Thousands of times your own weight can store hyaluronic acid in water. With this impressive feature, it ensures that our skin is firm, the cartilage substance remains elastic and the joints are lubricated. And this property makes it the magic of aesthetic medicine. Because the body produces less and less as it ages, it tries to feed it from the outside. Dr. Sabine Maier (kiprov.com) answered all our questions about this topic.

What exactly is hyaluronic acid?

Biochemically, it is a glycosaminoglycan and thus an important component of connective tissue. It is located between the individual cells and stores the moisture there. It is also a major component of eyeballs, cartilage and synovial fluid. Because of its high water storage capacity, it is extremely pressure-resistant. This benefits us eg in the intervertebral discs. Because hyaluronic acid lasts for only about three days, it is constantly replenished in the cells.

Where is this substance used everywhere?

In human medicine, hyaluronic acid preparations are injected into arthrosis-damaged joints to "lubricate" them. It is also in drops for dry eyes and there are nasal sprays that help to moisturize the mucous membranes. In cosmetics, it is used as a moisturizer and in aesthetic medicine for injecting.

How is Hyaluronic Acid Used in Toiletries?

The fabric is contained in numerous creams and serums as moisturizers (a selection below). Incidentally, hyaluronic acid used to be made from cockscomb or similar. which often led to allergic reactions. In 1984, the researchers of the Japanese cosmetics company Shiseido succeeded in producing them biotechnologically by fermenting microorganisms – a revolutionary step in cosmetics.

How does beauty medicine use hyaluron?

Filler is used wherever you want to restore lost volume: wrinkles, lip contours, but also scarring. Very low-viscosity acid is incorporated over a large area into deeper skin layers in order to improve the moisture balance there.

What should be considered during an injection?

There are different strengths for different regions. Very viscous acid, which almost feels "gritty", is injected into deep skin areas on the zygoma or around the chin. The nasolabial fold and lips are filled with medium strength. Small, superficial wrinkles as on the upper lip are padded with a thin liquid product. The result lasts about 18 months. Attention: The eye region is not suitable for injections, Filler can be seen there.

Which fillers are available, how reliable are they?

To be able to use hyaluronic acid for aesthetics, it is chemically altered. As a result, the body can not break down so fast. There are countless products, but many have allergic reactions. Three very low-complicated preparations are Restylane, Allergan and Belotero. By the way: If you are not satisfied with the result, the injection of the body's enzyme hylase helps. This ensures that the acid immediately breaks down.

Why is hyaluronic acid so expensive?

First and foremost, you pay for the research and development behind it. Of course, there are cheaper products, but the complication rate is much higher. An ampoule (1 ml) costs 470, – Euro at Kiprov .