Concerns related to aesthetic issues are increasingly present in our society. We know that the aging process is natural and affects all people, but there are some less harmful treatment options that can delay this “dreaded” moment.
The use of acids to slow aging is gaining more and more attention. A good option for those looking to take care of the skin, improve hydration and also the visual aspect, is hyaluronic acid.
The substance is naturally present in our body and is responsible for the support and elasticity of the skin. So it is a good option for anyone looking for specific results.
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What is hyaluronic acid?
Hyaluronic acid is a polysaccharide present in the skin, which helps in cell proliferation, that is, tissue formation and maintenance.
It is considered one of the most important components of the dermis, as it performs the maintenance and control of the water exchange with the external environment. It makes up the extracellular matrix of the skin and is found in all tissues of the human body.
Its solution has a gelatinous consistency, is colorless, has high viscoelasticity and a high degree of hydration, due to its structural characteristics.
Potent antioxidant, hyaluronic acid improves the skin’s elasticity and smoothness and, therefore, it is currently used in aesthetic procedures, in order to provide greater hydration and collagen production in the skin.
It can be found in the form of cream, capsules and injectables (procedure performed in an office).
Its use forms a colorless film, which protects from ultraviolet rays, fills marks and wrinkles, defines contours and acts on the skin’s cell renewal.
Where do we find hyaluronic acid?
Hyaluronic acid can be found naturally in the deepest layer of the dermis, filling the layers and giving elasticity and hydration to the skin. In addition, it can be found in cartilages in order to avoid friction between the bones of the human body.
The skin is one of the main organs of the human body and covers a large part of the exterior. Among its functions, it forms a protective barrier against infectious agents, regulates body temperature and stores water and nutrients in the tissues.
Therefore, keeping it healthy and well cared for is essential for health care in general.
Although the body naturally produces hyaluronic acid, over time the levels decrease and weaken the tissues.
As it can also be produced through biotechnology, from the fermentation of bacteria, its replacement in the body can be done with the use of creams, capsules or even in applications made in aesthetic clinics.
What is it for?
Hyaluronic acid is highly used in the field of aesthetics, where it acts as an antioxidant and stimulates skin rejuvenation, filling dark circles, mouth and wrinkles.
In addition, it helps to maintain healthy levels of collagen and elastin, promoting skin hydration.
The natural loss of hyaluronic acid is associated with aging. Therefore, many people have been looking for cosmetics that help in replacing the acid in order to improve the firmness, hydration and elasticity of the skin. Among the options of use are:
Level dark circles
Dark circles are linked to genetic and external factors, such as smoking , sun exposure and skin aging.
They may have features such as darkened skin, puffiness or a sunken appearance under the eyes.
In all cases, hyaluronic acid can act as a filler for the deepest areas of dark circles, also stimulating hydration and skin protection.
The filling procedure should always be performed by a dermatologist, who applies local anesthesia and then injects a small amount of acid into the tear groove, which is located under the eyes.
The product acts by filling and restructuring the affected region. In addition, it is possible to notice an improvement in the volume and hydration of that area of the face.
In some cases, the acid can also improve the dark appearance under the eyes, as the substance is able to soften the shadows caused by blood vessels.
The promised result is that the region will be around 80% to 90% uniform, but the procedure is recommended only once a year and can leave local bruises for up to 3 or 4 days after application.
Fill
This procedure can be performed on the facial grooves (Chinese mustache and puppet line), on the lips or on wrinkles and expression marks.
The application technique is the same as previously mentioned, where the doctor applies local anesthesia and then injects the acid with a fine needle.
The procedure takes no more than 15 minutes and the results can be seen immediately, but it is common for the affected region to be swollen and painful for up to two days.
In general, the body absorbs the substance well, making it necessary to make any new application just one year later.
Improved skin texture
In this case, hyaluronic acid does not have a filling function, but a moisturizer. It is an injectable treatment, made with microneedles and only with professionals qualified to perform minimally invasive procedures.
The goal is to improve skin tone and can be performed in all regions of the body, being more common in the hands, face, neck, neck.
