Can you be allergic to hyaluronic acid? Hyaluronic acid is a natural component of the dermis and many other organs. Its presence allows you to maintain tissue elasticity at the proper level. Under its influence, the water balance of the tissue is restored: if the skin lacks fluid, hyaluronic acid takes it from the air, but if the surrounding tissues are oversaturated with moisture, the substance absorbs its excess, becoming a gel.
Probability of occurrence
Allergies to hyaluronic acid develop extremely rarely, but this possibility cannot be completely excluded. Previously, the material was extracted from natural fabrics, and then it was purified from excess substances. Thus, the likelihood of developing intolerance was due to the natural origin of the substance.
Currently, hyaluronic acid is of synthetic origin, and the resulting biotechnological material is in full accordance with the natural one. As a result, the likelihood of developing allergies is virtually eliminated.
For what reasons can an allergy to hyaluronic acid occur?
Features of the substance
Hyaluronic acid has a carbohydrate structure and consists of small polysaccharide fragments. Depending on the number of polysaccharide fragments present in it, it can be high or low molecular weight.
Acids, depending on their mass, are able to penetrate the skin to different depths. High molecular weight hyaluronic acid is not capable of penetrating the epidermis, therefore only substances with low molecular weight are used in cosmetology. They are able to influence the deep layers of the skin, tighten and restore skin elasticity.
Hyaluronic acid is the basis of connective tissues, the matrix of the bone and nervous systems. If the content of hyaluronic acid in the body is at a normal level, then the tissues are nourished and moisturized at the proper level, and wrinkles do not appear for quite a long time.
What causes an allergy to hyaluronic acid?
Which drugs to choose
So, how the drug works and is used, in what forms it is available, and when it is better to stop using it, has already been clarified. It remains to find out which products are on sale and are most popular.
This product has earned the most positive reviews from customers.
- Hyaluronic acid "gemene". It is a liquid product in a small bottle with a special roller for ease of application. It should be used twice a day (or more often if necessary) alone or in combination with an anti-aging or restorative cream. To enhance the effect, the drug is stored in the refrigerator. According to the recommendations of experienced users, then it better removes dark circles and swelling. Moisturizing is felt immediately, the result is noticeable after a 3-week course.
- "Libriderm". One of the best series of cosmetic products for hair and skin care with hyaluronic acid. The line includes shampoos, tonics, body and face creams, including eye serum and concealing primer. You can choose products with different molecular weights depending on age and problem. They are not addictive and can be used continuously.
- "Novosvit". A fairly popular drug in the form of a serum containing both hyaluronic acid and collagen. The cost of one bottle is only 120 rubles, which certainly attracts buyers. However, the results after a full course of use are not the best; many do not note any effect at all, except for temporary hydration.
For many women, hyaluronic acid under the eyes has become a real salvation in the fight against annoying age-related changes on the face. Numerous reviews confirm the real effectiveness and safety of this product. You may not get as bright a result as the “before and after” photos on the Internet show, but it will be noticeable to others and you will like it.
Possible allergenic substances
Allergenic substances when using hyaluronic acid are the following components:
- Synthetic substances.
- Products of animal origin.
- Allergic manifestations resulting from exposure to other substances.
- Immunity to other components included in the cream with hyaluronic acid.
Symptoms of allergies to hyaluronic acid injections develop extremely rarely due to the perfect composition of the biological material. Currently, substances of animal origin are not used in cosmetology. Previously, the acid was obtained from an extract of organic tissue, separating the lipid and protein parts from it. Despite this, the composition did not become monocomponent - it contained residues of other substances. This is what determines the allergenicity of the material.
It is important to remember that a person who is predisposed to allergic reactions should exercise caution when using new food ingredients, cosmetics, and chemical compounds. Hyaluronic acid can be dangerous for such people.
In some cases, an injection of hyaluronic acid can cause swelling, which is often confused with an allergy. In this case, the cheekbone, the area under the eyes, and the lip may swell. Before carrying out the procedure, the cosmetologist always warns that redness, bruising, and soreness may appear during the first time after the injection. Such signs of an allergy to hyaluronic acid can persist for up to a month.
