Hyaluronic acid belongs to the polysaccharides and is the main substance of the extracellular matrix of the skin. It has the highest hygroscopicity, the ability to bind and retain water in the dermis. Skin turgor, as well as metabolic processes in the dermis, depend on the concentration of hyaluronic acid. Maintaining hydrophilicity is necessary to ensure the processes of cell migration and differentiation. The role of hyaluronic acid in increasing skin immunity and stimulating regeneration processes, as well as in the fight against free radicals, has been proven. A decrease in the synthesis of hyaluronic acid occurs under the influence of various factors: UV radiation, medication, environmental factors, unbalanced nutrition, etc. With natural aging, the synthesis of hyaluronic acid also decreases, and destruction processes are sharply activated. This leads to the formation of wrinkles, decreased skin turgor and elasticity, deterioration of complexion, and impaired microcirculation. To increase the concentration of hyaluronic acid and restore skin turgor, it is necessary to normalize the functional activity of fibroblasts.
What is hyaluronic acid?
We will try to talk about this popular substance in simple language.
Because in medical terminology, the definition of hyaluronic acid will give few people an understanding of what kind of miracle substance it is: hyaluronic acid is a non-sulfonated glycosaminoglycan, a component of the intercellular matrix and an organic polysaccharide
.
Well, now in simple, non-medical terms.
Hyaluronate, hyaluronic acid, or simply hyaluronic acid (that’s what consumers most often call it), is an organic substance that is produced in greater or lesser quantities in almost all cells of the fluids and tissues of our body. Large amounts of hyaluronic acid are produced in tissue molecules of articular cartilage, the eyeball, the brain, heart valves, saliva and, of course, skin. It is the skin that accounts for more than half of all hyaluronate found in the human body.
Hyaluronic acid ensures elasticity and normal functioning of tissues by retaining water molecules and binding them in the intercellular space. This is its main task - maintaining the water balance of all tissues of the body. This is hydration of cells, preserving their youth and functionality. Hyaluronate also promotes cell proliferation and restoration.
The most important and amazing feature of hyaluronic acid is the ability of one molecule of the substance to retain moisture a thousand times more than its own weight. Thanks to this property, connective tissue cells are protected from dehydration.
Thus, one gram of hyaluronate can attract up to 6 liters of water, while only the required amount of water is retained, oversaturation of the cell is impossible - this is the unique ability of hyaluronate.
This is why hyaluronic acid has become so in demand in the beauty industry.
But if our body is capable of producing hyaluronic acid on its own, why is it so popular for external use? There are several reasons for this.
· One kilogram of the whole body contains about 0.2 grams of hyaluronate. With an average weight of 65 kg, the human body contains only 14 grams of hyaluronate (about one teaspoon of the substance for the entire body), while the third part (about 5 grams) is broken down and synthesized daily.
· The process of hyaluronic acid breakdown is accelerated under the influence of ultraviolet rays, its synthesis stops in skin cells, so after prolonged exposure to the sun, the skin becomes dry and dehydrated, and the aging process accelerates.
· After various injuries and operations, the amount of hyaluronic acid in the skin becomes significantly less, because its consumption for the restoration of organs and affected tissues increases.
· The production of hyaluronic acid is also influenced by a number of different external factors. The amount of substance produced decreases for the following reasons: bad habits, poor diet, stress, unfavorable environment, poor-quality water and other negative external factors.
· The most significant, because the most inevitable reason is age. Hyaluronic acid is produced in sufficient quantities before the age of 25. After 25 years, the synthesis of hyaluronate slows down; after 40 years, due to its lack, the body cannot synthesize collagen in sufficient quantities, and the aging process becomes irreversible. Accordingly, if there is not enough hyaluronate in the body, the first signs of aging appear - dry skin, wrinkles, dull complexion. By replenishing the deficiency of hyaluronic acid, we thereby slow down the aging process.
This is the secret of the popularity of hyaluronic acid.
Ways to replenish the lack of hyaluronic acid in the body.
Over the years, the production of hyaluronate in the body decreases, and the natural aging process begins.
What can we do to replenish the amount of hyaluronic acid, thereby slowing down the process of skin aging?
· Maintaining a healthy lifestyle (excluding bad habits such as smoking and drinking alcohol)
· Compliance with the drinking regime (a healthy person is recommended to drink 35 ml of water per 1 kilogram of body weight per day, that is, about 2 liters of water for women and 3 liters for men)
· Proper nutrition and adding foods containing hyaluronic acid to the diet (meat cartilage and broths, bananas, legumes, soybeans, cereals, as well as potatoes, beets and other starchy vegetables)
· Skin care (moisturizing with cosmetics and protection from ultraviolet rays)
· Cosmetic procedures (injection techniques)
Result
The effect of the procedure lasts for 6-24 months, and sometimes longer - it all depends on the type of drug and the speed of metabolic processes in the patient’s body. If desired, the procedure can be repeated later in full or in part.
