Two processes are mainly responsible for making our faces appear older as we age: the formation of wrinkles, caused simply by our daily facial expressions, and the changing contours of the face, caused by the skin losing its elasticity and volume, which results in sagging. There are two basic proven approaches in the treatment of wrinkles and facial rejuvenation and it is often useful to combine both. One aims to minimize the power of the expressive facial muscles using Botox, the other aims to provide support in certain areas by using hyaluronic acid, a gel-like substance, which returns the face to its youthful state. As a bonus, added volume indirectly reduces wrinkles, as well as moisturizing and strengthening the skin deep down, enabling it to protect itself better from wrinkles.
Hyaluronic acid (sometimes called hyaluronidase) is an ingredient in some anti wrinkle creams. As a moisturizer, hyaluronic acid has the ability to transmit massive amounts of water into the skin (in the neighborhood of 1000 times its own weight) making hyaluronic acid one of the most effective moisturizers available.
Hyaluronic acid (also called Hyaluronan) is found in human connective tissue, the function of which is to cushion and lubricate. Hyaluronic acid is found throughout the body in great amounts. It is most concentrated in the joints, heart valves and eyes. Presumably, its moisturizing and humectant effects are the key to its presence in these parts of the body.
Doctors routinely make use of medications containing hyaluronic acid to treat premature wrinkling, scarring and even to assist in the healing process.