What is hyaluronic acid in skin creams? Here’s what happens if you use it for a long time

The main molecule involved in skin moisture is hyaluronic acid which is naturally present in the skin but starts loosing after 25.Due to its strong water-binding potential, hyaluronic acid is a well-known active ingredient for not only cosmetic applications that are topical but also Injectable hyaluronic acid fillers.

Dr. Sonali Chaudhary, Integrative and Cosmetic Dermatologist says, "The use of HA in creams, serums or other topical agents have increased significantly due to its hygroscopic, rheological, and viscoelastic properties.HA in creams or serums help the skin to retain and maintain elasticity, turgor and moisture. The exact use depends on the molecular weight and size of the hyaluronic acid molecule."

Application of low-molecular-weight (LMW) HA is associated with significant reduction of wrinkle depth, which may be due to its better penetration abilities. High molecular weight‐HA is usually added in cosmetic formulations to increase formulation viscosity and improve the stability of composition film when applied on skin.

First clinical application of HA was developed during the 1970s and 1980s for use in ophthalmic surgery. Since then, its use in Dermatology and cosmetology caught the limelight and it's an ongoing process of new studies and new implications in the field where hyaluronic acid is being touted as a moisturizing and anti-ageing ingredient.

Long term effects on skin include improved hydration,Skin rejuvenation, healing of scars, better and faster wound closure, elasticity and aging. Long term effects of age‐related changes and external damage due to sun, stress pollution etc may already impact the structure of your skin, which may trigger degradation of components of the extracellular matrix (which includes HA). Using products with hyaluronic acid can help in long term elasticity, Reduction of wrinkles and maintaining hydration to the skin.

Topical hyaluronic acid lotions and creams have no known adverse effects because your body already has them. Nevertheless, you can experience an adverse reaction to a particular formulation or brand. Scleroderma patients who apply hyaluronic acid to their skin run the risk of worsening their skin ulcers. Use of hyaluronic acid on the skin should be avoided if you have scleroderma. However, hyaluronic acid fillers may cause side effects like discomfort, bruising, redness, itching, and swelling. These negative effects are self-limiting and usually disappear after seven days.