The result of the procedure can be assessed immediately. When performing contouring and bioreinforcement, we recommend waiting about 2 weeks after correction and assessing the final result after the hyaluronic acid is completely integrated into the tissue and the slight swelling subsides.
How is hyaluronic acid obtained?
Hyaluronic acid is obtained in two ways: animal raw materials and artificial methods.
The first method of extracting hyaluronate from fish, cattle cartilage and rooster combs is a thing of the past.
The second, artificial method is more widely and universally used - the synthesis of hyaluronic acid in laboratories, with the help of which a drug is obtained that is absolutely identical to the natural one, but with a high degree of purification and without foreign components that cause allergic reactions.
Hyaluronic acid is used in medicine, cosmetology, dermatology:
— ophthalmology and eye surgery, production of contact lenses
— orthopedics: treatment of joints and bone diseases
— aesthetic medicine
– surgery: treatment of wounds, trophic ulcers, burns
- nutritional supplements
- facial skin care
- changing and correcting shapes, filling, modeling the oval of the face.
Hyaluronic acid is in demand in cosmetology due to the amazing and visible effect it has on the skin of the face.
The use of hyaluronic acid in cosmetics
Every year the popularity of hyaluronic acid is growing; it is used in the composition of various cosmetic products - creams, lotions, masks, serums, lipsticks and other skin care products.
There is a misconception that this method of using hyaluronic acid is ineffective, because... The diameter of its molecules is several times greater than the distance between skin molecules. However, research suggests the opposite. Hyaluronic acid, which remains on the surface of the skin for a long time, enters both its upper layers and the dermis, giving the necessary moisture to the cells, thereby moisturizing them and preventing premature aging. By the way, to moisturize the upper layers of the skin, it is enough to have the substance on the surface.
For deeper penetration into the layers of the skin, cosmetic products use a crushed hyaluronate molecule.
But do not forget when using products containing hyaluronic acid that in cosmetics, hyaluronate is responsible only for the moisturizing effect. A feeling of freshness on the skin, a rested appearance of the face, blush, protection from external adverse environmental factors - this is the result that the product will give with daily use. Add here proper nutrition, good sleep, walks in the fresh air - and the result will not be long in coming.
For deeper hydration, to smooth out wrinkles or change the shape of cheekbones, lips and other parts of the face, injections and various hardware techniques using hyaluronic acid are used.
Application of hyaluronic acid in cosmetology and dermatology
Hyaluronic acid has gained enormous popularity in cosmetology, because not a single cosmetic product will solve the problem of saturating the skin the way cosmetic procedures will do.
For a more effective and visible result compared to the use of cosmetics, injections with hyaluronate are used.
Let's talk in more detail about the method - injections of hyaluronic acid.
Hyaluronic acid injections are one of the safest and most effective methods of skin rejuvenation today. With their help, it became possible to change and correct seemingly irreversible age-related processes, such as deep and shallow wrinkles and folds, skin laxity; It has become possible to achieve general rejuvenation, modeling and adding missing volume to individual parts of the face that change with age. The effect of the procedures is noticeable immediately - the skin acquires an even tone, becomes elastic and taut, wrinkles are smoothed out.
Such injection procedures have become an excellent alternative to surgery. The procedure takes relatively little time, is practically painless and does not require time for recovery and rehabilitation. Injections are injected directly into the problem area, filling voids and correcting skin imperfections. The use of hyaluronic acid injections is possible both for the facial skin and other parts of the body.
Remember that to use these procedures, you must consult a cosmetologist or dermatologist. Also, do not forget that cosmetic procedures using hyaluronic acid have a long-term, but not lifelong effect! The effect of hyaluronic acid can last from 8 to 12 months. Next, part of the substance is excreted from the body, the other part is absorbed as a natural component.
In what cases should you not get beauty injections?
The advantages and benefits of hyaluronic injections with “hyaluronic acid” cannot be disputed. But you should not ignore situations when you should not resort to this procedure.
Hyaluronic acid injections have a small list of contraindications:
- blood clotting disorder;
- infectious diseases;
- serious dermatological problems;
- pregnancy and lactation;
- cancer and autoimmune diseases;
- allergies and individual intolerance to the drug.
Ignoring contraindications can lead to serious consequences. Before signing up for a procedure, consult with a cosmetologist.
