Skin aging damage reversed with hyaluronic acid fillers

What's the news: Hyaluronic acid fillers reverse dermal changes caused by photoaging.

Why should we believe it: This news is based on a new study by scientists at the University of Michigan. They took 24 human subjects, aged 60+. The scientists then injected a popular dermal filler, cross-linked hyaluronic acid (HA). They examined the skin of the subjects and found:

• Within one week, skin cells went into action and started producing new collagen.

• "Thick collagen bundles" were visible within 4 weeks

• The results persisted at 12-month follow-up

Why this is a big deal: Hyaluronic acid fillers are a popular treatment offered by cosmetic clinics. The promise is that the filler smooths out wrinkles and fills out the face.

But as the current study shows, an HA filler is not simply filler, with no biological action. The hyaluronic acid actually reverses the breakdown of skin collagen that comes from photoaging.

So what specifically can you do now: The best way to deal with photoaging is still prevention. That means limited sun exposure and sunscreen for the times you are exposed.

But if you already have photoaged skin, and you want to reverse it, then consider hyaluronic acid fillers. They are more than just a cosmetic bandaid. And the effects persist for a long time — the half-life of new collagen-1 is 15 years.