Hyaluronic acid: true vs false

True: Hyaluronic acid is present throughout the body. It's found in both humans and animals, concentrated in the joints, the eyes and the skin's dermis. Biodegradable, biocompatible and biomimetic, it's formulated via a biotechnological process using energy and bacteria.

True: This molecule acts like a sponge in the dermis, capturing water and multiplying its volume a thousand fold. Which is why hyaluronic acid is famous for its plumping, moisturising action. Depending on the molecule's size, it can penetrate the skin's various layers in order to regenerate and restructure them. The smaller the size of the molecule, the deeper it penetrates the skin's tissues. In the dermis, these smaller fragments of hyaluronic acid then stimulate body to produce its version, alongside collagen fibres. 

False: The amount of hyaluronic acid in the body decreases as we get older. This reduction partly explains the dehydration and wrinkles that come with age. By the time we're about 50, hyaluronic acid levels in the body will have decreased by about 50 per cent. This causes fine lines to deepen and skin to become less firm. 

True: As well as acting as a hydrating agent in many creams, hyaluronic acid is also used as an anti-ageing ingredient for older skin types, plumping and boosting collagen production. Cosmetic products will indicate its presence on their list of ingredients.