On the website of the center of aesthetic cosmetology "Profesthetics" prices for biorevitalization in Stavropol are indicated. If you have any questions about the procedure or would like to make an appointment with a doctor, simply fill out the application form.
Types of hyaluronic acid
Hyaluronic acid is a substance whose molecules can have different structures. It is the structure of the molecule that determines what properties this or that type of hyaluronic acid has and how it affects the cells of our body.
Low molecular weight hyaluronic acid
Low molecular weight hyaluronic acid has excellent anti-inflammatory properties and is used to treat various types of rashes, acne, and some skin diseases such as psoriasis. Also, low molecular weight hyaluronic acid is used in the composition of cosmetic creams, because it is able to penetrate deeper into the layers of the epidermis (the outer layer of the skin).
Medium molecular weight hyaluronic acid
Medium molecular acid stimulates the process of cell division and triggers the synthesis of its own hyaluronic acid. It is most often used in medicine to treat eye diseases and arthritis.
High molecular weight hyaluronic acid
This hyaluronic acid is in demand in cosmetology due to its slow breakdown in tissues. The function of high molecular weight acid is to retain water molecules. This acid retains and absorbs water more than other types of hyaluronic acid. Used in medicine, in cosmetology and not used in cosmetics.
A cosmetologist prescribes one or another procedure depending on the age, skin condition and needs of the patient. Let us consider in more detail the types of injection procedures using hyaluronic acid used in cosmetology.
Why does a person need hyaluronic acid?
The most important function of hyaluronic acid is to bind, move and store water molecules in the dermis. At the same time, it does not release moisture from the skin, and participates in the production of collagen and elastane fibers.
The body produces hyaluronic acid on its own.
With age, the process of self-sufficiency with hyaluronic acid slows down. The skin begins to show signs of aging - wrinkles, folds, decreased tone and elasticity.
Hyaluronic acid was discovered in 1934. Its beneficial qualities were proven only 40 years later. The Japanese were the first to use it, adding it to lotions and serums.
Functions of hyaluronic acid:
- retention and movement of water in the dermis;
- protective function;
- maintaining tissue elasticity;
- Anti-inflammatory effect;
- stimulating the work of cells aimed at healing wounds and burns.
What are fillers?
Fillers
- These are injectable preparations - dermal fillers, which are used in contouring and are an alternative to plastic surgery. Used to smooth out wrinkles and increase the volume of various parts of the face. Fillers with hyaluronic acid are a gel that, after injection, does not dissolve for a long time, thereby serving as a filler. The result is a lifting effect, modeling and increased volume.
The result is visible immediately after the procedure. Do not forget that the effect of any fillers is not lifelong. Thus, the effect of fillers based on hyaluronic acid lasts from 6 to 18 months.
Fillers have properties such as elasticity and plasticity - they restore shape, but do not spread or shift due to muscle mobility and under the influence of external factors.
Depending on the problems that need to be solved, fillers of varying degrees of viscosity are selected.
Fillers with a low degree of viscosity - soft gel - are used to fill small wrinkles. For deep folds and to add volume to shapes (lips, cheekbones, etc.), fillers with a high degree of viscosity are used.
Most often, fillers with hyaluronic acid are used for the following purposes:
— face oval correction
— correction of the cheekbone line
- smoothing nasolabial folds
- increase in lip volume
- smoothing out wrinkles
- smoothing out wrinkles
One of the advantages of hyaluronic acid fillers is the ability to return everything back with the help of an enzyme that can break down the injected hyaluronate.
After procedures with hyaluronic acid injections, the following recommendations should be followed:
- do not use decorative cosmetics for 2-3 days (powder, foundation, blush, etc.)
- use medications prescribed by your doctor
- refrain from visiting baths and saunas for 7-10 days
- refrain from sports activities
- Avoid sun exposure for 14 days
We inject, smear, drink. What is important to know about hyaluronic acid
For several years now, procedures and cosmetics with hyaluronic acid have been very popular. What nuances should be taken into account if such beauty manipulations and products have not yet been studied, but you really want to try them, explains dermatologist-cosmetologist Amina Berdova .
1. We think: Cosmetics with hyaluronic acid perfectly compensate for its deficiency and make our skin elastic.
Fact: Regular home care is definitely necessary. Including using products containing hyaluronic acid. But you need to understand that masks, creams and even serums cannot compensate for the lack of hyaluronic acid in the skin and make it elastic! They all work on the surface of the skin, caring for it and moisturizing it, while the injection method allows you to deliver the necessary acids where it is really needed, breaking the protective barrier that skincare products naturally cannot cross.
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2. We think: There can be no allergy to hyaluronic acid, it is absolutely safe.
