With many people paying attention to hydration and moisturizing during autumn and winter, hyaluronic acid inevitably comes up as a key topic. It's commonly found around us, and for many, their first introduction to it was through its use in beauty-enhancing injections. Nowadays, however, hyaluronic acid is not only present in skincare products but also in medical aesthetic products. Interestingly, it can even be found in items like bubble tea, wine, and snacks. Let’s dive deeper into this versatile ingredient!

If you want to trace the origin of its existence, it should be in 1934, the ophthalmology professors of Columbia University in the United States isolated the substance from the vitreous humor of the bull's eye.

It is a natural moisturizing factor contained in the skin itself, which is found in the bodies of people and animals, which can replenish sufficient moisture for our human body, making the skin look delicate and full and shiny, no wonder it is called the "human reservoir". And hyaluronic acid, as the "first sister of hydration", has another name that we are more familiar with - "hyaluronic acid".

However, as we age, the physiological structure of the human body will also change, and the content of hyaluronic acid in the human body will slowly decrease with age. That's why our skin looks drier and rougher than when we were younger, and the loss of hyaluronic acid content can cause skin aging problems such as dullness, fine lines, and sagging.

Presumably, sisters who like to study ingredients often see a certain product added with small molecule hyaluronic acid, medium molecule hyaluronic acid and large molecule hyaluronic acid in skin care products, right? This is because the effects of hyaluronic acid of different molecular sizes are different.

• Small molecule hyaluronic acid

Small molecule hyaluronic acid is small in size, and can use its own volume advantage to "come and go like the wind", penetrate deep into the skin, and have a hydrating effect for the skin, while also reducing the loss of collagen and repairing damaged skin. It is generally common in moisturizing and anti-aging skin care products.

• Medium molecular hyaluronic acid

It is located between large and small molecules, with a slightly soft texture, which is more suitable for soft tissue filling and improving wrinkles, so it is also a "fragrant bait" in medical beauty, and it generally fills the forehead, apple muscle, tear trough and other parts that are easy to sunken.

• Macromolecular hyaluronic acid

Macromolecular hyaluronic acid is the "tough guy" of the three, because of the hard texture, it is difficult to be absorbed by the skin, so it generally plays a protective role in skin care products, forming a protective film on the surface of the skin, reducing the evaporation of water inside the skin, so as to moisturize the skin for a long time. In medical aesthetics, it is more involved in rhinoplasty, chin augmentation and other contouring procedures.

The difference between the two lies in their concentration and method of use, which results in different effects.

• Use concentration

First of all, we must know that most of the common hyaluronic acid in skin care products are small molecules, and other ingredients will be added to the product to work together, so compared with the low concentration of large and medium molecule hyaluronic acid stock solution used in medical beauty injections, the effect can be different.

• How to use

Hyaluronic acid products in skin care products are almost always applied to the surface of the skin, which can hydrate and moisturize the skin in a short time, while medical beauty generally fills the skin through injections.

One of the main concerns people have is the safety of hyaluronic acid—whether it can be safely consumed. In fact, in some Asian countries, hyaluronic acid sodium (sodium hyaluronate) has been officially approved as a new food ingredient by a few companies. This approval allows it to be added to regular foods.

If you see it in dairy products, beverages, alcohol, candy and other foods other than health food, you don't have to be too nervous, except for the people who are not suitable for taking it mentioned in the report, as long as we consume no more than 200 mg per day, there is basically no problem~

Regarding the beneficial effects of oral hyaluronic acid on the skin, there is currently no concrete clinical research, and the actual skincare benefits remain unclear. After all, theoretically speaking, oral hyaluronic acid is unlikely to directly impact our skin. When we consume it orally, it is broken down into smaller molecules by the gastrointestinal tract. Whether these small molecules can be reassembled into new hyaluronic acid depends on the state of our fibroblasts. These fibroblasts may easily appear, and some small molecules might provide energy for the body or participate in the synthesis of larger molecules.

Moreover, it's important to understand that even if we ingest hyaluronic acid, it doesn't guarantee complete absorption; much of it may be expelled from the body through metabolism. Only a very small amount of hyaluronic acid is likely to have a stable effect on the face. However, with ongoing research by developers, we may eventually see the day when oral hyaluronic acid can indeed benefit the skin.

Besides hyaluronic acid, there are many other effective skincare methods to consider. One such approach is using the Dr.pen micro-needle beauty device. This tool offers a scientific way to enhance your skincare routine by promoting better absorption of serums and creams, which can lead to improved skin texture and appearance.

The Dr.pen works by creating tiny micro-channels in the skin, allowing active ingredients to penetrate deeper and more effectively. This can be particularly beneficial for those looking to address issues like fine lines, uneven skin tone, or acne scars. By incorporating this device into your regular skincare regimen, you can experience more noticeable results from your favorite products.

Whether you're new to skincare devices or looking to upgrade your current tools, the Dr.pen micro-needle beauty device is worth exploring. It's designed to be user-friendly and gentle on the skin, making it accessible for a wide range of users. If you're interested in taking your skincare to the next level with a scientifically-backed method, the Dr.pen could be a great addition to your routine.