Hyaluronic acid is the most popular ingredient in the beauty industry. Even people far from the industry understand that the phrase "hyaluronic acid" on the packaging can instantly boost the sales of any product. We know that it moisturizes the skin and is essential at any age. But are all types of such acid equally good? Will it work as part of a tonic, for example? How to find your own tool and not be fooled by marketing gimmicks?
Cosmetologist-aestheticist Taisiya Petrova explains how to choose cosmetics with hyaluronic acid, what tasks it solves, and also explains when injections with this component are needed.
Taisiya Petrova
esthetician cosmetologist of the clinic of aesthetic medicine Aging Control
What hyaluronic acid is used in the production of cosmetics? Which is the most effective for the skin?
Hyaluronic acid is a component artificially produced by certain bacteria under special conditions.
Hyaluronic acid in cosmetics is of two types: high molecular weight and low molecular weight. High molecular weight moisturizes superficially - its molecules are too large and do not penetrate deep into the epidermis. Most often, this component is used as part of injectables. Low molecular weight hyaluronic acid, on the contrary, is more often found in creams, serums - active care. With the help of enhancers (that is, conductors), for example, glycolic acid in small amounts or peptides, this type of acid penetrates into the deeper layers of the skin and moisturizes it from the inside.
What real effect does it have on the skin? And how does it work at different ages: 20+, 30+ and 45+?
The main task of hyaluronic acid is to attract water. If applied superficially, it will attract moisture from the environment, from the epidermis, thus creating a film that will protect the skin from drying out and keep it hydrated.
Age does not matter, hyaluronic acid as a component always works in the same way: moisturizes, eliminates irritation, prevents dryness, smoothes wrinkles that occur due to dehydration of the skin.
How can hyaluronic acid be named on the packaging?
Hyaluronic acid, sodium hyaluronate, potassium hyaluronate, L-sodium hyaluronate, disodium acetyl glucosamine phosphate, sodium hyaluronic acid, sodium acetyl hyaluronate, hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid, hyaluronan.
In cosmetic products from the mass market, you are unlikely to find well-purified hyaluronic acid. Professional products are sold in specialized salons, clinics, medical centers.
Can you overdo it with hyaluronic acid? Conditionally, if I apply toner, cream and serum with this component daily. How much does our skin really need?
It is definitely impossible to overdo it, since each tool has its own task.
Take note of this nuance: a tonic, for example, is unlikely to contain hyaluronic acid, since it has a different mission - to restore pH. If it is still indicated in the composition, then this is most likely a marketing ploy.
If you do injections with hyaluronic acid, do you still need to use products with this component? Can injections compare to conventional treatments? At what age can you start making them?
One does not interfere. Injections and topical remedies work on different layers of the skin. The first is in the dermis, the second is in the epidermis. They can be combined, but it is important to think over a care program with a beautician so that it is effective.
The task of hyaluronic acid injections is to start the process of regeneration, hydration, nutrition and the formation of new cells from the inside (we are not talking about contour plastics now). The drug must be selected individually, based on the characteristics of the skin. Someone is shown a mono-drug (with only one hyaluronic acid), and someone is shown a multicomponent (with vitamins, trace elements, amino acids, peptides, etc.).
In my opinion, it is possible to resort to injection practices from the age of 25-30. But remember that everything is individual.
7 high-quality products with hyaluronic acid from Taisiya Petrova