In fact: Hyaluronic acid is synthesized by the human body and is an essential element of the cellular matrix. Despite the fact that artificially synthesized acid is used for cosmetic purposes, it is absolutely safe for any person and is a hypoallergenic substance. However, just 10-15 years ago, allergies to hyaluronic acid injections were relatively common, since they were made from rooster combs or cattle horns. Today, this substance is of plant origin and is synthesized from wheat germ, which significantly reduces any possible risks. However, in very rare cases, allergies to hyaluronic acid injections can still be encountered in our time. We are talking about procedures such as augmentation with fillers and mesotherapy, when hyaluronic acid is used not in its pure form, but as part of cocktails. An allergy may occur not to hyaluronic acid itself, but to those substances that are present in additionally administered drugs.
3. We think: Mesotherapy should be done no earlier than 35 years, and even better - after 40.
Fact: This is completely untrue. Mesotherapy poses many tasks: it can be both comprehensive moisturizing of the skin and the fight against various problems, for example, puffiness, pigmentation, wrinkles, acne, double chin, etc. As you can see, this list provides not only a solution to age-related questions. The presence of indications for mesotherapy treatment and its appropriateness are assessed by a cosmetologist when collecting an anamnesis directly at the appointment.
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4. We think: Dry skin and wrinkles on the face are a clear sign of a lack of hyaluronic acid.
Fact: Dry skin is not always the result of a lack of hyaluronic acid in the body. It can be caused by insufficient or poor quality self-care, poor lifestyle, bad habits, neglect of drinking regime, and lack of variety in diet. Plus, the composition of the epidermis can be affected by problems such as helminthic infestation and disorders of the thyroid gland. Dry skin can be a hereditary factor or seasonal, for example, during cold times, when radiators are running indoors and the temperatures outside are low and windy. As for the appearance of wrinkles, in particular facial wrinkles, it is primarily associated with moving facial expressions: the habit of squinting, squinting, frowning, etc.
5. We think: The effect of hyaluronic acid injections does not last long, so you will have to repeat the procedure again and again.
In fact: The effect of injections is, of course, individual and depends on the patient’s metabolism, his lifestyle, and the presence of chronic diseases. Nevertheless, the period of operation of hyaluronic acid ranges from 2-4 months, in the composition of fillers - from 6-8 months, then it biodegrades, and, of course, if necessary, the procedure should be repeated.
6. We think: Before hyaluronic acid injections, you need to carefully prepare and take a number of medications.
In fact: It's the other way around. 2 weeks before your scheduled visit to the cosmetologist, you should stop taking painkillers and blood thinning medications, as they can contribute to swelling and bruising after the procedure. Preparations with fish oil (for example, omega-3 and omega-6) have a similar effect. They should also be canceled before injections.
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7. We think: You can compensate for the lack of hyaluronic acid with the help of food.
In fact: You really need to watch your diet. A lack of vitamins and microelements does not have the best effect on the condition of the epidermis. The body's production of its own hyaluronic acid decreases with age, so the older we get, the more balanced our diet should be. Also, do not forget that the lack of hyaluronic acid affects not only the condition of the skin, but also the mobility of joints and connective tissue in general, so taking appropriate vitamin complexes containing this substance is only welcome.
8. We think: Using a mesoscooter at home with a serum containing hyaluronic acid gives an effect no worse than hyaluronic acid injections in a beauty salon.
In fact: The use of a mesoscooter does not replace comprehensive care from a cosmetologist and subcutaneous administration of microinjections of hyaluronic acid. As is the case with any other care products (creams, masks, serums), mesoscooters act exclusively on the surface of the skin, therefore, they cannot qualitatively solve the issues of moisturizing and rejuvenating the face.
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9. We think: Hyaluronic acid injection can be done even by a cosmetologist with little experience in any salon.
In fact: Any injections as part of procedures such as mesotherapy, biorevitalization, filling with hyaluronic acid (contour plastic with fillers) should only be done by a dermatologist-cosmetologist who has a diploma of higher medical education and certificates confirming that he has the right to carry out these data procedures.
10. We think: It is possible to enlarge lips with hyaluronic acid during herpes, if it is not very large.
In fact: Herpes is an absolute contraindication to lip augmentation with hyaluronic acid fillers! Remember this and never follow the lead of a cosmetologist who claims the opposite.
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11. We think: The effect of hyaluronic acid injections is visible immediately.
In fact: This is true. The most noticeable consequences are the injection of fillers into the area of the lips and cheekbones to correct the oval of the face. But the effect of biorevitalization or mesotherapy is prolonged and looks like a gradual improvement in skin quality.
