HYALURONIC ACID | Dermatologist explains the importance

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Hyaluronic acid and its function in the skin.
Hyaluronic acid is a ground substance. Combined with collagen and elastin it forms the mainstay of the dermis. HA is produced by cells called fibroblast. Hyaluronic acid has come a long way over the past few decades with new formulations, both delivered as a cream topically to the epidermis as well as fillers delivered into the dermis. New methods of making HA has resulted in better, longer lasting HA molecules.
 
How is hyaluronic acid made?
Hyaluronic acid is manufactured using sterile techniques.  In the past, hyaluronic acid was manufactured using rooster combs.  Newer forms of hyaluronic acid for creams contain different-sized particles known as polymolecular HAs. These variable size molecules enable better penetration into the epidermis.  As yet, there are no forms of hyaluronic acid applied topically that can reach the dermis.
 
What HAs are best to use?
Most manufacturers now provide a poly molecular weight hyaluronic acid creams.  Companies such the Ordinary makes a cost-effective hyaluronic acid.  In my opinion due to the fact that hyaluronic acid is degraded within 24 to 36 hours, spend your money on hyaluronic acid for dermal fillers rather than creams.  Dermal fillers act in the deeper parts of the skin using cross-linked hyaluronic acid.  Dermal fillers will last anywhere between 6 to 24 months depending on the brand and cross-linking.  Hyaluronic acid applied on the skin will degrade within a day or two.
 
How can I incorporate hyaluronic acid into my skin care routine?
If you are living in a humid environment, hyaluronic acid can be used on skin without preparation.  This is because hyaluronic acid acts as a humectant drawing moisture in to the skin.  If you live in a low-humidity environment, hyaluronic acid should be applied after a bath or shower and occluded with your moisturiser of choice.  This is to decrease dehydration from your skin due to large-particle HA creams which may not go into the lower aspects of your epidermis.
 
Hyaluronic acid in dermal fillers.
There are many types of dermal fillers consisting of hyaluronic acid, I do believe that working with many different brands and subtypes is important because it gives a good selection of material for your dermatologist or plastic surgeon.  Hyaluronic acids which are cross-linked and dense can be used as a foundation; however, more fluid hyaluronic acid fillers can be used to improve areas such as under the eyes. 

What Hyaluronic Acid creams do I recommend?
Every skin care company will have a variation of their formulation of HA in either a serum or cream. The Ordinary produces cheap, cost effective HAs. If you have sensitive skin, opt for a cream over a serum. If you live in a low humidity environment make sure you moisturise after applying HA creams/serums.

Can Hyaluronic Acid be mixed with other skin care?
Absolutely. HA can increase penetration of actives into the deeper epidermis. Because pure HA is part of your natural component of your dermis, this molecule is banal meaning it does not present itself as an antigen. Allergy to pure HA is almost unheard of, if you do react to HA creams, it is more than likely due to other components of the cream- for example Propylene Glycol, SLS, fragrance, preservatives etc..

Guys, thanks for watching this short video on hyaluronic acid. Cheers,
Dr Davin S. Lim, laser and aesthetic dermatologist
Brisbane. Australia. Cutis International

[naturalTJ]

I’m an Esthetician here in Atlanta, and I watching you explain the science behind skin/products. I’ve learned much from you and Dr Dray!!! you’re WONDERFUL Dr

[jenlegrand]

Yay! Finally a new video from you. I love all the little Instagram posts you do, and love it when you have a new video on YouTube. The information you provide is so helpful.

[mymom]

I am an Esthetician and very much appreciative the information you provide. So happy that you are putting out videos on YouTube again. Thank you for your important (and clearly explained) informative videos!

[oldandstillhere]

I’d forgotten how good you are at this. Thank you so much for the intelligent and direct style and for all the info we need to make good decisions. You’re the best!

[ingrid]

I learn more from you than I learned in school to become an esthetician.

[auptag]

Thank you for your expertise in Dermatology. It reinforces what I was taught years ago. With all the hype in the cosmetics industry it’s important, as a consumer, to have the truth regarding what ingredients actually penetrate the skin surface.

[MetaMM]

The best explanation and advice by a true Dermatologist at last. Thank you so much.

[jow]

Thank you Dr. Davin. I built my skincare regimen around the basic - Vitamin A, B, & C, because I have watched your previous videos. I also watched videos from other dermatologists & drew conclusions from there using critical thinking though my understanding can be very limited being a layman. Please continue making videos explaining benefits of skincare ingredients in a layman’s term. Learning from you is a great start in selecting products and ingredients for my skin without spending a lot of money.

[tashapetets]

I hope these last few videos means that your are back on facebook. I really missed your great advice. Thanks for the time you put into these videos.

[artluver]

Thank you, thank you, thank you Dr. Lim! Perfectly explained. Great to see you back on You Tube 🤩

[cristinagarciatzvetkov]

I liked the way you delivered the message. You are so knowledgeable and you base it from clinical trials or studies.
And you are never been biased with some brands because of the videos I watched they were sponsored.
Thumbs up to you Dr.Lim!

[Trakehner]

Wow, you did such a great job breaking down the information, and you did it really concise as well! It's more understandable now!

[cclarke]

Very helpful information Dr. Lim. I’m so glad you are making videos again!

[yh]

This video is EXACTLY what I needed! I have been using The Ordinary Skin Care Line for the last 6 months (is amazing), and found that the moisturizer with HA was suddenly not working. It would literally made my face look like I was sweating profusely. It was a hot mess and I dont even use foundation. It's Summer time here in NYC and the worst day had a 97 degrees. I thought it was that the moisturizer was to heavy for Summer, but is the Hyaluronic Acid!!!! Without knowing that it was that ingredient alone, I would have likely purchased another moisturizer with HA. Understanding which ingredient doesn't wirk and why makes such a big difference. You solved my riddle Dr. Lim, Genius! I have learned so much from you I cant thank you enough. Also, I love the Ordinary Line so much I am scared I would be in trouble if they stop making it. I'm looking for other great, affordable products as back up. I also need to mention that I have oily skin. HA may act differently on dry skin in the Summer. Anyway, once again THANK YOU FROM NEW YORK CITY. :)

[dineshsong]

This doctor is so smart and knowledgeable. Thanks for sharing the information with us and enlightening us on HA’s, I think I know more about it now and the best video on YouTube explaining ha’s.

[TaylorTiree]

Thank you Dr Lim for a fascinating video. As a recently retired nurse in the U.K. I now have to be frugal about my skincare purchases. Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge. I got a bit fed up with some of the Beauty bloggers bringing out the next amazing product that will do wonders for your skin! I now watch you, Dr Dray, and Dr Sam Bunting. I’m 65 and just want my skin to look the best it can. It’s nice to see men taking more care of their skin than they did in the past. When I visited my son Kam in Singapore he said help yourself to any of the skincare in the bathroom cabinet Mum It was like an Aladdin’s cave!

[foggybottomz]

Thank you for taking the time to teach us about HA's! I especially liked that you explained the how HA's should be used with a moisturizer in an arid climate. I grew up in a humid place but moved inland recently and I never considered using a moisturizer before.

[platinum]

I enjoy the in-depth information you provide in your videos. Thank you!

[RitzyCupcake]

Thank you so much for concisely explaining HAs. I had no idea what it was and through seeing in on various beauty channels was contemplating buying something with it. Thank you for shedding light!

[tammycates]

Boy, I’m lucky I came across you, this was very educational and simple enough to understand. Thank you