What is hyaluronic acid? What are the benefits of the substance, contraindications and possible harm. Injection and non-injection methods of application, real reviews.
Hyaluronic acid is a polysaccharide that is an essential component of the human body. It is part of the connective tissue, regulating the moisture balance of the skin. In fact, the substance is responsible for its elasticity, for the recovery processes taking place inside the epidermis. The element is naturally produced by the body, but with age, its synthesis is disrupted. Therefore, in cosmetology, hyaluronic acid is used in various ways to nourish the skin from the outside.
What is Hyaluronic Acid?
3d model of hyaluronic acid
What a substance is, and why hyaluronic acid is so necessary for the face to keep it youthful and fresh, is easiest to understand if we imagine the structure of our skin. It can be compared to a water spring mattress. In this case, collagen and elastin fibers will be the “springs”. "Stuffing" is a kind of gel that consists of glycosaminoglycans.
These substances are multicomponent, and their main task is to retain moisture. The main glycosaminoglycan is hyaluronic acid. It accounts for about 15 g per 70 kg of weight. At the same time, about one third of the reserves are destroyed every day, followed by restoration.
The hyaluronic acid in the lips and other areas of the face can be compared to cement. It performs the following functions:
- Bonds cells together;
- Participates in metabolism;
- Supports collagen production;
- Promotes skin hydration;
- It is responsible for the healthy shine and elasticity of the epidermis.
If we consider what hyaluronic acid looks like, then this is a "set" of large molecules that form a kind of cellular network.
The process of work of a polysaccharide can also be compared to how a sponge absorbs water and keeps it inside. By the way, the capabilities of the element are impressive, since hyaluronic acid retains water in a huge amount, exceeding its own weight by about 1000 times!
Hyaluronic acid is used in cosmetology in different ways. First of all, all drugs can be divided according to the peculiarities of the structure of the substance molecule. High molecular weight and low molecular weight hyaluronic acid are distinguished, which predetermines the scope and methods of its application.
High molecular weight cosmetics are drugs that use large molecules, in the simplest terms. They cannot penetrate the protective barrier of the skin. Therefore, they work on the surface. Such hyaluronic acid for the face in cosmetology is used to create a protective film. It retains water inside the epidermis, preventing precious moisture from escaping into the external environment. This is both a cream and special injections.
For the penetration of the most valuable substance into the cells, the molecule is preliminarily crushed or the smallest analogs are developed in the laboratory. Such particles overcome the barrier, penetrate deep into the dermis. Due to this, numerous positive effects are observed:
- Regeneration processes are activated;
- Lack of moisture is restored;
- The natural elasticity of the skin is restored.
Subject to the competent choice and use of hyaluronic acid preparations, the substance, in fact, performs its main natural function - it forms a gel to fill the intercellular space. Thanks to this, wrinkles disappear, skin smoothness returns. Wounds can heal even faster, damaged tissues regenerate where scars and scars have formed.
The beneficial effects of hyaluronic acid
The use of hyaluronic acid quickly demonstrates a tangible effect. Moreover, since the substance is related to the body, he perceives it very well.
What is the beneficial effect of hyaluronic acid:
- The epidermis is filled with moisture;
- The tone and elasticity of the skin increases;
- The production of sebum is normalized: there is no unhealthy shine, but dryness also goes away;
- Regeneration processes are getting better, the face is getting younger.
Equally important, this element further strengthens the skin's protective barrier. It prevents the rapid destruction of cells under the influence of sunlight and other hazardous environmental factors.
Hyaluronic acid masks can be used on both face and hair. It will help restore the moisture balance of the scalp. And this is the prevention of seborrhea, restoration of root nutrition. Therefore, the strands become healthier, hair fragility goes away, and luxurious shine returns.
By the way, hyaluronic acid is useful not only for wrinkles. She is able to heal sore joints. If there is a lack of mobility due to a lack of synovial fluid, the substance is able to compensate for its deficiency. A special gel is injected into the articular pocket so that the tissues do not collapse, pain and stiffness of movements go away.
