Why is hyaluronic acid good for your skin?

Here at The Skin and Wellbeing Clinic, we are Preston’s leading aesthetic practitioners. From anti-wrinkle injections to dermal fillers and dermaplaning, we deliver a range of high quality, effective aesthetic procedures. As a result, we use quite a lot of hyaluronic acid. But what is this used for and why is hyaluronic acid good for your skin?

What is hyaluronic acid?

Hyaluronic acid is carbohydrate molecule that naturally occurs in our bodies, specifically the skin, where it plays an important role. Hyaluronic acid is the key molecule involved in skin moisture. This is because it has the unique ability to retain water molecules, providing nourishment and hydration to the skin. In fact, it is estimated that hyaluronic acid can hold one thousand times its own weight in water molecules!

Hyaluronic acid and the skin

Hyaluronic acid is actually found in every cell in our body, but 50% of our hyaluronic acid is found in the skin tissue. Found in both the deep underlying dermal areas as well as the visible epidermal top layers, hyalronic acid is essential for skin function and hydration.

But why is hyaluronic acid so important for the skin? Well, hyaluronic acid works alongside the collagen and elastin in the skin tissue, to give shape, structure and firmness to the skin. As the collagen and elastin hold the layers of the skin together, and allow the skin to stretch and return to position, the hyaluronic acid provides hydration and nutrients. This helps to prevent the collagen and elastin from breaking down.

Hyaluronic acid and the ageing process

However, as we age, our skin naturally loses hyaluronic acid, as the body loses its ability to maintain this same concentration in the skin. This results in the skin cells losing hydration, and struggling to retain moisture, so your skin becomes dry. At the same time, your collagen and elastin cells will break down more quickly, and your body will struggle to replace these. This combines, leading to visible signs of ageing on the facial skin, including lines and wrinkles.

Replacing lost hyaluronic acid

A dermal filler procedure involves injecting hyaluronic acid, directly into areas of the skin. While this can be used to add volume and shape the skin, it can also be used in small amounts to hydrate and plump up your skin naturally.

In areas where a loss of hyaluronic acid has led to a loss of collagen, sagging skin can be an issue. Dermal fillers can help to replace the lost volume, allowing skin to return to a more natural position.

In areas where a lack of hyaluronic acid has led to the loss of elastin, fine lines and wrinkles can develop. Dermal fillers can help to fill in these lines and wrinkles, smoothing your skin and reducing any sings of ageing.

For more information or advice about dermal fillers, get in touch with Preston’s leading experts, here at The Skin and Wellbeing Clinic. Proudly treating clients from Preston, Chorley, Leyland, Blackburn and Lancashire.