Methods of application
Powder
Before use, the powder must be diluted with boiled distilled water. 1 g of the substance is mixed with a full tablespoon of water at room temperature and left for 30 minutes to swell. Then apply to cleansed facial skin and leave for 30–40 minutes until completely absorbed. After this, you can use your regular makeup cream and apply cosmetics. You can do the procedure in the morning and evening for at least 14 days. If necessary, the course is continued for another 7 days.
Moisturizing drops
Drops are used in the same way as a solution prepared from powder, the only difference being that absorption will take much less time. As a rule, liquid products are sold in pharmacies in the form of ampoules or bottles with a special dispenser (roller). If the entire package is not used immediately, store any leftovers in a cool, dark place.
Hyaluronic acid injections should only be performed on an outpatient basis, in a good beauty salon or in a specialized medical center
Mask
To prepare masks at home, use liquid in ampoules, drops, a solution from a powder, or the powder itself. The basis of the mask can be yogurt, kefir, oatmeal, white clay, whipped egg white or yolk, fruit or vegetable puree. The choice depends on the skin type and the existing problem. No more than 3 drops or 1 g of the product is added to the prepared mask mixture, applied to cleansed and moisturized skin and left for 15–20 minutes, then carefully washed off with warm water and moisturized with your usual cream.
Strips with hyaluronic acid
Such products can be purchased at pharmacies or good cosmetics stores. They are ideal for express care on a business trip or on vacation; they give an immediate effect, but it does not last long. The strips are pieces of fabric impregnated with hyaluronic acid in sealed packaging. They are removed from the packaging immediately before use and applied to the eyes. Exposure time is 15–20 minutes. There is no need to wash your face after the procedure.
Injections
In pharmacies and online stores you can find special patches with hyaluron. The drug is administered with hyaluronic microneedles, which minimally injure the skin. It is strongly recommended not to inject the product yourself. To avoid side effects and complications, it is better to trust a doctor or a good cosmetologist. Before the procedure, an anesthetic is injected or the skin is rubbed with an ice cube to reduce pain during punctures. After administering the drug, the master distributes it under the skin with patting movements. Swelling may be noticeable. This is fine. After some time they will resolve on their own. Effectiveness after a course of injections lasts up to 12 months.
Symptoms
The supply of hyaluronic acids can occur through injection or external means. The symptoms in both cases are similar, however, there are still some differences.
An allergic reaction manifests itself as follows:
- There is a pronounced burning sensation at the site of application, sometimes unbearable itching.
- Redness of the skin develops.
- The injection site where the cream is applied swells.
- A skin rash appears.
Symptoms of an allergy to hyaluronic acid should not go unnoticed.
If a low-quality biomaterial is used for injection, it affects the deeper layers of the skin, which respond, accordingly, with more pronounced allergic symptoms. The rarest manifestation is anaphylactic shock. After the administration of hyaluronic acid, a person develops chills, weakness, and dizziness. Loss of consciousness is possible.
If the substance is applied to the skin externally, then allergy symptoms develop immediately, that is, immediately after applying the cosmetic to the skin area. When administered by injection, the development of symptoms of an allergy to hyaluronic acid can take quite a long time - up to 3 days.
Are there any disadvantages?
There are very few downsides to using this substance to rejuvenate the area around the eyes. Basically, this is a standard set of facts that are inherent in all creams for this area. If a woman has intolerance to the hyaluronic substance, then irritation and swelling may occur. The effect must be constantly maintained, because the substance completely leaves the body after a few months. This means that you need to use the cream on an ongoing basis.
Experts have also put forward a theory that long-term use can cause the skin to become addicted to the components of the cream. As a result, the important substance will no longer be produced naturally. But this theory has not been proven and experts are now studying its veracity. If you use creams from the natural series, your skin will feel much more benefits, and possible disadvantages will be minimized.
Diagnostics
If the injection of hyaluronic acid causes a burning sensation and redness develops, this may indicate a reaction to the injection itself. This phenomenon is considered normal. However, if painful manifestations and swelling persist for two to three days, then we can judge the development of an allergic reaction. It is impossible to eliminate the hyaluronic acid molecules present in the skin, but you should begin to stop unpleasant manifestations as early as possible.
The components that trigger the allergy must be identified immediately. This will allow you to prescribe the correct therapy. To determine the type of allergen, diagnostics are carried out not only in relation to hyaluron, but any potentially allergenic substances. They can be chemical additives and preservatives.