Contraindications and harm to hyaluronic acid
Since this substance is produced in the body, in fact, it is its structural element, it is almost impossible to get anything from it except for the benefit. High-quality cream with hyaluronic acid, other cosmetics are well accepted by the cells of the body, since such products are not toxic. Immunity also perceives the element well, without producing antibodies to it. But this is all provided that the body is working normally, there are no tangible failures in the functioning of various organs and systems.
If a person has serious health problems, it is worth weighing the pros and cons before buying and using a hyaluronic acid face cream:
- Acute bacterial infections are a direct contraindication to use.
- Cancer patients do not need to use such cosmetics.
- In case of a tendency to allergies, precautions are necessary.
If there are any chronic diseases, problems with the kidneys and heart, blood vessels, in order to avoid unpleasant consequences, it is better to consult with your doctor.
As a rule, the most striking negative reaction of the body is mild swelling. In this case, you need to reduce the use of salt and forget about coffee for a while.
If we are talking about injections, then they are not done when taking anticoagulants - drugs that thin the blood. Do not use injections during pregnancy and during breastfeeding.
Methods of using hyaluronic acid in cosmetology
If we talk about how to deliver the most valuable substance to the right address, then in cosmetology there are two main ways for this. The first one does not require professionalism, since this is the application of various formulations simply to the skin. The second is hyaluronic acid injections. Each option has the right to life, shows good results if two conditions are met - a competent choice and the use of a quality drug.
Non-injection method of using hyaluronic acid
In the photo, the L'Oreal Paris Revitalift hyaluronic mask is a night filler at a price of 839 rubles. for 50 ml.
There are a variety of products on sale that can be used at home or undergo cosmetic procedures in the salon with their use, but without the slightest discomfort and soreness. These include:
- Tonics … This is the simplest remedy for maintaining the condition of oily, dehydrated skin. Perfectly absorbed by the cells, contributing to the normalization of sebum production and healthy hydration. This is a very convenient option: just spray the composition with a spray.
- Serum … Also a product for quick and effective use. The hyaluronic acid serum is applied with clean fingertips, lightly hammering into the skin. Next, you need to apply the cream. If you use such a complex, the epidermis will receive nourishment, and the precious moisture will not evaporate from the surface.
- Cream … A product that fills cells with water and prevents water loss. But it is also valuable, thanks to hyaluronic acid, the "sealing" effect.
It would be wrong to choose a product according to the principle "The more hyaluronic acid, the better." If this is a product for home use, then such a component in the composition should be no more than 1%. Why - it is worth remembering that such molecules take up water in a huge amount, exceeding a thousand times their own weight.
There is not much hyaluronic acid in professional cosmetics either - from 2 to a maximum of 5%. However, this is why it is professional, that at home it cannot be used without understanding the specifics of the action.
Photo of Brandt Hyaluronic Facial Cream with hyaluronic acid, the price of which is 6550 rubles.
What kind of products to buy for effective moisturizing with hyaluronic acid without injections, it is worth drawing conclusions after getting acquainted with proven drugs. Such means show themselves well:
- L'Oreal Paris Revitalift mask filler night … It is a product that is enriched with fragmented hyaluronic acid. Therefore, it penetrates deep into the skin, effectively moisturizing it. The tool is used both with age-related changes, and in the case when the epidermis is simply overdried. This hyaluronic acid face mask is rated for both young girls and older ladies. It can be applied in two ways. If you apply in a thick layer for 10-15 minutes, and then rinse off, a quick tightening effect, restoring elasticity, will be obvious. On a regular basis, the product is used in a different way: in the evening after cleaning it is thinly applied to the skin, gently massaging the face. In this form, the mask remains until morning. Only then, if necessary, its excess is removed or washed off with water. The complex of such procedures helps to achieve a prolonged effect. The product costs in a volume of 50 ml 839 rubles. or UAH 301
- Sebagh Serum Repair Hyaluronic Acid revitalizing serum with palmitoyl collagen and hyaluronic acid … This is a miracle cure, the special effect of which lies in the combination of two components at once, which are responsible for the youth and elasticity of the skin. The introduction of hyaluronic acid into the composition together with collagen is a good solution. Since the cells are saturated with moisture, it is securely held inside. The product is used very economically: a couple of drops are enough for the face. True, its cost is very tangible - 7560 rubles. or UAH 2718
- Brandt Hyaluronic Facial Cream Hyaluronic Acid … This product effectively moisturizes the skin, restoring its smoothness and elasticity. Its value is increased by adding vitamin E and peptides to the composition. Such a cream is also not cheap: a 50 g jar costs 6550 rubles. or UAH 2333.