Read more: Peeling (chemical, physical): diamond, crystal, phenol, homemade, Amazonian
Cellulite and scars
Considered to be a deeper procedure than those previously mentioned, the intention of this application is to fill the skin signs with hyaluronic acid, which helps to reduce the signs of cellulite and scars that leave the skin surface uneven.
To do this, you need to talk to a dermatologist who will evaluate the condition and the benefits of the technique.
The area to be filled must be anesthetized and after that a needle is inserted to remove the fibrosis (scar tissue) or to occupy the irregular spaces, which keep the skin “sunken”.
Despite being a quick procedure, the region is swollen and may have bruises for up to 5 days.
The result is perceived with the minimization of the signs, improving the flaccidity and increasing the production of collagen in the region.
How to use
Hyaluronic acid can be found in different forms, such as nutricosmetics, topical products and aesthetic procedures, such as filling. Just look:
Creams and cosmetics (topical use)
It is possible to absorb hyaluronic acid through creams and topical products, that is, applied to the skin. Your dermatologist can recommend the use of these products, recommended for daily use.
The acid in the formula helps to retain water, leaving a youthful and hydrated appearance.
The use must be continuous so that the results are perceived. But, for those who want to enhance the benefits to the skin, it is possible to look for formulas that also have vitamin C and A, which act as antioxidants and slow the aging of cells.
Read more: What is collagen (hydrolyzate), what is it for, how to take it and more
Oral replacement (nutricosmetics)
It is possible to consume hyaluronic acid also in the form of capsules. For this, it is necessary to consult a dermatologist who indicates formulas for handling pharmacies.
However, the results are not always so noticeable. This is because, when ingested, the acid, like any other substance, will be metabolized and directed to specific locations that are in need, such as cartilage.
That is, it does not necessarily go only to the skin, as in cases where it is injected.
Hyaluronic acid filling
This type of application is made with syringes or fine needles that inject the substance superficially.
When applied to the face, the technique redefines contours, such as cheekbones, chin and jaw, in addition to smoothing expression lines, such as the “Chinese mustache”. Filling can also be used to add volume to areas such as lips and dark circles.
In the body, the procedure is widely used for cellulite, stretch marks , scars or other types of imperfections.
The technique should always be performed by a health specialist qualified for minimally invasive procedures.
With the application of local anesthesia, treatment is recommended once a year and may leave local bruises, but these are, in general, quickly alleviated.
Hyaluronic acid and vitamin C
Both hyaluronic acid and vitamin C are two repairing ingredients, that is, they help prevent skin aging.
The combination of these two ingredients promotes the reduction of expression lines and signs of age. It is possible to find this combination in specific products, such as creams or serums, which should be used as recommended by the manufacturer and the dermatologist.
Side effects
Hyaluronic acid promises to be one of the most stable skin fillers with a low risk of side effects.
For creams and cosmetics, the most common side effects are allergies and irritations. In such cases, it is important to discontinue use.
It is the filling that is associated with greater risks of adverse reactions, which in addition to allergy can cause irritation, redness or local discomfort.
It is important to note that in most cases, swelling and bruising can be noticed right after the procedure. These symptoms can be alleviated by using local compresses with ice for five to ten minutes.
However, most of the unwanted results are related to the lack of experience and care of the professional who performs the procedure, or even due to the poor application of the product. Among the side effects we can mention:
Necrosis
It is an adverse effect that very rarely occurs. It is related to the bad application of the acid, which ends up reaching arteries and leading to the death of the tissue.
As it affects the circulation and oxygenation of the site, the skin is bluish gray in color, which can be reversible or not.
It is important to seek out a health specialist and make sure you are professionally capable of performing the procedure.
Infection
Another rare side effect to happen, but that needs to be presented, are the cases of infection. It mostly results from contamination of the product or the materials used in the application.
Therefore, once again, we emphasize the importance of looking for a responsible professional to perform the procedure.
Allergies
You can also see allergies and edema between 3 and 7 days after the application of the acid. However, these cases were recorded in only 0.1% of patients.
