Does your wrinkle cream or moisturizer have Hyaluronic acid in it?

I was recently working on a project for one of our area dermatologists.  She asked me to formulate a moisturizer that contained hyaluronic acid.  After discussing this with her, I realized that not everyone knows about one of the body’s most abundant moisturizers and wrinkle reducing ingredients.

Hyaluronic Acid is an ingredient that is found in the synovial fluid (fluid between joints), the vitreous (fluid) of the eye and the space between skin cells as well as other parts of the body. Hyaluronic acid is able to bind up to 1000 times its weight in water.  Up to 50% of the hyaluronic acid in your body is found in your skin. Hyaluronic acid fills in the space in between the skin cells and holds moisture.

Without hyaluronic acid, the skin loses its elasticity (wrinkles) and the surface of the skin becomes dry.   Moisture is lost when hyaluronic acid concentrations decrease.  As we age, we lose the ability to produce hyaluronic acid, which helps keep the skin wrinkle free.

Interesting fact, did you know that several of the products being used as lip fillers contain hyaluronic acid?

Would you like to try some?  If so, ask for me (Natalie Danielson, Pharm.D.) next time you are at the pharmacy.