What is the difference between cross-linked hyaluronic acid and non-cross-linked hyaluronic acid?
- One molecule of hyaluronic acid can bind up to 250 water molecules
- Non-crosslinked acid acts briefly (1–2 days) and is mainly used for skin hydration
- Crosslinked acid is used for wrinkle filling and volumetry
- After crosslinked acid, the application sites are visible longer than after non-crosslinked acid
- The duration of action of both forms is also influenced by lifestyle and the individual's metabolism
Hyaluronic acid is an organic chemical compound that is produced by mammals and bacteria. In humans, it is found in many parts of the body, but it is most often discussed in the context of skin and joints. It is a major component of synovial fluid, which makes procedures using hyaluronic acid so common in orthopedics.
As for the skin, it is a component of the intercellular matrix of the dermis. Due to its enormous water-binding properties (one molecule of hyaluronic acid can bind as many as 250 water molecules!), it is responsible for proper hydration and (together with collagen and elastin fibers) maintaining skin firmness.
Hyaluronic acid is the most widespread and almost ubiquitous substance in aesthetic medicine treatments. It is used to fill lips, perform mesotherapy, volumetry, and fill wrinkles. It is also used in anti-aging treatments and as an ingredient in specialized cosmetics.
Non-crosslinked hyaluronic acid is a molecule with relatively short chains and a rapid breakdown period. Its half-life in the skin is about 1-2 days and it is quickly metabolized in the liver to water and carbon dioxide. It has rejuvenating and revitalizing effects, which is desirable, for example, in rejuvenating mesotherapy.
During mesotherapy, this acid is injected rather shallowly under the skin and has moisturizing, rejuvenating, and anti-aging effects. It effectively protects the skin from moisture loss and the appearance of wrinkles.
Crosslinked hyaluronic acid differs in that the hyaluronate chains are cross-linked. Thanks to this process, HA metabolizes much longer and can remain in the application site for a longer time. This type of hyaluronic acid (or its mixture with non-crosslinked acid) is most commonly used for wrinkle filling, volumetry, and deep mesotherapy.
When selecting the appropriate acid for mesotherapy, it is worth knowing these differences. Non-crosslinked acid will act shorter, but the characteristic "beads" at the application site disappear immediately or within a few hours after the procedure. In contrast, the duration of action of hyaluronic acid is longer and more intense, but the visibility of the application sites is also longer.
It is also important to remember that other factors, such as lifestyle and the individual's metabolic characteristics, also affect the effect and duration of the treatment.
Which hyaluronic acid will you choose?
FAQ
How does cross-linked hyaluronic acid differ from non-cross-linked?
Non-cross-linked hyaluronic acid has short chains and a rapid breakdown period - its half-life in the skin is only 1–2 days, after which it is metabolized into water and carbon dioxide. It is mainly used for skin hydration, rejuvenation, and revitalization (e.g., in mesotherapy). Cross-linked acid has cross-linked chains, thanks to which it takes much longer to metabolize and remains at the site of administration for a longer time - it is used for filling wrinkles, volumetry, and deep mesotherapy.
What are the types of hyaluronic acid?
In aesthetic medicine, two main types of hyaluronic acid are distinguished: non-cross-linked and cross-linked. Non-cross-linked has short chains, works for 1–2 days and is used for hydrating the skin in mesotherapy treatments. Cross-linked has cross-linked chains, lasts in the skin much longer and is used for filling wrinkles, modeling (e.g., lips, cheeks) and volumetry. A mixture of both forms is also often used, combining the hydration effect with a lasting filling.
How much does hyaluronic acid for the face cost?
The cost of a hyaluronic acid facial treatment depends on the type of procedure and the amount of the product. Moisturizing mesotherapy (non-cross-linked acid) usually costs from about 700 to 1500 PLN per session. Wrinkle filling or modeling with cross-linked acid costs from about 1400-1500 PLN per ampoule of the product. The most accurate quote can be obtained during a consultation, when the doctor assesses the scope of the treatment and the amount of the product needed.
How long does hyaluronic acid last in the skin?
The duration of hyaluronic acid depends on its form. Non-cross-linked acid works for a short time - its half-life in the skin is about 1–2 days, after which it is metabolized in the liver. Cross-linked acid, thanks to cross-linked chains, remains at the site of administration from 6 to even 18 months - depending on the degree of cross-linking, the site of administration, and the patient's individual metabolism and lifestyle.
Is hyaluronic acid safe?
Yes, hyaluronic acid is safe - it is a substance naturally occurring in the human body (in the skin, joints and many other tissues), thanks to which it is characterized by excellent biocompatibility. It is the most widespread substance in aesthetic medicine treatments, used for many years in mesotherapy, fillers and volumetry. The risk of complications is low, but depends on the doctor's competence - therefore, the choice of an experienced specialist and certified preparations is key.
