By Nasrin Mani, M.D.
Hyaluronic acid (sometimes called hyaluronan) was first described in the 1930s, but it was not until the 1970s that we began to discover the important roles played by this molecule. Hyaluronic acid is a hydrophilic molecule–it just loves water, and will surround itself with as much as possible!
Because of its hydrophilic properties, hyaluronic acid is found in most of the body’s fluids, but plays an especially important role in joint fluids, where it absorbs water to give cartilage added resilience.
Hyaluronic acid is also naturally found in your skin, but its frequency declines with age. Worse, sun exposure can dramatically reduce the amount of hyaluronic acid in your skin. After exposure to UVB radiation, hyaluronic acid levels in your skin reduce dramatically, which contributes to drying and wrinkling of the skin after sun exposure.
Fortunately, though, hyaluronic acid in the skin can be replaced using one of several dermal fillers derived from this material, such as Juvéderm, Restylane, and Perlane. These dermal fillers give long-lasting correction of deep facial folds and hollows by incorporating moisture to maintain volume.
To learn more about hyaluronic acid-based fillers and how they can help you, please contact La Jolla Cosmetic Laser Clinic today for an appointment.