Injections of substances called non-animal stabilized hyaluronic acid (NASHA) may stimulate collagen production. Collagen is a protein essential for skin elasticity. Lack of collagen can lead to wrinkles. Skin fillers have been used to cosmetically to reduce signs of aging and wrinkles.

Researchers at the University of Michigan Medical School (UM) injected NASHA into the forearms of 11 volunteers. All were fair-skinned and eight had moderate sun damage that included brown spots, drooping skin, wrinkles or uneven pigmentation. The average age of the participants was 74.

Each person was injected with 0.7 millimeters of the hyaluronic acid solution at three sites spaced 2 to 5 centimeters apart. They received the same amount and spacing of saline solution injections in the opposite arm. Researchers assessed the condition of their skin four and 13 weeks after the injections by taking skin biopsies.

"We found that NASHA injections induce type 1 collagen production in photo-damaged forearm skin," UM researcher Dr. Frank Wang said in a press release. "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 researchers said the study suggests that hyaluronic acid may be used to help patients with collagen deficiencies that cause skin-wasting conditions.

The study appeared in the February issue of the Archives of Dermatology.

Copyright 2007 iVillage Total Health.