For numerous years, hyaluronic acid has dominated the realm of anti-wrinkle ingredients. It's advocated for both youthful skin seeking hydration and mature skin aiming to enhance the appearance of the epidermis. However, its widespread use has inevitably led to controversy and misconceptions. Are these assertions accurate? Let's unravel some skincare truths and myths.
Fact: The body naturally produces hyaluronic acid, an active ingredient abundantly present in connective tissue, eyes, and skin. Nearly half of its total quantity resides in the dermis, serving as a foundational component of the extracellular matrix, supporting collagen and elastin fibers. Hyaluronic acid acts as a molecular sponge, capturing and retaining water molecules to ensure skin hydration.However, as time progresses, the body's synthesis of hyaluronic acid typically declines, with a decrease of approximately 6% per decade. This reduction contributes to skin laxity, the emergence of initial wrinkles, and a decline in cellular function. By the age of 50, research indicates that the hyaluronic acid reservoir is halved.
Indeed, the reduction of hyaluronic acid levels by half after the age of 50 leads to more pronounced wrinkles and visible skin laxity. Given this reality, providing the skin with hyaluronic acid through dermo-cosmetic treatments is particularly intriguing. These treatments are less invasive and therefore pose lower risks than injections. However, it is evident that injections are more effective in significantly reducing wrinkles. With the needle penetrating deeply, the active ingredient can fill wrinkles, especially in areas like frown lines, nasolabial folds, or forehead wrinkles. Nonetheless, these injections may entail undesirable effects, with the mildest being oedema, skin redness, itching, erythema, and slight bruising.
Myth: Hyaluronic acid skincare products are suitable for use from the age of 20 onwards.In reality, besides combating skin aging, hyaluronic acid plays a crucial role in skin hydration. With its ability to capture and retain up to 1,000 times its weight in water, this active ingredient provides a surge of hydration to dry, lackluster skin, or skin exposed to harsh winter conditions, starting as early as age 20.Between the ages of 30 and 40, hyaluronic acid treatments become relevant for reducing initial signs of aging. Due to its low molecular weight, the molecule can penetrate deeply into the epidermis, reinforcing and naturally stimulating the body's own production. Consequently, the appearance of wrinkles is delayed, and minor signs of aging are smoothed out.
Myth: Despite common belief, hyaluronic acid injections differ from Botox injections. Specifically, they target the dermis rather than the muscle. Hyaluronic acid injections aim to restore volume and moisturize the skin, while Botox injections work by relaxing the muscle. It's important to note that the effects of hyaluronic acid on the skin are not permanent; they typically diminish after 6 to 20 months, necessitating renewal.
Myth. In hair care, hyaluronic acid can also fulfill several functions to improve your hair on a daily basis.Prevent split ends: Applying a hyaluronic acid treatment to the lengths of your hair can help prevent breakage and minimize split ends, resulting in softer and stronger hair.Tame unruly hair: Hyaluronic acid treatments targeted at the lengths of the hair can effectively smooth out frizz and facilitate easier styling for unruly hair.Restore shine: Hyaluronic acid treatments can deeply hydrate the hair fiber and repair damage caused by various factors such as pollution, stress, smoking, and coloring. Once moisturized and repaired, your hair will regain its natural shine.Take care of your curls: A hyaluronic acid-rich treatment can redefine and restructure your curls while adding volume to your hair. For naturally curly hair, this active ingredient helps maintain shine, suppleness, and elasticity. Additionally, for frizzy hair, hyaluronic acid provides shape and hydration.
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