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Chronic exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light has long been known to accelerate the aging process of human skin, leading to a condition known as photoaging. This process involves the fragmentation of type I collagen bundles in the dermis, resulting in wrinkles, fragility, and loss of elasticity. However, a groundbreaking study suggests that there may be a way to reverse these dermal changes associated with photoaging.
Conducted by a team of experts led by Dr. Frank Wang, MD, the William B. Taylor Endowed Professor of Clinical Dermatology at U-M Medical School, the study explores the potential of dermal fillers, specifically cross-linked hyaluronic acid, in combating the effects of photoaging.
Dermal fillers, commonly used to reduce lines and wrinkles by adding volume to the skin, have traditionally been thought to provide clinical improvement solely through their space-filling properties. However, researchers discovered that cross-linked hyaluronic acid fillers also stimulate the production of new type I collagen in the dermis.
Notably, the filler’s effects are both rapid and long-lasting. Collagen production is stimulated within several weeks of injection, and the accumulation of collagen continues over the course of a year. This dual action—immediate space-filling and long-term collagen stimulation—provides short-term improvement in skin appearance while also promoting lasting clinical benefits.
“A single injection of cross-linked hyaluronic acid dermal filler can lead to rapid and long-lasting improvement of skin by stimulating collagen deposition,” explained Dr. Wang. “Repeat injections may further enhance collagen production, potentially reducing the need for re-treatment.”
These findings offer promising insights into the potential of dermal fillers to not only rejuvenate the skin in the short term but also promote sustained improvement over time. By addressing the underlying cause of photoaging—the fragmentation of collagen—the use of cross-linked hyaluronic acid fillers may revolutionize the treatment of aging skin.
The study, conducted with the support of the University of Michigan Department of Dermatology Cosmetic Research Fund and a Career Development Award from the Dermatology Foundation, highlights the importance of continued research in dermatology and cosmetic science. While further studies are needed to fully understand the mechanisms behind these effects, the findings pave the way for innovative approaches to combat skin aging and promote healthy, youthful-looking skin.
