From dermatologists to beauty experts, there is a lot of buzz surrounding hyaluronic acid these days. This naturally occurring substance in the body retains water, keeping your joints and skin tissues lubricated and moist. In fact, about half of the hyaluronic acid in your body can be found in your skin!
Thanks to its dynamic properties, there are many benefits of hyaluronic acid for skin. It is so powerful that it can hold a thousand times its weight in water to retain moisture and prevent moisture from evaporating back into the air. Why is this important? Well, hyaluronic acid has been credited with giving our skin a nice, smooth, full, and supple appearance.
It is so beneficial that it can also expedite the healing of wounds, lubricate joints, and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. However, just like other skin-firming properties like collagen and elastic fibers, our bodies produce less hyaluronic acid over time as we age. Exposure to cold and dry environments, harsh UV rays from the sun, prolonged smoke, and excess pollution can also decrease the production of our naturally occurring hyaluronic acid in the skin. This makes it harder for our skin to stay hydrated properly without a boost from products or treatment options containing hyaluronic acid.
When our skin is not adequately hydrated, it causes wrinkles, fine lines, loose skin, and a translucent appearance due to thinning tissues. Hydrated skin is firm, plump, and vibrant. This is why proper moisturization and hydration are essential for optimal skin health.
Is Hyaluronic Acid Safe?
The word “acid” certainly comes with rough connotations, but hyaluronic acid is not acidic at all. In fact, it is a carbohydrate molecule consisting of a number of sugar molecules that are bonded together. Hyaluronic acid has many uses and can be found in serums and creams, medications, vitamins and supplements, eye drops, and dermal fillers.
There are no known risks associated with taking hyaluronic acid supplements, and there are very few reported side effects or drawbacks that come from using products containing hyaluronic acid for skin. However, most experts agree there is not enough reliable information to determine if hyaluronic acid is safe to use when pregnant. It is advisable to avoid use if you are pregnant.
Since hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance in the body, allergic reactions are rare. You can apply hyaluronic acid to clean and damp skin twice a day as long as you’re locking in its hydration properties with a moisturizer. Failure to do so may risk skin dehydration. Additionally, using hyaluronic acid as a serum alone will not yield maximum results. It works best when paired with a moisturizing cream. Ultimately, hyaluronic acid skin benefits certainly outweigh any prospective side effects.
How to Use Hyaluronic Acid
If you’re ready to start incorporating this powerful skin-boosting element into your daily routine, it is time to start searching for products with hyaluronic acid. Ideally, you want a gel or serum that moisturizes and locks the moisture into your skin. It is important to note that some products may list the salt form of hyaluronic acid, sodium hyaluronate as the main ingredient. This ingredient is derived from hyaluronic acid, so essentially, it does the same thing. Sodium hyaluronate is considered a synthetic form of hyaluronic acid. Certain makeup like foundations and concealers may also contain various amounts of hyaluronic acid as well.
For products with hyaluronic acid as the main ingredient, you may want to try a pharmaceutical-grade gel such as HYDRAgel Advanced B5+ Complex. This gel helps restore the skin’s moisture barrier function leaving it hydrated, reenergized, and radiant. It also contains Pro-Vitamin B5 and Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs that support collagen and elastin growth) to moisturize further and prevent damage caused by dryness and environmental factors. HYDRAgel Advanced B5+ complex is unique as it contains the highest concentration of hyaluronic acid available. At First Impression Clinic, we are proud to offer this oil-free and alcohol-free gel.
To use, apply a small amount of the gel to your to face, neck, and chest once or twice daily. You can also apply as often as needed. This gel is highly safe and can be applied to other dehydrated areas such as the lips or elsewhere on the body. Given its high concentration of hyaluronic acid, you probably do not need to use any additional products containing hyaluronic acid alongside HYDRAgel.
HYDRAgel Advanced B5+ Complex is an excellent follow-up to chemical peels, microdermabrasion, and photo-facials. It is also highly recommended to use during and after air travel since the cabin pressure and recirculated air in an aircraft can quickly dehydrate the skin. HYDRAgel Advanced B5+ Complex optimizes the benefits of a daily moisturizer and is suitable for all skin types.
