Hyaluronic acid, what is it and what is it used for?

Essentially, it is a type of molecular sugar that is actually present in your body, found in the epidermis, connective tissues, cartilage, synovial fluid, eyes and many other organs and tissues.

However, like many things in the human body, as we age, it diminishes and its presence in the body is reduced over the years, which is when our skin loses hydration, which translates into loss of elasticity and firmness, becoming flaccid and this gives way to the appearance of wrinkles.

Something similar happens with the joints, as the cartilage becomes more rigid, increasing the possibility of fractures and the sensation of pain with each movement due to the friction between the bones. Some sources mention that by the age of 50, half of the body's hyaluronic acid remains.

According to a publication in Advances in Food and Nutrition Research Hyaluronic acid is an excellent resource for biomedical applications such as osteoarthritis surgery, eye surgery, plastic surgery, tissue engineering and drug delivery. It also plays an important role in cushioning and lubricating the body.

Generally, it is known for its ability to bind water to tissue. In fact, a molecule of hyaluronic acid is able to retain 1000 times its weight in water. For this reason, it is often used in skin treatments, especially those related to wound healing and the prevention of premature aging.

Helps keep skin supple

As explained in a research published in Dermato-Endocrinology About half of the body's hyaluronic acid is present in the skin, where it binds to water to help retain moisture. For this reason, supplementing with this substance helps keep the skin healthy and supple.

It has rejuvenating properties.

There is no miracle formula to prevent the signs of aging. However, the use of hyaluronic acid has been accepted as a good complement to reduce wrinkles and other signs of aging.

Hyaluronic acid and eye health

It keeps the eyes moist, promoting the exchange of nutrients. It also works as a lubricant through the vitreous humor. Its presence is of utmost importance to maintain healthy vision, especially when we undergo surgery.

The reason? According to studies, solutions containing 0.2–0.4% hyaluronic acid reduce dry eye symptoms and improve eye health.

Gives volume to the lips

Currently, one of the most popular aesthetic procedures to improve the shape of the lips is the application of hyaluronic acid. A study published in the Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery concluded that filling with this substance was well tolerated, efficient and long-lasting after being used to enlarge the upper lip.

Strengthens gums

According to research published in the North American Journal of Medicine & Science , hyaluronic acid provides strength to the ligaments so that our gums can support the structure of the mouth. Hyaluronic acid hydrates the connective tissue so that the attachment of the teeth to the bone is stronger . It has become a very important component in oral health.

Take care of our hair health

Although there are not many studies that demonstrate the benefits of hyaluronic acid for hair, it is a widely used substance to revitalize damaged hair. Supplements and products containing this substance apparently moisturize the scalp and improve the density of fragile hair.

A recent study published in BioMed Research International has shown that hyaluronic acid has beneficial effects on the cells of the dermal papilla. In this sense, the product is believed to promote the growth of new hair follicles and the maintenance of existing ones.

Protects bones and keeps them strong

Hyaluronic acid not only takes care of the strength of the jaw bones. It is a very suitable supplement for athletes, as it increases bone strength.

In fact, a study published in the Journal of Biomedical Materials Research points out that high doses of hyaluronic acid contribute to increasing the activity of osteoblasts , cells responsible for building new bone tissue.

It is a lubricant for the joints

Some studies have considered the use of this acid to reduce joint pain, more specifically those located in the knees due to wear and tear.

Even recent research, such as one published in Clinical and Translational Medicine, shows that combining oral hyaluronic acid supplements with injections may help increase the benefits against osteoarthritis pain.

The different uses of hyaluronic acid in medicine are found within the areas of rheumatology, traumatology, aesthetic medicine and ophthalmology .

Aesthetic medicine : use for facial rejuvenation. Hyaluronic acid is used as facial filler to remove wrinkles, dark circles and in areas with loss of volume. It is administered by infiltration, that is, it is injected into the area to be treated. There are different types of hyaluronic acid commercially available for this use. This practice is not without risk or side effects, from mild (redness, bruising, irritation) to more serious ones such as lumps/hardening on the treated area.

Dermatology : It is used in mouth ulcers to relieve symptoms and promote healing.

Ophthalmology : It is used in various types of ophthalmologic surgery (cataracts, retinal detachment, etc.). It is injected into the eye during surgery to help replace natural fluids. It is also used as a moisturizer in eye drops for dry eyes.

Osteoarticular diseases : osteoarthritis and trauma. In the field of rheumatology and traumatology, the use of hyaluronic acid has become widespread. Among the different indications, its use has been established for its clear efficacy in osteoarthritis of the knee. The greatest clinical experience and the greatest number of scientific studies have been carried out in osteoarthritis of this joint.

Well-hydrated skin looks firmer and brighter . On the other hand, hyaluronic acid, being able to act as a “sponge” to retain water in the skin, gives it volume and visibly reduces wrinkles, expression lines and revitalizes the upper layers of the skin, making it look incredibly healthy with proven effects and results.

This effect on your skin also translates to:

• Maintains the correct structure of the skin

• It retains water in the epidermis, as it hydrates naturally.

• Facilitates cell repair

• Helps to “fill in” wrinkles and fine expression lines