In the use of creams and tablets, the care with allergenic components should be even greater. This is because, sometimes, the formulas can contain substances that cause some allergic reaction, depending on each organism.
Nodules and irregularities
It is still possible that the application of hyaluronic acid causes irregularities or deformities on the skin surface. In general, the condition is transient and can be alleviated with remedial treatments.
Contraindications
As with many dermocosmetics, hyaluronic acid should not be used by people with hypersensitivity, in pregnant women or while breastfeeding.
In addition, the procedure is contraindicated in patients with sensitivity to hyaluronic acid, who have autoimmune diseases , susceptibility to keloid formation and diabetes .
In addition, its application should not occur in regions with permanent implants, or close to areas with skin diseases, inflammations or wounds.
Applications of hyaluronic acid should be avoided in skin with infections, such as acne .
Price and where to find?
There are currently several products on the market that offer hyaluronic acid in creams and ointments, which can be associated with other substances, such as vitamin C, which can be found in specialized stores or pharmacies.
In addition, its formulation can be made in compounding pharmacies (this manipulation can be in creams or capsules).
The value of these products can vary, on average, between R $ 50 and R $ 200.
Thinking about it, we brought some options of creams that have hyaluronic acid, to help you in the choice process:
- Mineral 89 Vichy
- La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Repair Anti-Idade Serum
- CC Cream Eucerin Hyaluron-Filler
- Anti-aging Redermic Hyalu C La Roche-Posay
- Gel Hidratante Facial Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water
- Serenage Avène Antirrugas
- SkinCeuticals HA Intensifier Correcting Serum
- Pro-Correct Anti-Wrinkle RoC
- Nivea Cellular Antisignals Night Cream
Another way of using hyaluronic acid is in filling applications in the doctor’s office. This procedure costs around R $ 400 to R $ 700 to apply and must be done by a health professional.
Before using any type of treatment, consult a dermatologist.
Common questions
We know that there are many types of treatments with the use of this acid, in addition to products that contain it in the formula. This causes many people to have doubts and, therefore, we have separated some frequently asked questions to assist you.
Do not forget that the dermatologist is the best to clarify your doubts and evaluate your need.
I am pregnant / lactating. Can I apply hyaluronic acid?
No. This is because, when we introduce new external stimuli, in this case hyaluronic acid, our organism can react in a way that is contrary to what we were expecting.
In the case of lactation, this will not only affect the mother, but also the baby, so it is recommended to wait for the end of lactation to perform any types of cosmetic procedures.
Read more: Stretch Marks in Pregnancy: types (red), best cream, how to avoid?
However, in general, it is allowed to use creams that have hyaluronic acid in the formula, as long as the doctor releases it.
Are facial creams with hyaluronic acid really effective?
Yes. The use of creams with hyaluronic acid produces very satisfactory effects. In addition, these products are not photosensitive, that is, making use of them, associated with sunscreen, does not cause spots or melasma.
Another positive factor in the use of these creams is the deep hydration they provide.
How many sessions do you need to do?
The number of sessions is variable, as it depends on the objective of each person and the specific medical indication for each one.
How soon will the results appear?
When hyaluronic acid is applied in the doctor’s office, the results can begin to be noticed after 48 hours, with a complete result after 7 days of the procedure.
The use of creams and lotions, on the other hand, has better results in preventing signs and wrinkles in a long time, helping in skin hydration and, consequently, in a more youthful aspect.
Can hyaluronic acid soothe acne and / or chickenpox marks?
Only in cases of application in the office. This is because the acne or chickenpox scar is deeper (dystrophic), only being affected by more intense procedures, such as filling.
Can hyaluronic acid stain the skin?
No. It is not considered a photosensitive acid (which stains in the sun), but a deep moisturizer that retains the necessary water for certain places.
As we have shown, hyaluronic acid is considered a localized treatment that acts to correct facial imperfections. In addition, its results are satisfactory and its interaction with the organism ends up being excellent and punctual.
If you are considering using hyaluronic acid, look for a qualified health professional and be careful with the applications.
And if you have already done or are in the process of treatment, share with us your experience and results!
