HYALURONIC ACID: UNDERSTANDING ITS USES AND BENEFITS
What is Hyaluronic Acid?
Hyaluronic acid is a sugar found in many parts of the body, including the skin, eyes, and joints. Hyaluronic acid's principal job is to keep these parts of the body hydrated. Hyaluronic acid is an essential component of skin hydration. Because the hydration in individuals' skin reduces as they age, some people prefer to supplement with hyaluronic acid with various products like oral supplements, topical creams, serums, and injections are all possibilities.
Hyaluronic Acid Benefits
1. Promotes Healthier Skin :
Hyaluronic acid supplements can improve the appearance and feel of your skin. Your skin contains around half of your body's hyaluronic acid, which binds to water to help retain hydration. The natural aging process, as well as exposure to UV radiation from the sun, tobacco smoke, and pollution, can reduce its levels in the skin. Taking hyaluronic acid supplements can help to avoid this decline by providing extra amounts for your body to integrate into your skin.
2. Speed up Wound Healing :
Hyaluronic acid is also important for wound healing. It's naturally found in the skin, but its levels rise when there's damage that needs to be repaired. Hyaluronic acid aids wound healing by reducing inflammation and telling the body to increase blood vessel growth in the injured area. When applied to skin wounds, it has been demonstrated to reduce wound size and pain faster than a placebo or no treatment. When administered directly to open wounds, hyaluronic acid also contains antibacterial characteristics, which can help lower the risk of infection.
3. Helps in Lubricating Joints :
Hyaluronic acid is also found in the joints, where it helps to lubricate the area between your bones. The bones are less prone to grind against each other and create discomfort when the joints are lubricated. Osteoarthritis, a type of degenerative joint condition caused by wear and strain on the joints over time, can benefit from hyaluronic acid supplementation. People with osteoarthritis, particularly those between the ages of 40 and 70, have been proven to benefit by taking 80–200 mg daily for at least two months.
The 3 Types of Hyaluronic Acid: How They Differ?
There are three different forms of hyaluronic acid molecules that are used in skincare products:
- Hyaluronic acid hydrolyzed
- Hyaluronate sodium acetylated
- Hyaluronate sodium
Your favorite moisturizing serum and moisturizer will almost certainly contain a strong blend of HA molecules in its compositions to ensure optimal efficiency. The moisturizing qualities of all three hyaluronic acid molecules make them humectants, which is their superpower. They have the ability to absorb any moisture from the surrounding environment and seal it into the top layers of the skin once applied to the skin.
However, there are notable distinctions in the hyaluronic acid molecules found in many cosmetic products, particularly between Hyaluronic acid and Sodium hyaluronate. Within the beauty business, both are referred to as "hyaluronic acid" although sodium hyaluronate has a smaller molecular size and may permeate the skin more quickly. Sodium hyaluronate is a salt form of HA that is water-soluble, which means it can hold 1000 times its weight in water. Because sodium hyaluronate is less likely to oxidize, it is a more stable chemical to use in skincare products. The higher the percentage of sodium hyaluronate in a composition, the more it will dry out the skin. Keep in mind that anything over 4% sodium hyaluronate should be avoided to avoid any undesirable drying effects on the skin, as too much of it will take away any moisture it already has. It's employed in skincare products alongside other HA molecules to make the mixture more balanced and effective at hydrating the skin because of its stability.
Does Hyaluronic Acid Have Any Side Effects to Note?
When used topically, hyaluronic acid is generally safe for all skin types and does not cause any adverse reactions. Because hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance in our skin, no side effects should be expected. Rashes or other difficulties associated with hyaluronic acid-containing products are frequently the consequence of a problem with another substance, such as one of the preservatives. Preservatives help a product last longer, however certain of them, such as parabens, formaldehyde-releases, and isothiazolinones can cause irritation. Hyaluronic acid is also included in many injectable fillers, and while the substance is harmless, the method can be dangerous and should only be done by a trained professional.
Conclusion:
Most people can safely take hyaluronic acid supplements, which provide numerous health benefits. Hyaluronic acid is well-known for its skin advantages, including the relief of dry skin, the reduction of fine lines and wrinkles, and the speeding up of wound healing. It can also help those with osteoarthritis ease joint pain. Hyaluronic acid eye drops to alleviate dry eye and hyaluronic acid straight into the bladder via catheter to relieve pain are two other significant applications. Overall, hyaluronic acid is an effective supplement for a number of ailments, particularly those affecting the skin and joints.
References :
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/hyaluronic-acid-benefits
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/hyaluronic-acid-benefits
https://www.everydayhealth.com/skin-beauty/hyaluronic-acid-definition-benefits-and-the-best-serums/
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