From the Guidelines
Hyaluronic acid is effective in dermatological care, particularly in improving skin hydration and reducing the severity of atopic dermatitis, as evidenced by a significant improvement in EASI score with its use 1. The effectiveness of hyaluronic acid in skin care can be attributed to its natural presence in the skin, where it maintains moisture levels and supports collagen structure. Some key points to consider when using hyaluronic acid in dermatological care include:
- Its ability to hold up to 1000 times its weight in water, making it a powerful humectant that can help hydrate and plump the skin
- The importance of applying hyaluronic acid products to slightly damp skin and following with a moisturizer to seal in the hydration
- The different molecular weights of hyaluronic acid, which work at different skin depths, with low molecular weight penetrating deeper and high molecular weight forming a protective layer on the surface
- The temporary results provided by hyaluronic acid, which requires consistent application to maintain its hydrating benefits Studies have shown that moisturizers containing hyaluronic acid can improve skin hydration and reduce itch, with one study finding a significant difference in itch improvement at week 4 1. In terms of specific concentrations, hyaluronic acid is often used in serums or moisturizers at concentrations between 1-2%, which can help to reduce the appearance of fine lines and create a smoother skin texture. Overall, the use of hyaluronic acid in dermatological care is supported by evidence, particularly in the management of atopic dermatitis, and can be a useful addition to a skincare routine.
From the Research
Effectiveness of Hyaluronic Acid in Dermatological Care
- Hyaluronic acid (HA) has been found to play a multifaceted role in regulating various biological processes, including skin repair, wound healing, and tissue regeneration 2.
- HA-based formulations have been shown to exhibit remarkable anti-wrinkle, anti-aging, and face rejuvenating properties, achieved through soft tissue augmentation, improved skin hydration, and collagen and elastin stimulation 2.
- The application of HA has been found to improve skin tightness and elasticity, face rejuvenation, and aesthetic scores, while reducing wrinkle scars and tear trough rejuvenation 2, 3.
Clinical Evidence for Hyaluronic Acid
- Clinical studies have indicated that HA is well-tolerated and effective in improving skin hydration and rejuvenation, with benefits including long-lasting, pain-relieving, moisturizing, and dermal filling effects 3, 4.
- A randomized controlled trial found that the use of a HA-filler serum combined with Botulinum toxin type A lengthened the duration of the toxin's effect in reducing wrinkles 3.
- Another study found that daily use of a multi-weight HA plus antioxidant complex-based lotion demonstrated significant improvements in dryness, roughness, and fine lines compared to a single-weight HA plus ceramide-based lotion 5.
Mechanisms of Action
- HA has been found to improve tissue hydration, elasticity, and durability, with its physiochemical properties inspiring its application in various fields of medicine, including dermatology 4.
- The use of microhyaluronic acid, a unique injection method using microdroplets of stabilized HA, has been found to improve skin texture and hydration, with benefits lasting for more than half a year 6.
- The combination of HA with other ingredients, such as antioxidants and botulinum toxin A, has been found to enhance its effectiveness in improving skin quality and reducing signs of aging 3, 5, 6.