From the Guidelines
Hyaluronic acid is not the most effective option for skin rejuvenation, as a recent study found that combining nano fat with autologous platelet concentrates (APCs) resulted in significant skin quality enhancement at 12 months, whereas hyaluronic acid injection treatment did not 1.
Key Points to Consider
- The study by Liang et al. compared the effects of nano fat and intradermal liquid-PRF injection with hyaluronic acid injection treatment on skin aging, and found that the combination of nano fat and APCs was more effective in the long term 1.
- Hyaluronic acid is still a popular ingredient in skincare products, but its effectiveness may be limited compared to other treatments.
- When using hyaluronic acid, it is essential to choose a product with a concentration of 1-2% and apply it to slightly damp skin before heavier moisturizers.
- Pairing hyaluronic acid with moisturizers containing ceramides or peptides can help lock in hydration and enhance its benefits.
Important Considerations
- The study by Liang et al. was a large RCT, which provides high-quality evidence for the effectiveness of combining nano fat with APCs for facial rejuvenation 1.
- Other studies have investigated the use of hyaluronic acid in skincare, but their findings may be limited by smaller sample sizes or lower-quality designs 1.
- In real-life clinical practice, the choice of skincare treatment should prioritize morbidity, mortality, and quality of life outcomes, and consider the individual patient's needs and preferences.
From the FDA Drug Label
Helps prevent sunburn If used as directed with other sun protection measures (see Directions) decrease the risk of skin cancer and early skin aging caused by the sun The answer to the use of hyaluronic acid for skin is that it helps prevent sunburn and can decrease the risk of skin cancer and early skin aging when used as directed with other sun protection measures 2.
- Key benefits of hyaluronic acid for skin include:
- Sunburn prevention
- Decreased risk of skin cancer
- Decreased risk of early skin aging However, the second drug label 2 lists hyaluronic acid as an ingredient, but does not provide information on its use for skin.
From the Research
Benefits of Hyaluronic Acid for Skin
- Hyaluronic acid (HA) is an important component of the extracellular matrix, with loss starting at 25 years old 3
- HA is a key ingredient used in cosmeceuticals for its hydration/antiaging properties (hygroscopic, rheological, and viscoelastic) 3
- Several clinical studies indicate that HA is both well tolerated and effective, adjuvant to both post-surgical and facial rejuvenation procedures 3
Role of Hyaluronic Acid in Skin Aging and Wound-Healing Processes
- HA maintains proper hydration, elasticity, and skin firmness, serving as a key extracellular matrix (ECM) component 4
- With age, HA production gradually decreases, leading to reduced water-binding capacity, drier and less elastic skin, and the formation of wrinkles 4
- HA plays an active role in the wound-healing process at every stage 4
Applications of Hyaluronic Acid in Cosmeceuticals
- HA has many qualities that recommend it over other substances used in skin regeneration, with moisturizing and anti-ageing effects 5
- HA molecular weight influences its penetration into the skin and its biological activity 5
- HA-based cosmeceuticals are a noninvasive, effective solution for improving skin hydration and rejuvenation 3
Clinical Evidence for Hyaluronic Acid Efficacy
- A randomized controlled trial (RCT) investigated the additional benefit of using a HA epidermic filler (HA-filler serum) combined with Botulinum toxin type A (BoNTA) to treat signs of skin aging, and found that the HA-filler serum lengthened the duration of BoNTA's effect in reducing wrinkles 3
- A pilot study evaluated the efficacy and tolerability of a topical combination serum with retinol, hyaluronic acid, and trichloroacetic acid for the improvement of aged skin, and found significant improvements in skin radiance, tone, smoothness, texture, and overall appearance 6