Having become an essential part of aesthetic medicine and beauty treatments, hyaluronic acid is known for its ability to deeply hydrate the skin. But this is not its only property.
What are the other powers of hyaluronic acid? And how does it act on the skin?
Hyaluronic acid: what is it?
Hyaluronic acid is naturally present in our body. It is one of the essential constituents of the extracellular matrix of the skin which is mainly present in the dermis. It is also present in the joints to ensure good cushioning and lubricate the articular cartilages, and in the eyes to moisturize the cornea. Discovered in 1934 by Karl Meyer and John Palmerer in the vitreous humor (white transparent gel located between the lens and the retina) of a bovine eye, it began to be used in humans in the 1970s in surgery. ophthalmological in particular to treat glaucoma or promote healing after a surgical procedure such as cataract surgery. Then, its use spread to other medical fields such as rheumatology where it is used to relieve joint pain and treat osteoarthritis, a technique still used today, known as infiltration. Formerly extracted from cockscombs and cattle eyes, this ingredient is today produced chemically via the fermentation of natural bacteria such as
Bacillus subtilis or
Streptococcus equinus , a more ethical practice. This acid is also widely used in aesthetic medicine in the form of injections to fill wrinkles but also to increase the volume of certain parts of the face such as the lips or cheekbones. You will have understood, it has a multitude of health properties, but it is above all very well known and used in cosmetics for its hydrating and plumping powers!
Hyaluronic acid and the skin
Hyaluronic acid naturally present in our dermis has several functions. It allows the skin to stay hydrated and protect itself from external aggressions and also guarantees skin elasticity. It acts as a “cement” between the cells and the skin. Only over time the amount of hyaluronic acid decreases and the skin loses its elasticity. From the age of 20, its production begins to decline, and it is from the age of 40 that this process accelerates: half of the hyaluronic acid disappears, and it is therefore at this time that the appearance of signs of aging intensify. Age is not the only factor affecting the decrease in hyaluronic acid levels. Exposure to the sun for too long, smoking, pollution and diet prematurely reduce its quantity in the body, which can lead to dry skin, a dull complexion and accelerate the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. Known for its ability to absorb 1000 times its weight in water, it is a super powerful hydrating agent. Regardless of the skin type and its radiance, it is strongly recommended to use facial treatments based on hyaluronic acid daily in order to fight against dehydration, promote the radiance of the complexion and fight against the loss of elasticity of the skin. skin: well-hydrated skin is healthy skin. There are two forms of hyaluronic acid: high molecular weight and low molecular weight. High molecular weight hyaluronic acid will hydrate the skin superficially, leaving a hydrating film. While low molecular weight hyaluronic acid will penetrate deeper into the skin to hydrate all skin layers. Using this ingredient in these two forms is therefore the ideal combination to guarantee complete hydration.
An essential ingredient at Lightinderm
At Lightinderm, we believe in these benefits. This is why we find it in all our care programs. It helps ensure the necessary hydration of the skin and keeps it healthy and radiant. Coupled with the regenerating powers of red and infrared light, hyaluronic acid is used in our
REDNESS program to restore hydro-lipid balance. It will in fact help maintain good hydration of the skin, and the action of the lights will stimulate the barrier function and the production of lipids. This action will gradually strengthen the skin and rebalance it. It will then be protected from inflammatory reactions which cause redness and discomfort.