Everything you need to know about the benefits of hyaluronic acid

Hyaluronic acid first appeared on the cosmetic scene in the early 1990s and has grown in popularity ever since. However, few people know what this unique molecule really is. Is it a natural or chemical ingredient? Does it act deep within the skin or only on its surface? Is it only used in beauty products? Is it really acidic? In this article, our experts at FILORGA Laboratories have retraced the history of hyaluronic acid for you, from its discovery nearly 100 years ago to its latest anti-aging cosmetic applications. We tell you everything you need to know about this essential ingredient and how it helps fight skin aging.

In a few words, the essentials about hyaluronic acid

• Hyaluronic acid is a natural molecule essential for hydrating, firming, and protecting the skin. Synthesized by fibroblasts, it forms a protective gel that fills the spaces between cells and limits dehydration.

• FILORGA usesa naturally sourced hyaluronic acid, produced by biofermentation. This process, based on wheat bran, produces a molecule that is perfectly assimilated by the skin, limiting the risk of irritation.

• FILORGA skincare products use five types of hyaluronic acid with complementary properties. Their molecular weight difference allows them to act on the surface and in depth, protecting against external aggressions.

• Hyaluronic acid is not only a cosmetic ingredient. It is also used in medicine to treat, protect, or restore various tissues.

• FILORGA's HYALU-FILLER range is inspired by aesthetic medicine protocols to provide effective treatments. The products combine hydration, protection, plumping, and smoothing thanks to the multiple forms of hyaluronic acid they contain.

What is hyaluronic acid?

Hyaluronic acid is a long, natural molecule belonging to the carbohydrate family. However, it has nothing to do with the carbohydrates found in rice or fruit. If we were to compare it to a common nutrient, hyaluronic acid would be similar to fibers, because like them, it is capable of absorbing 1000 times its weight in water and provides mechanical strength to the ingredients with which it is mixed.

Of course, the comparison ends there. But before delving into the details of its properties and effects, let's discover its history.

Origins

Hyaluronic acid was first identified in 1934 by ophthalmology researchers Karl Meyer and John Palmer. Having been first isolated from the vitreous humor (the part of the eye behind the pupil and lens) of an ox, it takes its name from the Greek word hyalos, meaning "glassy." Hyaluronic acid is also present in the synovial fluid of the joints and, of course, in the skin. Later, from the 1950s to 2000s, the medical potential of hyaluronic acid was primarily highlighted by the Hungarian biochemist Endre Balazs. Where does the hyaluronic acid used by Laboratoires FILORGA come from? The hyaluronic acid used by FILORGA is href="https://fr.filorga.com/cosmetiques-naturels-ou-synthetiques-pourquoi-filorga-choisit-les-deux/">of natural origin, obtained through white biotechnology processes from wheat grains. To make white flour like that used in cakes, millers use only the kernel of the wheat grain. The husk, also called wheat bran, is left behind. It is this wheat bran that, instead of being discarded, will serve as an ingredient to produce hyaluronic acid.

In the biofermentation process, the wheat bran is fed to lactic acid bacteria, which then naturally produce hyaluronic acid. It is then isolated and purified. A very important point is that the resulting compound has a chemical structure that is identical to that found in the skin. It will therefore be very well absorbed, minimizing the risk of an inflammatory reaction.

What are the benefits of hyaluronic acid for your skin?

Naturally present in the skin, particularly in the dermis, which contains about half of the total amount present in the body, hyaluronic acid is produced by specific cells called fibroblasts. Deep within the skin, it absorbs water and forms a kind of gel that fills empty spaces and protects it from shocks.

In its skincare products, FILORGA uses 5 types of hyaluronic acid, all produced by the biofermentation process described above. The differences are based on the ingredient's molecular weight: the lower the molecular weight, the greater its skin penetration.

• Low molecular weight hyaluronic acid. It retains water in the deeper layers of the skin. It also possesses regenerative properties, as it can stimulate cell proliferation and boost its own natural production, which has a direct effect on reducing wrinkles. It acts on the skin's superficial layers and strengthens skin hydration.

• High molecular weight hyaluronic acid. It prevents dehydration and strengthens the skin's barrier function by forming a protective film on the surface of the epidermis.

• Microfragmented hyaluronic acid. It deeply hydrates and helps fill in fine lines and wrinkles.

• Cross-linked hyaluronic acid.It improves the skin's barrier function, prevents dehydration, and increases elasticity.

Hyaluronic acid isn't just for anti-aging cosmetics

As we'll see later, this active ingredient has many beneficial effects on the skin. But it is also used in other areas.

