HA is often used in aesthetics in the form of topicals, tablets or injectables. A recent study suggests that oral intake of HA could improve skin hydration and wrinkles, with differences most notable on the face.[1][2] However, long-term studies are needed to determine whether these effects are long-lasting. If not, lifelong supplementation could be necessary.
Several studies support the use of HA in topical treatments to reduce wrinkles and skin dryness and to improve skin elasticity. HA seems to improve the appearance of wrinkles and helps to hydrate the skin. High-molecular-weight HA is not able to penetrate the deeper skin layers, but does help to hydrate the outer layer of the skin. Low-molecular-weight HA can move into the deep layers, helping with hydration and elasticity. With this in mind, most products combine multiple molecular weights of HA into a serum. Since low-molecular-weight HA works on the deeper skin layers and does not cause inflammation in topical form, it seems to be the most effective option.[3] While more research is needed to support these claims, so far, the evidence looks promising for topical HA products.[4] Injectable HA is a better-known product, as it is commonly used for facial fillers. These are injected into the skin to improve the appearance of wrinkles. HA is ideal for this procedure because it is hydrating, it helps with healing, and it is produced by the body naturally and so is unlikely to produce any side effects.[5]
References
- ^Tzu-Fang Hsu, Zi-Rong Su, Yao-Hao Hsieh, Ming-Fu Wang, Mariko Oe, Ryosuke Matsuoka, Yasunobu MasudaOral Hyaluronan Relieves Wrinkles and Improves Dry Skin: A 12-Week Double-Blinded, Placebo-Controlled StudyNutrients.(2021 Jun 28)
- ^Oe M, Sakai S, Yoshida H, Okado N, Kaneda H, Masuda Y, Urushibata OOral hyaluronan relieves wrinkles: a double-blinded, placebo-controlled study over a 12-week period.Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol.(2017)
- ^Farwick M, Gauglitz G, Pavicic T, Köhler T, Wegmann M, Schwach-Abdellaoui K, Malle B, Tarabin V, Schmitz G, Korting HCFifty-kDa hyaluronic acid upregulates some epidermal genes without changing TNF-α expression in reconstituted epidermis.Skin Pharmacol Physiol.(2011)
- ^Bravo B, Correia P, Gonçalves Junior JE, Sant'Anna B, Kerob DBenefits of topical hyaluronic acid for skin quality and signs of skin aging: From literature review to clinical evidence.Dermatol Ther.(2022-Dec)
- ^Signorini M, Liew S, Sundaram H, De Boulle KL, Goodman GJ, Monheit G, Wu Y, Trindade de Almeida AR, Swift A, Vieira Braz A,Global Aesthetics Consensus: Avoidance and Management of Complications from Hyaluronic Acid Fillers-Evidence- and Opinion-Based Review and Consensus Recommendations.Plast Reconstr Surg.(2016-Jun)