Mask for face, neck and décolleté Lift Intense, Viteks
… The anti-aging formula is based on hailuronate and ginger. Additional ingredients include camellia and damask rose oils, as well as two types of clay - white and pink. The product can be used to restore the normal structure of the skin, normalize cell metabolism and replenish nutrient reserves. The whole complex of useful components allows you to get an excellent cosmetic effect. After several procedures, the contour of the face is tightened, the surface is smoothed and wrinkles disappear. The skin is toned and looks healthy and radiant. Before use, the skin is cleaned, then a mask is applied and kept for 20 minutes. You can use toner or warm water to remove any residue. The mask is recommended to be used once a week. Please note that the product is not intended for the delicate skin around the eyes. May cause slight irritation due to low alcohol content. This option refers to the budget. The cost of a 100 ml tube is 100 rubles or 50 hryvnia.
Professional mask for face, neck and eyelids Hyaluronic acid 100%, DIZAO Naturals
… The product has a strong moisturizing and smoothing effect, hypoallergenic and allows you to instantly get a visible lifting effect. It is used to enhance regeneration, normalize blood circulation, smooth wrinkles and shape the face contour. It is a two-step remedy - it contains a mask and cream. The mask is fabric, easy to apply and covers the face and neck well. Suitable for sensitive skin, including the area around the eyes. The rejuvenation course includes 10 procedures that can be performed daily or with a break of 1-3 days, depending on the condition of the skin. Packing price (10 pcs.) Is about 600 rubles or 400 hryvnia.
Face mask Rose Petal Mask, BioAqua
… This product, in addition to hyaluronic acid, contains rose extract. Due to this, the mask smells good and has more useful properties. So, it is used not only to enhance regeneration, hydration and rejuvenation, but also to eliminate inflammation, fight acne. The product has a pleasant consistency and spreads very easily over the skin. If desired and depending on the condition of the skin, it can be applied for 20 minutes or left overnight. The cost of a 120 ml bottle is 850 rubles or 550 hryvnia.
Moisturizing cream Hydra SPA, BEAUTIFIC
… Multi-ingredient product - contains rosehip, mango, sea buckthorn, shea, avocado, cocoa, licorice, rosemary, rice extracts and ceramides. Helps maintain the beauty of the skin and revive the aging integument, moisturizing and nourishing cells well. The cosmetic effect is manifested in smoothing wrinkles, making the epidermis soft and velvety. It has a powerful anti-aging effect, eliminating the first signs of aging. The bottle with a convenient dispenser ensures hygienic use. Means of pleasant consistency and aroma. It must be applied after completing other cosmetic procedures. The price of a 30 ml bottle starts at 800 rubles or 530 hryvnia.
Injection method of using hyaluronic acid
Hyaluronic acid injections are one of the fastest, safest and most effective ways to solve cosmetic problems. For this, special fillers of hyaluronic acid are used - drugs that form the basis of injection procedures.
They are used:
- For bio-reinforcement of the face and body;
- To eliminate wrinkles and asymmetry;
- For the correction of facial contours;
- To eliminate some types of scars;
- As a lifting;
- For the correction of earlobes;
- To restore a healthy complexion, eliminate post-acne.
Depending on which area is being treated, the procedure lasts within 5-60 minutes. In order to minimize unpleasant sensations, before lip augmentation with hyaluronic acid and other measures, the cosmetologist applies an anesthetic by the application method. But there are fillers that already contain lidocaine.
