Hyaluronic acid has gained immense popularity as an ingredient used in cosmetology and aesthetic medicine, thanks to its unique properties valued by doctors and cosmetologists as well as thousands of satisfied patients. There are two types of hyaluronic acid - cross-linked and non-cross-linked hyaluronic acid, and various types of treatments using them allow us to enjoy moisturized and smoothed skin for longer.

What is hyaluronic acid?

Probably, most people will associate it with wonderful, moisturizing creams or cheeses widely advertised and praised on TV and the Internet, and ... it's true! Hyaluronic acid contained in this type of care cosmetics helps to eliminate wrinkles, smoothes and tightens the skin. However, let's look at this substance "from the inside". Hyaluronic acid is a polysaccharide that occurs naturally in living organisms. In humans, it is located in the intercellular matrix of the dermis, vitreous body or synovial fluid. Its main function is to bind water in the dermis, where one molecule of hyaluronic acid can bind 250 molecules of water. Thanks to this, hyaluronic acid provides adequate hydration and gives the skin elasticity. However, the level of hydration, smoothness and elasticity of the skin decreases year by year, and this is due to the gradual decrease in the amount of hyaluronic acid in the skin, and unfortunately, this is an irreversible process.

Types of hyaluronic acid - cross-linked and non-cross-linked hyaluronic acid.

In cosmetology and aesthetic medicine, two types of hyaluronic acid are used for treatments - cross-linked and non-cross-linked hyaluronic acid, and due to their different properties, they have different applications. Cross-linked hyaluronic acid is used to smooth the skin surface and fill soft tissues due to its stabilizing and hydrating properties. This type of hyaluronic acid remains in place for a long time, so the patient can enjoy the effects up to 12 months after the procedure. However, cross-linked hyaluronic acid does not bind water, therefore, it does not moisturize the skin. In turn, non-crosslinked hyaluronic acid binds water molecules and moisturizes the skin very well, while firming it and smoothing wrinkles. Treatments using this type of hyaluronic acid are performed in places where the skin is visibly tired, dry, "gray" and needs hydration. Such treatments can also be performed preventively, as a protection against the formation of wrinkles in places where the skin is extremely delicate, e.g. on the neck or cleavage. Despite its wonderful moisturizing properties, non-cross-linked hyaluronic acid loses to cross-linked hyaluronic acid in terms of staying in place of application, because it is metabolized faster. Therefore, for the best results, treatments with the use of non-crosslinked hyaluronic acid are recommended to be performed in several series spread over time.

Treatments using hyaluronic acid.

As we wrote earlier, both acids are used for different treatments due to their different properties. Hyaluronic acid is most often administered to the skin by injection. Cross-linked hyaluronic acid is administered subcutaneously directly into the place requiring filling, smoothing or modeling. In turn, non-crosslinked hyaluronic acid is administered in small doses shallowly into the skin, in places requiring revitalization. Cross-linked hyaluronic acid is used to fill furrows, smooth wrinkles, model the nose, jaw and chin, fill the lips, and replenish the tear trough. Non-cross-linked hyaluronic acid is used for needle and micro-needle mesotherapy treatments to revitalize the skin.

 

It should be remembered that the duration of the effects after the treatments is also influenced by factors such as our lifestyle, metabolism, but also the poor quality of the hyaluronic acid administered.