Hyaluronic acid is often recommended by
dermatologists and other physicians for its ability to improve skin’s texture
and appearance, along with reducing joint pain and other symptoms associated with aging. HA is probably
most well-known for its inclusion in pricey anti-aging skin serums, but you’ll
also find it joint-supporting formulas, cold sore treatments, eye drops and lip
balms.
Detailed description
So what is
hyaluronic acid exactly, and how does it work?
Hyaluronic acid is a lubricating, clear substance
that’s produced by the body naturally. In the human body, hyaluronic acid is
found in the greatest concentrations in the skin, inside joints, within the eye
sockets and in other tissues where it helps retain collagen, increase moisture, and provide elasticity and flexibility.
Today, HA is incorporated into different anti-aging beauty and
health care products — you can now find hyaluronic acid lotions, creams, serums
and supplements sold in health food stores. There’s a good chance your
dermatologist even offers HA in injection form. Read on to learn why.
Hyaluronic Acid Benefits
1. Hydrates Dry, Aged Skin
Many people report that their skin feels “dewier,”
the bags under their eyes become lighter and their skin texture is smoother after
applying serums containing hyaluronic acid. The primary way in which HA helps
improve appearance of “chronoaged skin” (skin aged due to sun exposure) is by
reducing water loss. In fact, one reason that hormone replacement treatments
sometimes cause the skin to look more youthful and less sun-damaged is because
they increase the skin’s HA concentration. (1)
Dryness, dandruff, drooping eyes or lips, and sagginess are associated with aging
skin because as we get older molecules in our skin lose some
of their ability to bind and retain water. This not only causes
dryness, but also decreases skin’s volume. Skin aging is triggered by both
intrinsic and extrinsic aging, meaning daily environmental exposure to
pollutants and UV light, along with the “the normal process of aging.” Studies
show there are multiple sites in the skin involved in the control of HA
synthesis, deposition, cell and protein association and degradation.
Researchers have found that stratum corneum dryness caused
from prolonged sun exposure plays an important role in wrinkle formation. It’s
now been shown that wrinkles and fine lines are usually also more visible
in low humidity compared to high humidity environments because they further
reduce the water-holding capacity and elasticity of the skin. HA can help naturally reduce signs of
aging by decreasing “epidermis water loss”
associated with sun exposure, skin dryness or flakiness.
2. Helps Reduce Wrinkles
Although most research shows that HA might take six
weeks or more to improve skin’s appearance, some studies have
found that anti-wrinkle HA serums and eye creamscan sometimes start to work within just two to four weeks of
use. For more substantial anti-aging results, dermatologists now use
prescription injections or formulas containing hyaluronic acids
(including Juvéderm Ultra Plus or Allergan) over the course of several months
to reduce lip and eye sagginess.
Results from a 2014 double-blind, randomized
clinical trial that appeared in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology showed that
products containing hyaluronic acid effectively decreased the appearance of
wrinkles and reduced skin sagging within 30 days of consistent use. Some study
participants also reported experiencing fuller lips and increased cheek volume
by the end of one month (two traits associated with having a youthful
appearance). The trial was carried out on 40 adult females who showed mild
to moderate clinical signs of skin aging prior to the study, including
decreased skin volume and alterations in the skin’s surface. After either
applying a product called Fillerina (which contains six forms of hyaluronic
acid) or a placebo product, results were measured after three hours and then
seven, 14 and 30 days later. (2)
Researchers found that after 30 days (and some starting after 14
days), those using Fillerina showed significant “improvements in facial
contours and volumes” compared to the placebo group, and to the baseline
measurements. The active treatment group experienced reductions in sagging of
both the face and the cheekbones contours, improved lip volume, and decreased
wrinkle depth and volume, while the placebo group saw no such improvements.
3. Treats Sores, Sunburns and
Wounds
Aside from lowering the appearance of wrinkles and
dryness, HA is beneficial for treating cold sores and mouth sores, ulcers, wounds, bites and burns due to
how it keeps damaged tissue moist. It also provides sunburn relief. Many cold sore treatments for the lips and mouth contain
hyaluronic acid gel to speed up the healing process and prevent cracking or
bleeding.
HA is part of the structural component of the mouth and
the lips, which are made up of connective tissues made partly from
collagen and water. Collagen and HA help give lips their structure and shape.
Because HA binds to water, it hydrates the skin and tissues within
the mouth/lips and keeps skin junctions tight, helps bring nutrients to damaged
tissues, controls inflammation and helps fluids carry out waste.
