Dermal fillers containing hyaluronic acid appear to stimulate production of collagen,and thus help partially repair sun-damaged skin.

"Overall, our findings indicate that NASHA injections induce robust collagen production through several potential mechanisms, including the mechanical stretching of fibroblasts [cells that secrete collagen proteins], stimulation of growth factors and inhibition of collagen breakdown," the authors write. "Of these, mechanical stretching may be the most important." This physical stretching of the cells encourages them to produce compounds that both support collagen growth and suppress chemicals that break down cells' structures.

These findings indicate that aside from cosmetic benefits, i.e., correcting wrinkles associated with aging and other skin conditions, hyaluronic acid may be beneficial in skin-wasting diseases that involve collagen deficiencies, such as those associated with HIV or steroid use.

Source: JAMA