In rheumatology

Hyaluronic acid is a useful tool for treatingosteoarthritis. As it develops, the synovial fluid, which lubricates the joints, becomes less viscous and less effective, which can lead to increased pain and inflammation. Injecting hyaluronic acid directly into the joint can help restore synovial fluid and improve lubrication, thereby reducing pain and inflammation and improving joint mobility.

In ophthalmology

Hyaluronic acid is used in ophthalmology to:

• Improve eye lubrication and relieve dry eye. It is used in the form of eye drops or gel.

• Replaces the vitreous fluid in the eye during cataract surgery. This helps maintain pressure within the eye and protect delicate tissues during surgery.

• Lubricates,protects, and moisturizes the corneal surface during laser eye surgery, reducing the risk of complications and improving outcomes.

• Treats certain conditions of the eye's surface, such as corneal ulcers. In this case, it is used to help heal the corneal surface and prevent infection.

In reconstructive surgery

Reconstructive surgery is when doctors improve a patient's physical appearance following an accident, a deformity, or after invasive surgery.

Hyaluronic acid is used torestore damaged tissue. For example, to fill in scars, improve the appearance of stretch marks, or improve skin texture after a burn or injury.

This active ingredient can also be used in conjunction with other reconstructive surgery procedures, such as rhinoplasty, following an accident that has damaged the face. It will then serve to restore the initial volume of the tissues and improve the shape of the nose, cheeks, or lips.

Focus on hyaluronic acid injections in aesthetic medicine

Hyaluronic acid injections are commonly used toreduce the appearance of wrinkles, restore firmness and elasticity to the skin, and fill in the hollows caused by the natural loss of volume related to aging. They help to:

• Smooth nasolabial folds.

• Reduce marionette lines.

• Reshape cheekbones.

• Restore facial contours.

• Filling hollow dark circles.

In addition to these specific areas, hyaluronic acid can also be used toreshape the chin, harmonize the temples, or plump the lips, depending on the aesthetic needs of each patient.

The protocol is simple: after a preliminary consultation to assess the patient's needs and expectations, the injection is performed using a fine syringe or cannula, directly into the subcutaneous tissue. The results are immediately visible, providing a natural filling effect from the end of the session. Depending on the type of product used and the area treated, the effects can last from six to twelve months.

Why use hyaluronic acid skincare?

With age,the body's synthesis of hyaluronic acid decreases, as does its quality,

reducing its hydration, filling, and protective properties.

When you want to take care of your skin, regularly applying a hyaluronic acid-based skincare product makes perfect sense.

Furthermore, it's important to know that the hyaluronic acid contained in the skin isdegraded quite quickly. quickly. Scientists say it has a half-life of 24 hours: this means that after one day, half of your skin's hyaluronic acid will have been used. To replenish its reserves and optimize its effects, FILORGA experts recommend daily or twice-daily application of hyaluronic acid-based creams or serums.

Hyaluronic acid is an ingredient recognized for its cosmetic effectiveness. Our scientists incorporate it into many of our formulas and have optimized its effects to the maximum. Inspired by the work of Dr. Michel Tordjman, they created NCEF [New Cellular Encapsulated Factors], the unique core formula of FILORGA Laboratories' skincare products.

HYALU-FILLER: exceptional skincare inspired by aesthetic medicine

Drawing on its expertise in aesthetic medicine, FILORGA has designed a line of skincare products directly inspired by the most advanced protocols performed in the clinic. This approach has made it possible to develop products that harness the benefits of hyaluronic acid in several forms, to provide optimal hydration, plumped skin, and a radiant complexion, without the need for injections.

The HYALU-FILLER serum

The serumHYALU-FILLER is designed as an intense hydration concentrate. Its light, fluid texture quickly absorbs into the skin, providing immediate hydration. Formulated with five types of hyaluronic acid (cross-linked, microfragmented, low, medium, and high molecular weight), this serum targets both surface and deep hydration, while helping to plump and smooth the skin. Enriched with Sophora Japonica, known for its antioxidant properties, this treatment also helps protect the skin from external aggressions. Chondrus Crispus, a red algae nicknamed “white seaweed,” acts as a natural shield by forming a non-occlusive protective film that preserves hydration and protects against polluting particles.

HYALU-FILLER Cream

Designed to complement the action of the serum, the creamHYALU-FILLER provides deep hydration and immediate comfort thanks to its light and enveloping texture. Thanks to a formulation rich in hyaluronic acid, it helps restore skin elasticity, smooth wrinkles, and improve skin firmness. This daytime cream is designed to easily integrate into any beauty routine, regardless of skin type or age, providing continuous hydration and optimal comfort. Sources: John HE, Price RD. Perspectives in the selection of hyaluronic acid fillers for facial wrinkles and aging skin. Patient Prefer Adherence. 2009 Nov 3;3:225-30. doi: 10.2147/ppa.s3183. PMID: 19936165; PMCID: PMC2778417.