Hyaluronic Acid – the active ingredient in Restylane – is considered one of the safest and least invasive skin care solutions for fine lines, wrinkles and other common problems. Unlike surgical procedures that can be painful, expensive and lead to complications, Hyaluronic Acid is a natural substance found in the tissues of nearly all living organisms at varying concentration levels.

From connective tissue to cartilage, joint fluid to skin, hyaluronic acid is a gel-like substance responsible for retaining moisture, transporting nutrients and acting as a protective barrier in the body.

Hyaluronic acid works by assisting the body in moisture retention, reducing the permeability of extracellular fluid, enhancing the firmness of the skin, regulating tissue repair and reducing the inflammatory response of the body.

The Benefits of Hyaluronic Acid

Although not quite a wonder drug, hyaluronic acid comes close. The unique combination of a naturally occurring substance combined with the unique ability to transport nutrients, add firmness to delicate facial features and eliminate unwanted wrinkles is just the beginning of the benefits enjoyed by millions of women across the nation.

• Plump Up Puckered Lips. With age comes the dreaded fine lines associated with puckered lips. As collagen levels decrease and the skin loses its elasticity, lips tend to show more than their fair share of wrinkles as well as a loss of definition. Hyaluronic acid excels in re-hydrating skin and rejuvenating skin tone for a youthful appearance that leaves lips plump not puckered.
• Fade Frown Lines. Frown lines- also known as glabellar lines- are those small but oh-so-noticeable creases that tend to accentuate your face between the eyebrows. It’s hard to miss them but even worse, they tend to make you look older and angry. Depending upon the depth, it may be possible to help fade frown lines by restoring skin tone through the use of hyaluronic acid.
• Clear Crows Feet. Crow’s feet are those fragile and ultra-frequent wrinkles that tend to appear in the corner of the eyes as we age but rather than convey a since of wisdom and style, more often than not, they simply make us look old. Hyaluronic acid actually stores water and other vital fluid in the matrix of the skin to assist in a smoother complexion.
• Smooth Smile Lines. The deep furrows that run from the side of the nose down to the corner of your mouth leave little to smile about but you will be grinning from ear to ear once your skin returns to its supple and tighter tone of your youth.

Good News & Bad

First, the bad news….

Unfortunately, over time the levels of hyaluronic acid produced by the body tend to fall; exposure to environmental stressors, pollution, ultraviolet radiation and even disease further deplete HA levels resulting in pre-mature aging, lack of skin tone and other problems. Researchers have been actively attempting to boost HA levels in the body or somehow ‘jump-start’ the body’s own production of Hyaluronic Acid with limited success. To date, once hyaluronic acid levels begin to fall it is difficult to reverse the process without the use of supplements of other sources.

And now the good news…

Fortunately, both natural and synthetic forms of hyaluronic acid are now available to supplement the body’s own natural reserves and available in a variety of forms including:

• Injections. Injections must be performed by a qualified Dermatologist usually under local anesthesia to reduce the discomfort and pain. The most common side effects include red nodules surrounding the injection site and allergy or side-effects related to the use of anesthesia. The cost is typically higher due to the administration of an anesthetic and results last an average of three months.
• Topical Application. By far the most convenient, cost effective and simple solution involves selecting a high quality HA product for continuous use in the privacy of your own home. Products like Viscontour Serum provide a topical application of hyaluronic acid specifically designed for non-invasive skin hydration and restoration without the risk or pain associated with other procedures.
• Implant. Hyaluronic Implants are similar to HA injections in that they must be performed by a qualified Dermatologist and require the use of specialized services such as anesthesia or other support. Cost is typically substantially higher although results may last longer than an injection.
• Internal Supplements. Hyaluronic Acid may be taken orally in combination with vitamins, minerals and other supplements that enhance the body’s own immune system and healing process. Popular selections include VitaMedica’s HA + A Supplement combined with the Serum for complete protection inside and out!

Stay tuned for Hyaluronic Acid – Part 2, where I’ll discuss who benefits from and how to buy HA.