Hyaluronic Acid Injection and Rosacea: What are the effects of this aesthetic medicine method on this skin disease?

Rosacea is a chronic skin disease that is non-contagious and is characterized by the appearance of redness on the face, particularly on the cheeks, nose, and forehead. These redness, due to the dilation of small blood vessels, can be accompanied by skin lesions, tingling, and hot flashes. It is important to manage rosacea as early as possible because it can progress to more severe stages (ocular rosacea, rhinophyma...).

The characteristic redness of rosacea is not constant, as this disease manifests itself through periods of flare-ups and remission. Although the exact causes of rosacea are still under study, several works have shown that it predominantly affects fair-skinned women aged 30 to 50 years. In addition, several factors have been identified as contributing to rosacea flare-ups, including heat, consumption of spicy foods, stress, and sun exposure. While it is not yet possible to cure rosacea, solutions exist to reduce redness on the face.

Hyaluronic acid is a hydrophilic sugar naturally present in the human body. It is particularly found in muscles and around joints. However, the skin, and more specifically the dermis, remains the primary reservoir. The major function of hyaluronic acid in the skin is toensure its hydration. This molecule contributes to the formation of the dermis' connective tissue and serves as a support for collagen and elastin fibers, thus playing a crucial role in the skin's suppleness and elasticity. Over the years, the synthesis of hyaluronic acid decreases in the body, leading to the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. To compensate for this decrease and address signs of aging, some aesthetic centers offer injections.

Regarding rosacea, there is currently no evidence that hyaluronic acid injections can alleviate symptoms, unlike other aesthetic medicine methods such as laser or pulsed light. Moreover, if you suffer from mild rosacea, we recommend you to opt for hyaluronic acid-based skincare rather than injections. Indeed, cosmetics containing this molecule have shown in various studies a real effectiveness for reducing redness and strengthening the skin barrier.

A recent study has focused on the effects of a cream composed of 89% thermal water and 0.4% hyaluronic acid. For 30 days, 20 volunteers suffering from mild rosacea applied this treatment twice a day. At the end of the experiment, clinical evaluations were conducted on erythema, desquamation, papules and pustules, skin dryness, itching, and tingling. The results showed a significant improvement in these various parameters over the 30 days of treatment. Furthermore, skin tolerance was deemed excellent.

Key Takeaway : Skincare products containing hyaluronic acid have shown beneficial properties in alleviating mild rosacea. However, when it comes to hyaluronic acid injections, the evidence is still incomplete.

• TAN J. & al. A Split-Face Study Evaluating the Clinical Advantage, Tolerability, and Patient Satisfaction of a Dermocosmetic in Individuals with Rosacea Accompanied by Erythema and Sensitive Skin. Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology (2020).

• AHMED M. A. & co. A review of the cosmetic use and potentially therapeutic significance of hyaluronic acid. Journal of Applied Pharmaceutical Science (2022).