It is extremely important to focus on these defects by repairing the skin barrier, decreasing TEWL and increasing water content.

Therefore, hyaluronic acid, which is renowned for addressing these specific flaws, is a popular ingredient in many cosmetic products such as creams, serums, gels and masks.²⁸ The benefits of hyaluronic acid in cosmetic products depend on the type of HA (reinforced by cross linking or not) in the finished products.⁹⁵

We’ve already seen that skin ageing is linked to a decrease in the levels of Hyaluronic Acid in our skin, in both the epidermis and dermis. This contributes to loss of moisture and elasticity in our skin and the eventual development of wrinkles.¹¹

Hyaluronic acid injections using dermal fillers, mesotherapy or skin rejuvenators successfully supplement dermal hyaluronic acid.²⁶

What’s more, HA skincare products may have complementary benefits with HA dermal fillers. However, cosmetic products incorporating HA do not penetrate deep into the skin. Instead, these products remain on our skin’s surface where they create a mesh that reinforces the skin’s barrier and retains moisture within the skin.^11,32,74

Hyaluronic acid is non-toxic, non-irritating and non-allergenic because it is naturally present in our skin. It can therefore be used in cosmetic formulations to suit mostly all skin types.^5,28

Hyaluronic acid-based creams can be recommended to people who do not feel that they are ready for injections; they may be used as a first step in the anti-ageing process before switching to injections.

Even if wrinkles are not a concern at the moment, it doesn’t hurt to use a product that will improve the elasticity of our skin. Also, remember that from the age of 25, dry and dehydrated skin may start to become a concern.¹⁰⁸ So hydrating the skin at this stage with HA-based topicals would be beneficial to delay these first signs of ageing.^5,74

Later, when deeper wrinkles start to set in, the combination of Hyaluronic Acid-based skincare products and HA dermal fillers is more appropriate to erase the signs of ageing skin.^28,74

Therefore, as we age, regular use of hyaluronic acid based cosmetic products which hydrate, help protect and reinforce our skin’s barrier properties becomes increasingly important.⁷⁴

Daily use of topical hyaluronic acid-based products for the ageing face can contribute significantly to the overall facial improvements of  any aesthetic procedures which may be carried out⁶¹

The schema below illustrates the importance of combining aesthetic procedures with a proper skincare regimen.

Importance of hyaluronic acid-based cosmetic products¹⁰⁹

Combinations of high quality topical and injectable hyaluronic acid-based products can thoroughly rejuvenate our skin from within, for a healthy, youthful complexion.^28,74