It is logical to expect an excellent result from a quality product. Although the responsible cosmetologist will select and recommend the best solution himself, it will not hurt to get acquainted with the tried and tested products:
- … This is a Korean drug that already contains lidocaine. It shows good results in combating existing wrinkles, and also rejuvenates facial tissues in general. The cost of a 1 ml ampoule is 2000 rubles. or 720 UAH.
- Stylage L … This filler also contains an anesthetic component. The volume of one ampoule is also 1 ml, but the cost is much higher - 8900 rubles. or 3200 UAH The fact is that this is a product from France, released by the famous Vivacy laboratory. By improving the formula of the drug, the company has achieved maximum efficiency and durability of the result.
- Filorga X-HA VOLUME … This is another French filler. The manufacturer has supplemented hyaluronic acid with another plant-derived component - butanediol diglycidyl ether. It increases the duration of the active substance, preventing its destruction in tissues. Such an ampoule of 1 ml costs 5600 rubles. or 2000 UAH.
Princess Volume, Croma
… With the help of this filler, it is easy to restore the volume of the cheeks, lips and chin, as well as to correct the oval of the face. The thick gel consistency allows you to get a lasting result in reducing even deep skin creases on the forehead, lips and nose. The declared duration of the effect is from 8 months to a year. The concentration of hyaluronic acid is 23 mg per ml. The drug is available both with the addition of lidocaine and without this substance. The price of 1 syringe (1 ml) starts at 3000 rubles or 1400 hryvnia.
Surgiderm 30 XP, Allergan
… The composition contains hyaluronic acid of non-animal origin, which is highly stable. The preparation is intended for filling deep wrinkles and skin creases, allowing for a long-term correction of the skin relief. It also effectively removes various types of scars. The duration of the effect due to the increased density of the mixture is quite impressive and reaches 18 months. Package price (2 syringes, 0.8 ml each) - from 9300 rubles or 3900 hryvnia.
Aquashine, Caregen Co Ltd
… It is used for rejuvenation and contour plastics. Helps to normalize water-lipid metabolism, even out skin tone, eliminate wrinkles. The composition includes a peptide complex, various amino acids, coenzymes, vitamins and hyaluronic acid. This drug can be purchased for a certain age, which allows you to get the maximum benefit and avoid negative effects. So, there are 35+, 45+ and 50+ series on sale. The standard course includes 2-4 procedures. The duration of the effect is up to 12 months. The price for 1 injection is from 2000 rubles or 780 hryvnia.
Dermaheal HSR, Caregen Co Ltd
… The multicomponent preparation contains hyaluronic acid and 58 other beneficial components. The nourishing cocktail includes peptides, amino acids, vitamins, minerals, nucleic acids, etc. It allows you to restore skin tone and tighten the oval of the face, effectively removes wrinkles and restores a healthy skin tone, perfectly moisturizes and tightens pores. Suitable for all skin types and ages 25+. A pack of 10 bottles (5 ml) costs from 7800 rubles or 3500 hryvnia.
Neuramis Lidocaine
Before starting the injections, the doctor makes notes on the face where exactly the drug needs to be injected in order to achieve a certain effect. It is also customary to photograph the face before and after using hyaluronic acid to confirm the effectiveness.
Before the injection, the doctor is obliged to demonstrate to the patient hyaluronic acid in ampoules: to show their integrity, the shelf life of the drug.
The beautician uses the finest needles for work. Even the direction of insertion of its tip matters. For example, if the goal is to create a reinforcing frame, then the needle should enter the skin strictly perpendicularly.
Following the injection, a gentle massage is performed to ensure proper distribution of the filler.
Although the effect of the procedure is immediately obvious, the results are evaluated later. After 2 weeks, it will finally be seen how the lips have changed after hyaluronic acid, how well wrinkles have been eliminated or other cosmetic problems have been resolved.
Injections must be done exclusively in the salon, since the effectiveness depends on many factors: the correct choice of the drug, its dosage, and the method of administration.