Many products contain hyaluronic acid, but we recommend the HA5® Rejuvenating Hydrator. This brilliant hydrator provides immediate smoothing of fine lines and wrinkles. If you want to take your skincare regime to the next level, look no further. This hydrator supports the skin’s natural ability to replenish its own hyaluronic acid for overall skin health. HA5® provides immediate hydration while also promoting long-term positive results you can really see. Apply twice daily, in the morning and the evening, after your regular skincare cleaning routine.
Need to upgrade your skincare cleaning routine? We have got you covered. Combine the anti-aging effects of Vitamin C with the hydration properties of hyaluronic acid in one delightful skin scrub. Vivier Vitamin C Scrub is a revitalizing pharmaceutical-grade face and body scrub. It gently exfoliates dead skin cells, leaving the skin’s texture feeling soft, toned, and supple, all while helping diminish the appearance of skin imperfections. Plus, it smells wonderful.
If you seek hyaluronic acid benefits beyond the skin, you may also want to explore potential oral supplements containing hyaluronic acid as an addition to your vitamin regimen. Some studies have shown that oral supplements have contributed to pain relief for individuals suffering from osteoarthritis since hyaluronic acid also lubricates our joints. Hyaluronic acid is also used to alleviate symptoms of dry eyes.
Hyaluronic Acid and Dermal Fillers
Thanks to its many benefits to the skin, hyaluronic acid is a top ingredient in dermal fillers. At First Impressions Rejuvenation Clinic, we use a long-lasting but non-permanent synthetic form of hyaluronic acid in our dermal fillers. Currently, we offer Juvéderm® and Teoxane fillers. The filler gel mimics the naturally occurring substance by adding volume and hydration when injected under the surface of the skin. Dermal fillers can smooth fine lines, even out skin depressions, and give you a more radiant and youthful appearance.
Our experienced practitioners are experts at administering dermal filler treatment. We will discuss every part of the process with you. Rest assured, you will not leave our clinic looking overdone or cosmetically altered. If anything, you will receive compliments on your revitalized and youthful appearance.
Dermal filler treatment will take approximately 30 minutes. If you are concerned with discomfort, you can discuss pain management options with your practitioner. However, most patients find the treatment quite comfortable. Dermal fillers also contain lidocaine, a mild anesthetic to increase comfort during the injection. Additionally, we have an abundance of pain-relieving techniques and tools to aid in the enjoyment of your visit.
You will notice results following your treatment right away. However, there may be some swelling and redness around the injection sites. The most common side effects reported are minimal but include redness, swelling, tingling, numbness, firmness, bumps, or bruising. These reactions can last up to 1 week.
Complete and fully noticeable results from your procedure are more visible in about 2-5 days following treatment and will last anywhere from 8 to 24 months, depending on the area treated. You can discuss follow-up treatments and additional skincare goals with your practitioner.
Take Advantage of the Wonders of Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic acid is a fascinating molecule that is incredibly safe and boosts powerful rejuvenating properties. While it can also lubricate your joints, prevent bones from grinding against one another, and ease specific osteoarthritis pain, the primary use of hyaluronic acid is to elevate your skin’s health. From supplements to serums, scrubs to gels, hyaluronic acid provides abundant health benefits.
Remember, hyaluronic acid, when used topically, is highly effective when applied in the right order. Be sure to use your hyaluronic acid product on clean, damp skin and then lock in its powerful properties with a moisturizer for best results. Hyaluronic acid is safe, effective, and versatile.
If you’re interested in trying one of our top-of-the-line products containing hyaluronic acid or are considering dermal fillers for a long-lasting youthful appearance, book a consultation with First Impressions Rejuvenation Clinic today. We are happy to answer any questions you may have and discuss your unique skincare goals. Investing in your skin is investing in your health. Remember, you are worth it, and your skin will love you for it.
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