You have probably seen the Hyaluronic Acid (HA) serums and Hyaluronic Acid listed as an ingredient in skincare, and you may even know that Dermal Fillers are comprised of Hyaluronic Acid. It is one of the most talked about ingredients in the skincare and medical aesthetics industry, by far.

So let’s take a deep dive.  Firstly, did you know that it is produced naturally by your body, and is found in the skin, bones, cartilage?  It is actually a carbohydrate that lubricates the joints and tissues.

As a humectant it can hold 1,000 times its weight in water and binds to water to retain moisture in the skin and joints.

As we age, the natural levels of hyaluronic acid, along with collagen and elastin, begin to deplete so we can benefit from incorporating it into our skincare. Skin that’s hydrated and plumped looks younger and more radiant.  The key, when it comes to skincare at least, is to look for low molecular weight HA (or at least a mix of low and high), to ensure absorption topically into the skin. 

Want to take things a step further?  

You can consider having a Profhilo treatment, dubbed as the ‘injectable moisturiser’. It’s used as a bio remodelling treatment for the face, neck, décolletage and hands.  Profhilo differs from a Dermal Filler as it’s injected just underneath the surface of the skin where it disperses quickly and reacts with your own tissue to instantly boost hydration. Over the next four weeks phase two kicks in as it goes to work boosting elastin and collagen production!  So that’s an added bonus. 

HA based Dermal Fillers come in an array of different formulations for restoring volume and/or adding structure and contour to the face, in areas such as the cheek, mouth, lips, around the eye and the jawline. They’re great for combating signs of ageing by filling in wrinkles and addressing dark circles, as well as thinning lips.

What are the side effects of Hyaluronic Acid?

Hyaluronic Acid is meant for everyone’s skin and to be used on a regular basis. It very rarely has any side effects as our bodies naturally make it. There are different sizes of Hyaluronic acid molecules found in products that penetrate one’s skin at different depths. However there are rare instances where Hyaluronic acid with lower molecular weights can cause inflammation such as dryness and irritation. If this occurs, stop using it and consult a Dermatologist.

How much Hyaluronic Acid to use?

The recommendation is to always use high concentration but in smaller doses if it’s over the counter. Hyaluronic acid is thick and the ideal formulation ought to be at its most optimal and absorbable dose that it can penetrate through the skin barrier and reach the ‘dermis’ (skin) underneath.

What should you not use with Hyaluronic Acid?

Hyaluronic Acid has the unique ability to enhance the power of any product  that is layered on top. It can easily be used along with your daily Vitamin C, moisturiser, retinol cream that enhances your skincare regimen.

Whilst Hyaluronic acid will not ‘reverse’ the signs of ageing, injectables can. Hyaluronic acid can be injected directly into the skin to help fill fine lines and wrinkles. It is also used to contour the face, adding fullness to the cheeks or to fill out the lips. There is evidence that suggests hyaluronic acid can help with soft tissue growth, and trigger new collagen and elastin growth. 

Ultimately whatever skin care product and/or treatment(s) you end up choosing, make sure that you consult a skin expert / practitioner / dermatologist where necessary. And any medical aesthetics procedure such as Profhilo or Dermal Fillers should always be carried out by a registered medical professional. 

In clinic we use:

Boletero by Merz 

Juvederm @juvederm 

Profhilo by @ha_dermauk 

Teoxane @teoxane_uk 

Feel free to connect with us if you have further questions or want to book an appointment https://www.ministryofaesthetics.co.uk/non-surgical/prp/