Hyaluronic acid –
Effect, application and side effects
Hyaluronic acid is considered the miracle weapon par excellence in the fight against wrinkles. Many of my patients come to me specifically to learn more about the “miracle cure” of hyaluronic acid. Few know what hyaluronic acid actually is, how to use it correctly, and why it is such an effective anti-aging agent. In this blog article, I would like to answer the most common questions I am asked in my daily life as a dermatologist.
What is hyaluron and how does it work?
Unfortunately, most of my patients face sagging skin. Accordingly, I am often asked about the active ingredient hyaluron and asked to explain what it is.
Hyaluron itself is a twofold sugar that occurs in the intercellular spaces of the skin and joints where it stores moisture. It is a natural component of our connective tissue and serves as the skin’s moisture depot. Over time, however, the body’s natural hyaluron production decreases, resulting in the skin becoming flabbier and the formation of first wrinkles
So far, a distinction has been made between three different types of hyaluron: short-chain, medium-chain and long-chain. Long-chain hyaluron provides an immediate effect and supplies the skin with moisture on the surface (like a protective shield), while short-chain hyaluron penetrates deep into the skin layers where it can even influence healthy cell metabolism.
Recently, a new promising hyaluron has been added. According to studies, ultra-short-chain hyaluronic acid has a higher depth effect than short-chain hyaluronic acid and thus achieves an even better anti-aging effect. A very innovative development for the freshness kick of our skin which I already use (along with other power ingredients) in my stem cell hyaluron serum.
How is hyaluron applied?
There are essentially three different possible applications for hyaluron. Many of my patients first think of hyaluron injections using technically cross-linked hyaluronic acid with a shelf life in the skin of 6–12 months. The various hyaluronic acids used in cosmetic products are uncross-linked and are immediately absorbed and used up by the skin – so they need to be applied daily. Hyaluron can also support the skin internally.
I have been studying collagen and hyaluron from the inside for a long time. Even if I find that the study situation is still deficien many patients report that they profited clearly from internal application. I have decided to use Collagen Verisol®. In contrast to many other ingredients, its effect as the only collagen is backed by good studies. Skin firmness, moisturisation and wrinkle depth have demonstrably improved after three months.
Hyaluron: injection or cosmetic?
With all the different application possibilities of hyaluronic acid the question almost inevitably arises which of them is the best. Are cosmetic creams and serums sufficient, or is a hyaluronic injection the only option?
While non-cross-linked hyaluronic acid significantly improves skin quality in terms of moisture, youthful freshness and superficial fine lines, the injection with cross-linked hyaluronic acid has a different field of application. A hyaluronic injection can be used to treat deep wrinkles, in particular, obtaining a local filling and long-lasting effect.
Hyaluronic products such as my hyaluronic mask and hyaluronic concentrate support the daily moisturising and firming of the skin’s appearance. They supplement the hyaluronic acid no longer sufficiently produced by the body due to aging, and thus keep the skin healthy and youthful.
What are the side effects of hyaluron?
Since hyaluronic acid itself is a substance that occurs naturally in our cells, the side effects are extremely low. As a dermatologist, I often hear that patients have shown intolerance reactions to products containing hyaluronic acid. However, with hyaluronic acid such reactions are extremely rare. The product mnuch more likely was mixed with microplastics, silicones or kerosenes which caused the intolerance reactions. Tha is why in all products in my skincare range I refrain from using unnecessary additives that stress the skin.
What is the difference between Botox and Hyaluron?
Many people make the mistake of using Botox and hyaluron synonymously but the effects of the two substances are completely different. Botox is used to relax the facial mimic muscles, so it is used for the “frown lines” or “eye wrinkles”. Hyaluronic injection, however, serves as a filler, and sunken areas or wrinkles are plumped up.
In the beauty industry hyaluronic acid is regarded as the miracle weapon par excellence against wrinkles – and quite rightly so! As a dermatologist, I like to advise my patients to use hyaluronic acid because it is a substance produced naturally in the body and hardly causes any defensive reactions and gives the skin a natural, youthful appearance. However, care should be taken to ensure that the hyaluron is of high quality and in sufficient concentration to achieve a lasting effect.