What is hyaluronic acid?
Hyaluronic acid, popularly known as ‘nature’s moisturizer,’ is a sugar molecule that is naturally present in the human body.
It is a clear, jelly-like substance found in our skin, joints, eyes, and connective tissues. Its main function is to provide nourishing hydration by drawing in and holding water in the body, providing fullness and hydration to the skin and lubrication to the eyes and joints.
As our skin ages, hyaluronic acid diminishes; and in elderly skin, there is often almost none remaining in the epidermis.
How does hyaluronic acid work as an injected dermal filler?
Injected hyaluronic acid (HA) as dermal filler works in the same way as naturally produced HA: it provides hydration from the inside out and plumps/augments both bone and skin.
Injectable HA comes in many different consistencies and thicknesses for use in different parts of the face. For example, a more dynamic and soft HA gel works best in areas with lots of movement (lips!) while a more firm and buildable HA gel works better to create a bony prominence (jawline or cheek augmentation).
What about oral hyaluronic acid supplements?
Hyaluronic acid is available as an oral supplement, and proponents claim that it can help with dry eye, painful joints, dry skin and more. At this time, the data is very limited and while some small studies have shown promising results, more research is needed to confirm that the benefit outweighs any risk before North Bay Aesthetics would recommend this supplement.
How do I know if I need hyaluronic acid fillers to achieve my aesthetics goals?
As a provider, we consider three primary tenets when choosing a hyaluronic acid filler for our clients treatment plan:
- the age and laxity of your skin
- the placement of the HA molecule injections
- the outcome that you are looking for
Often, the combination or layering of different products attains the best outcome.
What else do you want to know about HA? Book a free consult with Moya today and you can discuss together!