Therapy of allergic manifestations
In many ways, the treatment of allergic manifestations depends on the allergen that provoked them. The first method of treatment is to eliminate the substance that provokes the adverse reaction. The second method is the use of medications that help eliminate symptoms. Every cosmetology salon should have a first aid kit that will provide emergency assistance in the event of a critical condition due to an allergy to hyaluronic acid. The photo does not reflect all the symptoms.
Contraindications for injections
The difference in skin condition is noticeable after the first injection of hyaluronic acid. Photos before and after the procedure clearly demonstrate how effective HA injections are.
However, despite all the anti-aging properties, hyaluronic acid injections have a number of contraindications.
The main contraindications include the following:
- individual intolerance to HA;
- pregnancy/breastfeeding period;
- problems with blood clotting;
- diabetes mellitus, hemophilia;
- damage at the intended injection site;
- taking anticoagulants;
- recently performed cosmetic procedures (photorejuvenation, peeling, etc.);
- diseases associated with oncology;
- presence of a pacemaker.
Elimination
This technique is based on eliminating the causes of allergies. If the cause of the allergy is the cream, then you should remove it from the skin, use external hormonal ointment and take antihistamines. If signs of a reaction appear during the injection, it should be stopped and medications that block the allergen should be taken.
Medicines
Therapy should be carried out using drugs that can block the release of histamine agents. All antihistamines are divided into categories. There are currently four generations of products.
Most often, symptoms are local in nature. The use of external forms of antihistamines - creams, ointments - will help eliminate swelling, itching and redness. These can be either antihistamines or drugs containing corticosteroids. The activity of allergens and active biological substances is quickly blocked by agents based on dexamethasone and prednisolone.
However, in some cases, the use of other medications may be necessary to relieve the allergen. If an anaphylactic reaction develops, in parallel with these drugs, it is recommended to take measures aimed at restoring blood flow, which in a state of shock goes into the depot. In such cases, intravenous administration of isotonic and other solutions that promote detoxification is recommended. In order to increase vascular tone, the patient is administered a solution of epinephrine.
How to prevent the development of allergies to hyaluronic acid on the face?
Prevention
Preventive measures aimed at preventing the development of an allergic reaction to the use of hyaluronic acid boil down to preliminary testing of sensitivity to the components of the cosmetic product. If you plan to use a preparation rich in active ingredients for tightening, you should apply a small amount of it to the skin area before the procedure.
In addition, you should pay attention to the cost of cosmetics and procedures. Biohyaluron is an expensive pleasure, therefore, a cream based on it cannot be cheap, and cosmetologists also charge quite a lot of money for injections. Saving in this case and searching for cheaper analogues is inappropriate.
It is important to pay attention to the composition of creams and serums. If they contain components that have previously provoked allergic reactions in a particular person, then it is important to refrain from using them. When using injections, you should ask your cosmetologist in detail about the composition of the drug used. If a specialist is not ready to answer questions and refuses to provide documents and certificates for the drug, then there is a high probability that the drug being used is counterfeit, low-quality and, probably, unsafe. You should also refuse the services of such a beauty salon.
How does hyaluronic acid work?
Moisturizing is the main effect of this product. Since hyaluronic acid is found in human cells, it is easily absorbed and well tolerated. This is a substance familiar to the body. It doesn’t just moisturize - an imperceptible and imperceptible film forms on the surface. On the one hand, it prevents moisture evaporation and drying of the skin. On the other hand, it literally draws moisture from the air and saturates the cells with it. If you use products with hyaluronate in parallel with other drugs containing vitamins, oils and other active ingredients, their effect will be enhanced.
Preparations with a high concentration of hyaluronic acid will help lighten circles under the eyes, reduce swelling and smooth out the first wrinkles
The complex effect of hyaluronic acid for the skin around the eyes is as follows:
- stimulates the ability of skin cells to regenerate;
- moisturizes and retains moisture inside cells;
- smoothes out the first wrinkles;
- brightens dark circles;
- removes swelling by accelerating metabolic processes;
- creates a protective barrier on sensitive skin.
Of course, this is not eye contour surgery; you should not hope that gel or even injections will help remove serious problems. But the skin will look noticeably better, and this result will last for a long time.