Average prices for hyaluronic acid injections:
- Elimination of "crow's feet" - from 8900 rubles. or UAH 3200;
- Filling the glabellar fold - from 8900 rubles. or UAH 3200;
- Elimination of wrinkles on the forehead - from 8900 rubles. or UAH 3200;
- Cheekbone contouring - from 14,000 rubles. or 5000 UAH;
- Contour correction of nasolabial folds - from 10,300 rubles. or UAH 3700;
- Contour correction of the nasolacrimal groove - from 8300 rubles. or UAH 3000;
- Face contour correction - from 12,700 rubles. or 4500 UAH;
- Nose contouring - from 10,300 rubles. or UAH 3700;
- Full lip correction - from 11,000 rubles. or UAH 3900;
- Correction of the corners of the lips - 7500 rubles. or UAH 2700.
Another popular procedure involving hyaluronic acid is biorevitalization. It is performed both to eliminate existing problems and as a preventive measure. In this case, the face is treated with complex microinjections in order to achieve the following goals:
- Moisturize the skin;
- Stimulate collagen production, thereby slowing down aging;
- Prevent the appearance of age spots;
- Create a protective barrier.
How much biorevitalization with hyaluronic acid costs, you can find out already after the 25th anniversary, taking into account the modern lifestyle, which provokes the early appearance of wrinkles, the loss of healthy skin color. Also, the procedure is recommended before traveling to hot countries, to a ski resort, where the person will be exposed to numerous trials. Local anesthesia is given before the injections.
The price starts at 10,000 rubles. or 3800 UAH, and the cost depends on the duration of the procedure, the manufacturer of the drug.
Real reviews on the use of hyaluronic acid in cosmetology
If you can buy an inexpensive cream, try it and draw conclusions without really regretting if it disappoints, with salon procedures you want confidence in their effectiveness. In any case, it is useful to read reviews about hyaluronic acid in order to realistically assess what can be expected from its use.
Veronica, 28 years old
I have long dreamed of making my lips fuller. I found out the prices for hyaluronic acid, in fact, they scared me. Finally, I made up my mind, saved up money, made it in a good salon. Despite the pain relief, it is still quite noticeable. I endured, but painfully really. The beautician injected the drug twice. We agreed that we will see the result after the first portion, and then we will correct it as necessary. The second time came a week later, a little tweaked. Indeed, the lips became plump, it was possible to eliminate a slight asymmetry of the upper lip. Immediately after the procedure, there was a slight swelling and redness. But a few days later passed. In general, I am satisfied, the money was not spent in vain. I am glad that such a pleasure will last for a long time. The doctor said that usually the effect of the drug is enough for a year.
Irina, 37 years old
I decided to buy a remedy for the area around the eyes with hyaluronic acid. So, in general, I seem to look younger than my age, at least no one gives me my age. But "crow's feet" are formed. Stopped at the Gemene facility. I liked what was sold in a bottle with a ball, so that it was as convenient and economical as possible to apply. Very nice light gel, no tightness after it. It is absorbed quickly, in a couple of minutes. I have been using it for a little more than a month. I can't say that the wrinkles are gone, but there are definitely no new ones, and that pleases me. Plus, the skin is clearly livelier, healthier. It's bluish around the eyes, but now it's almost gone.
Dasha, 32 years old
After 30, the skin became noticeably dull, dryness unusual for me appeared. Frightened that I was getting old, I decided to read, what to do to preserve my youth. I stopped at hyaluronic acid. I bought a bottle of Bioaqua HA hydrating, now it's come to an end, we can draw conclusions about the effectiveness. I like it: the skin is clearly revived, somehow filled up or something. It is used very economically - drop by drop. I applied it in turn either under my usual cream, then under an alginate mask. Recommend.
How hyaluronic acid injections are made - watch the video:
Hyaluronic acid is highly valued in cosmetology, and it is really capable of delighting with the results. When studying prices in pharmacies, it is important to consider that the effectiveness depends on the manufacturer as well. It is worth trusting proven brands, and you also need to read the composition of the drug in order to exclude an undesirable effect from accompanying components.
