6 misconceptions about hyaluronic acid.

True. Hyaluronic acid is a compound naturally produced by the body. It is notably present in connective tissue, eyes, and skin. Almost 50% of its total amount is located in the dermis, the deep layer of the skin. It forms the extracellular matrix and serves as a support for collagen and elastin fibres. It also ensures skin hydration as it acts like a molecular sponge: it captures water molecules and retains them.

Nevertheless, over the years, the body's production of hyaluronic acid tends to decrease (a drop of about 6% per decade), which leads to skin sagging, the appearance of the first wrinkles, and a decrease in cellular activity...From the age of 50, it is thus proven that the stock of hyaluronic acid is halved !

False. Hyaluronic acid is a molecule generally well tolerated by all skin types and does not appear to have a sensitising potential. It does not present any undesirable side effects when applied externally. This excellent tolerance comes from the fact that this molecule is already present in the skin and is not unknown to the body, which tolerates and absorbs it all the better.

True. As previously observed, the stock of hyaluronic acid is halved after the age of 50, which results in increasingly pronounced wrinkles and increasingly visible skin sagging. In light of this, it is particularly interesting toprovide the skin with hyaluronic acid through dermocosmetic care. Indeed, this remains less invasive and therefore significantly less risky than injections...

Nevertheless, it is clear that for a more pronounced effect on wrinkle reduction, injections are more effective! As the syringe penetrates deeply, the active ingredient can fill in wrinkles, particularly frown lines, nasolabial folds or forehead wrinkles. However, these injections can be accompanied by side effects, the least severe being oedema, skin redness, itching, erythema and slight bruising.

False. Hyaluronic acid treatments can be used from your twenties onwards.

Indeed, in addition to acting against skin ageing, hyaluronic acid is essential for thehydration of the skin. Capable of capturing and retaining up to 1,000 times its own weight in water, this active ingredient presents itself as the solution for delivering a hydration boost to dry and dull skin, or to those that struggle with the harshness of winter, starting from the age of 20.

Between the ages of 30 and 40, a hyaluronic acid treatment is relevant for mitigating the early signs of ageing.With its low molecular weight, the molecule penetrates deeply into the epidermis to strengthen and stimulate its own production naturally produced by the human body. Thus, the appearance of wrinkles is delayed and the small signs of ageing already present are smoothed out.

False. Contrary to popular belief, hyaluronic acid injections are different from Botox injections. Indeed, they only affect the dermis and not the muscle. These formulas restore volume and hydrate the skin, while Botox relaxes the muscle. The effect of hyaluronic acid on the skin is not permanent. It fades after 6 to 20 months, which necessitates renewal.

False. In hair care, hyaluronic acid can fulfil several functions to enhance the hair on a daily basis.

• Preventing split ends: A treatment with hyaluronic acid applied to the lengths of the hair can preventhair breakage and limit split ends, making your hair softer and stronger.

• Taming unruly hair: A rebellious mane tends to puff up and frizz. A treatment concentrated in hyaluronic acid applied to the lengths helps to smooth out frizz and makes styling easier.

• Restoring Radiance: Several factors such as pollution, stress, smoking, or even hair dyeing can make hair dry and dull. A treatment with hyaluronic acid deeply hydrates the hair fibre and repairs damaged hair. Once hydrated and repaired, your hair regains its shine.

• Caring for your curls: A treatment rich in hyaluronic acid reshapes and restructures your curls. It also adds volume to your hair. If your hair is naturally curly, this active ingredient helps to keep it shiny, flexible and elastic. Finally, on afro-textured hair, the use of this active ingredient gives character to the hair and keeps it hydrated.

• DINI G.& al. Hyaluronic acid in intrinsic skin ageing.International Journal of Dermatology(1994).

• MICHELOTTI A. & et al. Anti-ageing and filling efficacy of six types of hyaluronic acid-based dermo-cosmetic treatment: double-blind, randomised clinical trial of efficacy and safety. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology (2014).