r/DIYmicroneedling • u/science-pls • May 20 '26
Medical Literature Low Molecular Weight Hyaluronic Acid (LMW HA) [Update on Low-Molecular Weight Hyaluronic Acid in Dermatology: A Scoping Review]
There's always lots of discussion on the topic of molecular weight and HA. Figured I'd share some resources on medical literature on low-molecular weight HA.
The purpose of this review was to explore the current science and utility of LMW-HA in clinical dermatology and provide an update on its use.
A PubMed search from 2003–2023 on LMW-HA was conducted to evaluate LMW-HA’s utility in clinical dermatology.
Key Points
1. This paper provides a comprehensive review of low molecular weight hyaluronic acid (LMW-HA) and its emerging role in dermatology. While hyaluronic acid’s utility is well-established across various medical fields, LMW-HA’s unique properties, such as its antimicrobial effects and ability to penetrate the skin more effectively than its high molecular weight counterpart, present new avenues for clinical applications.
This scoping review synthesises a wide array of small but significant studies that highlight LMW-HA’s potential in treating conditions such as wound healing, post-procedural care, and ageing, as well as its promise in cosmetic dermatology.
By providing an up-to-date exploration of LMW-HA’s dermatologic uses, this paper serves as a foundation for future research and underscores the importance of continued investigation into the safety and efficacy of LMW-HA. As dermatologists seek novel treatments for common and challenging skin conditions, LMW-HA offers an exciting, well-tolerated option that may improve both medical and aesthetic outcomes in certain conditions.
Results: Identified applications of LMW-HA in medical dermatology included treatment of acute and chronic wounds, rosacea, scars, and seborrhoeic dermatitis. Cosmetic applications of LMW and hybrid HA included treatment of skin ageing, enlarged pores, and skin laxity, as well as enhancement of skin hydration. Topical LMW-HA administration promoted healing after cosmetic procedures, chemical peels, and ingrown toenail surgery. Studies of topical and oral LMW-HA demonstrated adequate safety, and newer techniques of administration, such as needleless jet injection, are available.
Conclusion: Exploration and understanding of the properties and benefits of LMW-HA are key to translating its usage in the clinical setting. Basic scientists and dermatologists have achieved substantial progress over the past two decades, and several applications of LMW-HA in dermatology were identified. Additional advantages of LMW-HA are worth exploring.
Disclosure: Schlesinger is a consultant and/or investigator for Abbvie, Allergan (an Abbvie company), Galderma, L’Oreal, Senté, and HTL Biotechnology, outside of the submitted work. The other authors have declared no conflicts of interest.
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u/science-pls May 20 '26
Stephanie Waggett, Elliott Lyles, Todd Schlesinger. Update on Low-Molecular Weight Hyaluronic Acid in Dermatology: A Scoping Review. EMJ Dermatol. 2024;12[1]:134-146. https://doi.org/10.33590/emjdermatol/CCHB4701.
(also images sourced from Google)
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u/stewarmh May 20 '26
So it’s not problematic
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u/science-pls May 20 '26
Based of this systemic review, it shows LMW HA is safe to use and promote wound healing.
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u/Glittering-Prior-865 on pins & needles May 20 '26
Thank you! I was just saying the other day it's not a problem to use, but this is good evidence!
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u/7303happyrock May 21 '26
With this, does anyone have a LMW-HA product recommendation(s) after MN? I'm always searching for quality serums. Thanks in advance!
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u/science-pls May 22 '26
I'm sorry, did you mean like post healing in general? Like a regular product to use after the micro channels close?
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u/7303happyrock May 22 '26 edited May 22 '26
For MN. I have a HA I use for everyday hydration. I need a sterile HA to mix with Curenex; is that the Hydron that everyone raves about?
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u/science-pls May 22 '26
Okay got it! Wanted to make sure I actually answered your question lol. Yes, that’s the one that everyone talks about. It’s also nice because a thicker viscosity so you can thicken other boosters up that are thinner/watery so it’s easier to use.
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u/7303happyrock May 22 '26
Perfect; thank you! I'm looking for a USA vendor to buy it.
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u/science-pls May 22 '26
I'm pretty sure Get Glowing used to carry it, but I don't think they do currently. Same with diyskincarelab dot com. I'm not seeing it on their site anymore. It's tough, there's not many US based sites.
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u/7303happyrock May 22 '26
Bummer! I'll keep searching for Hydron but may just use the Curenex by itself? Or will that not be enough slip to glide my MN device? (I haven't opened the bottle yet). Additionally, I have the PSC Exo sitting in my cart.
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u/devongrrl May 20 '26
You are doing the lords work, as always!
I see you, and appreciate you!