Benefits of topical hyaluronic acid for skin quality and signs of skin aging: From literature review to clinical evidence

Abstract

Skin aging goes beyond a chronological process and also results from extrinsic factors referred to as the exposome. Hyaluronic acid (HA) is an important component of the extracellular matrix, with loss starting at 25 years old. While many studies of HA concern topical use, few literature reviews only address the use of topical HA in dermatology. This review describes the different characteristics of HA-containing cosmeceuticals, with a focus on skin aging and the impact of exposome factors on HA synthesis and degradation. A review was performed using the terms HA, hyaluronan, topical, dermatology, cosmetic, aging treatment, exposome, and cosmeceuticals.Results are also presented from a recent randomized controlled trial (RCT), which investigated the additional benefit of using a HA epidermic filler (HA-filler serum) combined with Botulinum toxin type A (BoNTA) to treat signs of skin aging. Subjects were randomized to two groups: HA-filler serum starting 24 h after the BoNTA injection then twice daily for 24 weeks, or the control group, which received BoNTA. HA is a key ingredient used in cosmeceuticals for its hydration/antiaging properties (hygroscopic, rheological, and viscoelastic). Several clinical studies indicate that HA is both well tolerated and effective, adjuvant to both post-surgical and facial rejuvenation procedures. In the RCT, one of few studies to combine BoNTA and HA with a 6-month follow-up, the HA-filler serum lengthened the duration of BoNTA's effect in reducing wrinkles. Numerous studies support HA-based cosmeceuticals as a noninvasive, effective solution for improving skin hydration and rejuvenation.

The Effectiveness of Injectable Hyaluronic Acid in the Improvement of the Facial Skin Quality: A Systematic Review

“…These products may be useful for helping to maintain healthy, youthful-looking skin and may be suitable for people of all skin types and concerns. 28,29 HA has been shown to be effective in improving the quality of facial skin, particularly when used in consecutive treatments spaced a few weeks apart. This may be due to the viscoelastic properties of HA, which help to improve skin elasticity and firmness.…”

“…Some research has suggested that HA may have beneficial effects when used topically in dermatological practice, although more studies are needed to fully understand its potential effects. 28 There is a growing body of evidence suggesting that HA is well-tolerated and effective when used in combination with various facial rejuvenation procedures, such as botulinum toxin type A, photodynamic therapy, fractional CO 2 laser skin resurfacing, fillers, microneedling, and chemical peeling. Clinical studies have generally found that HA-based cosmeceuticals, which are skin care products that contain HA and other active ingredients, can help to improve skin hydration, rejuvenation, and healing.…”

“…These products may be useful for helping to maintain healthy, youthful-looking skin and may be suitable for people of all skin types and concerns. 28 , 29 …”

Evaluation of adapted dermocosmetic regimens for perimenopausal and menopausal women using an artificial intelligence‐based algorithm and quality of life questionnaires: An open observational study

“…A serum aimed at both groups (Neovadiol meno 5 bi‐serum; Laboratoires Vichy, France) contains VVMW, proxylane, cassia extract, vitamins B3, C, and E, omegas 6 and 9, LHA and glycolic acid. Additional key ingredients are HA in the perimenopause creams (Neovadiol redensifying day cream [cream A] and night cream [cream B]) for its hydration properties; 27 and omegas 3,6 and 9 in the creams for women during the menopause (Neovadiol replenishing day cream [cream C] and night cream [cream D]) to replenish lipid loss.…”

Synergy of GHK‐Cu and hyaluronic acid on collagen IV upregulation via fibroblast and ex‐vivo skin tests

“…For example, the epidermal HA content decreases from 0.03% in 19–47‐year‐old women down to 0.015% in 60‐year‐old women 11 . Therefore, it is necessary to supplement HA to maintain skin hydration and elasticity 12 . As a natural moisturizing factor (NMF), not only does HA form hydrogen bonds with water, but also it controls water mobility by interacting with AQP3 13 .…”