8 things to know about hyaluronic acid

A key ingredient in cosmetic products, hyaluronic acid is a hydrophilic sugar naturally present in the dermis and epidermis. As a moisturizing agent, it captures and retains water up to 1000 times its weight. However, the production of hyaluronic acid decreases over time, causing sagging skin. Fortunately, there are creams, serums and injections based on hyaluronic acid. Find out everything about this miraculous active ingredient in our article!

Definition of hyaluronic acid

Before dissecting this star active ingredient in cosmetics, let's first look at its origin and characteristics. Hyaluronic acid is a combination of a uronic acid or D-glucuronic acid and an aminoglycan or DN-acetylglucosamine.

It was first discovered by Karl MEYER and John PALMER in the vitreous humor of the bovine eye in 1934. They were working in the Department of Ophthalmology at Columbia University in New York.

This biomolecule is naturally present in the body, mainly in the skin (dermis). But it is also found in the muscles, the eye and around the joints. Unfortunately, the amount of hyaluronic acid in the body decreases with age at a rate of 6% per decade. At age 50, we only produce 50% of the initial production.

As a reminder, this biomolecule ensures the hydration and plumpness of the skin by serving as a support for collagen and elastin. All of this forms the connective tissue of the skin to ensure its firmness and suppleness. To delay skin sagging and aging , you can compensate for the loss of hyaluronic acid with dermocosmetic skin care or injections.

For your information, hyaluronic acid is extracted from the rooster's comb and the cartilage of the ox's snout. But nowadays, most of the active ingredients used are obtained from the biotechnological synthesis of bacteria. This extremely hydrophilic sugar is then added to anti-aging and anti-wrinkle beauty products.

What are the 8 virtues of hyaluronic acid?

Nowadays, cosmetic treatments and injections based on hyaluronic acid are very popular, starting from the age of 25. The goal is to anticipate the drop in natural production in order to keep firm and plump skin for as long as possible. What's more, this elixir of youth is suitable for all skin types. Here are the results that can be expected from using this filler that combats sagging skin and the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines:

1. To plump the skin : water loses its volume and firmness when it is not intensely hydrated. Hyaluronic acid is a hydrating molecule that helps trap water in the dermis and epidermis to maintain the plump appearance of the face.
2. To combat dull complexion : when skin lacks hydration, it loses its radiance. Hence dull and tired skin. Hyaluronic acid re-energizes the skin to regain a fresh and luminous complexion.
3. To strengthen the skin barrier : the hydrolipidic film is composed of water and lipids and serves as a protective barrier against external aggressions (such as pollution, chemicals, sun rays, etc.), mechanical aggressions and free radicals. A weakened epidermis leads to skin that itches, peels and tightens. Fortunately, hyaluronic acid repairs and strengthens this barrier.
4. To stimulate cell regeneration : healthy and beautiful skin follows a natural regeneration cycle. It is then important to exfoliate the skin, eliminate dead cells and promote this skin regeneration. Thanks to hyaluronic acid, the cells of the epidermis are optimally renewed.
5. To fill wrinkles and fine lines : dehydration of tissues causes breaks in the skin, leaving intercellular spaces. Thus, wrinkles and fine lines form. Hyaluronic acid is a filler that will fill these empty spaces and tighten the skin.
6. To speed up skin healing : For damaged skin tissue due to a burn, wound or lesion, hyaluronic acid is a powerful healing agent. You can use it on skin with sunburn or acne lesions.
7. To soothe inflammation : for irritated, weakened skin with redness due to aggression or climate change, you can use a serum based on hyaluronic acid.
8. To delay skin aging : the last virtue and not the least is the anti-aging effect of hyaluronic acid. It reactivates the tone and elasticity of the skin by strengthening the connective tissue with collagen and elastin. This is also valid for hair, which is also a victim of the effect of age.

To delay the signs of aging, you also need to adopt an excellent beauty ritual. The basis is to properly cleanse the skin morning and evening to remove traces of makeup and all impurities. It is also advisable to exfoliate once or twice a week to remove dead cells and promote cell renewal. Finally, you should apply an anti-aging cream combined with other moisturizing active ingredients and a powerful sunscreen .