Everything You Need To Know Before Getting Hyaluronic Acid Fillers

When it comes to skincare, new products and technologies are constantly hitting the market, and that's not including the various skincare routines that are always being touted online. However, some products withstand the test of time and hyaluronic acid is one of them. It's perhaps one of the best known skincare ingredients and can be purchased by itself as a serum or in other skincare products. When used on your skin every day, hyaluronic acid can make you glow, and it can help maintain oily skin. It's even typically safe for sensitive skin, too.

Hyaluronic acid serums are okay to use because hyaluronic acid itself is something that is produced by our bodies naturally (via Healthline). It's a clear acid found in our skin and eyes that keeps skin moisturized, supple, and illuminated. When taken as a supplement, it can help areas other than your face, as well. Healthline explains that hyaluronic acid can help ease your joint pain because it helps keep them lubricated and moving, can quicken wound healing, and ease any acid reflux you may have, among other benefits.

Now, people are finding new and innovative ways to get hyaluronic acid into their bodies, which includes fillers.

Hyaluronic acid fillers are put into your face, and they make your face look full and healthy. Byrdie explains that they add volume to your nose, under eyes, or cheeks, among other options, and simply are, according to dermatologist Dr. Michelle Henry, "temporary dermal fillers designed to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles." Henry reiterates that hyaluronic acid is naturally found in the skin, so it's more of a reinforcement than implanting something foreign to the body.

According to Dr. Phillip R. Langsdon, a facial plastic surgeon, these fillers also attract water, which is what helps your skin stay moisturized and plump wherever they're inserted (via Byrdie). In addition to the aforementioned places, Langsdon says people often get them along the jawline, lips, chin, and temples. Because these fillers are used in so many places, fillers are typically produced to be used in certain places, called "on-label" places. It's therefore recommended that you only use fillers in the specific places they are intended to be used. According to Langsdon, these fillers start around $750.

"[Hyaluronic acid] fillers can stimulate collagen production, which leads to fresher-looking skin, and can be used for preventative reasons, to combat volume loss and fine lines earlier on in the aging process," explained Dr. Henry. And, what's more, they are good for up to a year, while the procedure itself takes only about 15-30 minutes (via Byrdie). You should drink plenty of water after the procedure, however, and you should avoid blood thinners and alcohol in the week leading up to your appointment.

In case you missed it, hyaluronic acid is the latest buzzword in the beauty industry and according to almost every beauty editor, dermatologist, and skin specialist, it's definitely something you should be getting behind. And as it turns out, you may already be using it without even knowing, as many skincare brands use it as a leading ingredient in some hydrating products.

"HA (hyaluronic acid) is critical in maintaining skin hydration," aesthetic doctor, Dr. Maryam Zamani, explained to Elle. She continued, "Topically applied, it helps to hydrate the skin and maintain this hydration as a humectant." The best part? According to Dia Foley of Indeed Laboratories, it's believed to work for everyone. "Hyaluronic acid works for any skin type, even sensitive or breakout-prone skin, as well as those with an oily complexion," she told Elle. 

But what actually happens when you put hyaluronic acid on your skin? How does this magic-sounding product really work?