Why can hyaluronic acid cause redness and inflammation?

Hyaluronic acid is a complex sugar extremely hydrophilic, naturally present in the human body in the joints, muscles, eyes and especially the skin. Nearly 50% of its total quantity is housed in the dermis, the deep layer of the skin. It constitutes the extracellular matrix and serves as a support to 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, a decrease in cellular activity… From the age of 50, it is thus proven that the stock of hyaluronic acid is halved ! In light of this, it is particularly beneficial to provide the skin with hyaluronic acid through dermocosmetic care. Indeed, this remains less invasive and therefore significantly less risky than injections...

Nevertheless, for a more pronounced effect on wrinkle reduction, injections remain highly effective! But what adverse effects might they cause?

When applied topically, hyaluronic acid is a molecule generally well tolerated by all skin types and does not possess a sensitising potential. It does not present any undesirable side effects in cosmetics.

It is within the realm of aesthetic medicine in the range ofinjectionsfor anti-wrinkle treatments thathyaluronic acid can be irritating. However, it is important to note that according to the A.N.S.M., theside effectsassociated with hyaluronic acid injections only affect0.1 to 1% of people.

The most common adverse effects following a hyaluronic acid injection are oedema, skin redness, itching, erythema, and minor bruising. There is no need to worry, these are common and disappear within a few days.

Regarding post-operative complications or more severe adverse effects, it is important to identify and disclose them to patients prior to any injection, even though these remain exceptional.

• Theallergy to hyaluronic acid, although rare, does exist and can cause a localised inflammatory reaction similar to urticaria.

• Granulomas may appear on the treated areas. These are small nodules that can sometimes be unsightly and painful. They often regress and fade spontaneously over a few weeks. A specific treatment with cortisone or anti-inflammatories is a solution to alleviate the patient's discomfort.

• Another complication, individuals predisposed to cold sores may trigger them after the injection; generally, these disappear within about ten days.

• Abscesses have also been reported but this complication remains an extremely rare phenomenon.

Contraindications:Pregnant or breastfeeding women should not undergo surgical injections of hyaluronic acid. The same applies to anyone allergic to this molecule.

If you are considering hyaluronic acid injections, before the injection, quitting smoking, avoiding aspirin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are recommended to limit the occurrence of adverse effects. After the injection, the massaging of the treated area to ensure the molecule adheres to the skin tissues is advised.

Furthermore, as previously stated, topical treatments containing hyaluronic acid present no risk of adverse effects. They also provide a significant improvement in the skin's plumpness and limit the appearance of dehydration wrinkles.

You can, for instance, use ourhydrating serum morning and evening. It is composed of 94% natural origin ingredients and makes the skin more plump after only a few weeks of use. It contains 3% hyaluronic acid and 2% of provitamin B5 which stimulates the regeneration of dermal and epidermal cells, thus reducing insensible water loss.