Interest in treatments that focus on skin quality has grown alongside a better understanding of the biology of the dermis and its extracellular matrix.  Research into combinations of hyaluronic acid and selected amino acids suggests they may influence fibroblast activity and pathways involving collagen, elastin and fibronectin, although the strength of the evidence varies considerably between laboratory studies and clinical research.  This article looks at what has actually been demonstrated so far, where the evidence remains limited, and how these findings may fit into a more considered approach to skin ageing.

In many cases, improving skin quality can significantly alter the overall impression of the face even without dramatic structural change.