aging. Hyaluronic acid treatments must be done regularly to maintain the look.

Skip hyaluronic acid if you have any of these conditions:

• pregnancy and breastfeeding
• skin infections (bacterial, viral, or fungal)
• autoimmune diseases
• having a fever
• if you’ve had an allergic reaction to a previous filler
• if you’ve had a filler containing polylactic acid within the last five years

Hyaluronic acid–side effects

Hyaluronic acid doesn’t cause skin redness, irritation, or burning. However, a possible side effect of the injectable forms is swelling. That will disappear in about two days.

In order for hyaluronic acid to work properly, you should drink plenty of water after the treatment. You shouldn’t tan or use the sauna for two weeks after the procedure.

Try a hydrating facial this season. Tap the button to schedule an appointment with your esthetician in just a few clicks.