Is Hyaluronic Acid the Fountain of Youth?

Hyaluronic Acid is the latest buzz in the world of skin care. What is it and is it really the Fountain of Youth?

Hyaluronic Acid is the latest and greatest thing in anti-aging skin care today. It can be found in moisturizers, lip glosses, eye shadows, and serums. Hyaluronic Acid is the key ingredient of many injectable fillers as well. It is supposed to plump and soften the skin. So you can see why it is popular among those looking for anti-aging skin care. Are the claims true? Is it the Fountain of Youth we have all been looking for?

What is Hyaluronic Acid?

Hyaluronic Acid is also known as hyaluronan or hyaluronate. It occurs naturally throughout the body. It binds water and lubricates parts of the body that move. (ie. Joints and muscles). It is found in just about every cell of our bodies with higher concentrations found in some locations more than others. It holds 1000 times its weight in water. Its greatest concentration is found in the skin. Fifty percent of your body's hyaluronic acid is found in your skin.

It was first discovered commercially in 1942 when Endre Balazs applied for a patent to use it as a substitute for egg white in bakery products. He has gone on to become a hyaluronic acid expert and has helped to discover many more commercial uses.

What Does Hyaluronic Acid Do For the Skin?

Its job is to work with the collagen in your skin and keep it hydrated. Collagen gives skin its firmness. Think of collagen as a rubber band. The rubber band stretches a million times. Just like our skin does as we smile for example. Over time that rubber band will dry out if it is not hydrated. Hyaluronic acid keeps the rubber band, or collagen, hydrated so it stays firm. Without hyaluronic acid, the collagen would end up breaking down and cause dry skin and wrinkles. As we get older our bodies produce less and less hyaluronic acid. Our skin's ability to hold water decreases. So we are left with dry skin and wrinkles.

What is a Hyaluronic Acid Filler?

Many dermatologists can provide an injectable filler that has the key ingredient of hyaluronic acid to treat facial wrinkles and add fullness to your skin and lips. It is injected directly into the wrinkle. This has to be done at their office as an outpatient procedure. Restylane is a popular injectable filler gel made up of hyaluronic acid. It lasts about 6 months. Restylane was approved by the FDA in 2003.

The Truth About Hyaluronic Acid

Does Hyaluronic Acid Work Topically?

This is where the we have to be careful with the claims made about hyaluronic acid. The molecules of hyaluronic acid are very large which makes it very difficult to penetrate the skin when applied topically. Injecting it works very well. Applying it topically will not get rid of your wrinkles as it would injecting it. However, it does work wonders as a moisturizer for your skin. It does minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles but does not necessarily get rid of them. Is it the Fountain of Youth? Probably not. However, it is a very important ingredient in any moisturizer.

Include Hyaluronic Acid In Your Skin Care Routine

I have been using a hyaluronic acid formula by Cosmetic Skin Solutions along with my daily Vitamin C application. It has improved my skin's firmness and moisture. There are so many different formulas out there with a wide range of prices. Cosmetic Skin Solutions can be found at Amazon. Very positive reviews is what led me to purchasing this formula instead of others. I agree with all the reviews. I will be using hyaluronic acid from this point forward in my skin care routine.

Cosmetic Skin Solutions Hyaluronic Acid

Hydra B5 Gel Advanced Formula + 1 fl ...

View on Amazon

Updated: 06/19/2012, Angel

Thank you! Would you like to post a comment now?

Comments

Only logged-in users are allowed to comment. Login

Natural_Skin_Care on 07/30/2013

I have had good luck using hyurluronic acid. If you're on the fence, go for it.

Angel on 03/26/2013

H.A. is a great moisturizer. Just remember that it can not penetrate the skin unless injected. I took an Anatomy class last semester and we covered a lot of this in class. It is amazing what some companies will advertise. I want to get the best skin care products available but I also want to understand what they can and can not do before I pay the money for them. Some are very expensive and do no more than a much cheaper product. Thanks for reading and commenting!

Pinkchic18 on 03/25/2013

I've never heard of this but I can see why it'd work. Now I'm curious to learn more!

katiem2 on 01/07/2013

Now that winter has set in I def need this, my birthday is this friday, I think I'll buy myself some of this hyaluronic acid and vitamin C treatment. Thanks for the great advice and careful review. :)K

Mira on 09/04/2012

Yes, HA has been in the media an awful lot lately, but I never knew what it did, even as I did buy some care products that had it in their formula (I like to keep changing them). As for vit. C, yes, I do believe in it.

Angel on 06/21/2012

Katie - HA is in the media a lot lately. I have noticed a difference in my skin since I have been using this. Especially together with the Vit C. Good stuff! Thanks for stopping in and commenting!

katiem2 on 06/21/2012

I've been very curious about hyaluronic acid as I hear it mentioned a lot these days in the media. The vitamin C makes a lot of sense. I'm thrilled you've once again provided us with the details about another up and coming beauty treatment for great skin. I love the idea of revealing fresh new skin. Thanks Angel as always your our skin care go to girl with the truth on great skin care. :) K

Angel on 06/21/2012

Brenda - thanks for reading and commenting. I know we do have a lot to keep up with when it comes to beauty and fashion. Hyaluronic Acid and Vitamin C both are two things that you should use. I will be writing another article on Vitamin C soon. Both work together nicely for great skin.