4. Lubricates Achy Joints
Hyaluronic acid is found in all bones, connecting
tissue, joints, tendons and cartilage structures throughout the body —
especially a type called hyaline cartilage, which covers the
ends of bones and provides cushioning. Because it helps buffer bones and
provides resistance to wear and tear, HA is useful for lowering pains and
tenderness associated with degenerative joint
diseases.
It’s also found in another important part of our
joints called the synovial membrane, which forms a coating over two articulating
bones and produces synovial fluid. Synovial fluid is a “viscous
fluid” that helps joints absorb shock, remain elastic and carry nutrients to
cartilage.
Hyaluronic acid is now a popular substance used in
supplements for treating osteoarthritis pain and injuries. It’s also been approved by the FDA
for treatment of osteoarthritis when administered in relatively high doses
through injections given by a health care provider. (3) Some research shows that lower doses can also be
effective for reducing joint stiffness and chronic pain, although results seem
to vary. The types of joint pains most commonly treated with HA include those
of the elbows and knees. (4)
5. Helps Reduce Dry Eyes and
Eye Discomfort
The fluid inside the eye socket (called the vitreous
humor) is composed almost completely of hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid eye
drops (such as the brand Hyalistil) can help relieve chronic dry eyes by
replenishing moisture within the eye socket, helping with tear production and
restoring fluid balance. (5) Some studies have also found that hyaluronic acid
helps suppress oxidative damage caused by UVB light within the cornea. (6)
Doctors commonly use lubricating HA formulas to
treat eye injuries and disorders, including cataracts, especially at the
time before or after surgery when the eyes are most sensitive and dry. HA drops
can be beneficial during eye surgery or recoveries, including after cataract
removal, corneal transplant or repair of a detached retina.
Hyaluronic Acid Facts, Plus How It Works
The biggest advantage that hyaluronic acid has to offer is that
it has a very high capacity for retaining water, whether on the skin, in the
eyes or within soft tissue. HA is considered a glycosaminoglycan, which gives
it its capacity to hold a large volume of water along with its high viscosity.
Throughout the body, HA is distributed in many different tissues,
especially in the skin, where it provides moisture and structure. The skin
accounts for about half of all the HA found in the entire body.
Other body parts where HA is concentrated include tendons and
joints, the membranes of the eyes, the umbilical cord, synovial fluid, skeletal
tissues, heart valves, lungs, aorta, and prostate. HA is basically a very long
link of carbohydrate molecules bound together that hold water and therefore
allow for fluid movement and pressure absorption.
Over the past two decades, emerging research has
shown that beneficial functions of hyaluronic acid include hydration,
lubrication of joints, a space-filling capacity within tissue and between
cells, building the framework through which cells migrate, repairing tissue and
wounds, regulating activation of inflammatory cells (inflammation), enhancing immune responses, repairing injury of fibroblasts,
and maintaining skin’s epithelial cells. (7)
How Hyaluronic Acid Works:
The size of different HA molecules is critically important for
hyaluronic acid’s various functions. Larger molecules are found in healthy
tissue and help keep inflammation/free radical damage and dehydration under
control (they’re “antiangiogenic and immunosuppressive”). On the other hand,
smaller polymers of HA can send distress signals to the immune system and raise
inflammation to help with injury or wound healing.
·
HA has been referred to
as “the key molecule involved in skin moisture.” In recent years, there’s been
an explosion of new natural skin care products hitting the market that contain hyaluronic acid,
promising to make skin smoother, plumper, more even-toned and generally more
“refreshed” looking. HA is capable of holding up to 1,000 times its weight in
water — however, because the size of its molecules are relatively big compared
to other acids, it’s never been easy for skin care manufacturers to produce a
hyaluronic acid product that actually penetrates and stays on the skin.
·
Only in the past decade
have scientists been able to create technology-advanced HA formulas that are
capable of really seeping below the skin’s surface. Recent studies show that
topical application of advanced (low molecular weight) HA serums can improve
skin moisture and lead to significant reductions in wrinkle depth within just
several weeks. HA is beneficial for reducing oxidative damage to the skin
caused from both internal and external factors, especially ultraviolet
irradiation (also referred to as photoaging).
·
In addition to UV
damage, researchers now believe that skin aging is also influenced by hormonal
changes, including decreased production of sex hormones like estrogen.
Decreased estrogen can result in collagen degradation, which leads to dryness,
loss of elasticity and wrinkling of the skin (along with other aging problems,
such as joint achiness and dry eyes).
Because HA is involved in slowing down collagen loss in addition
to reducing fluid or water loss, it can also help improve joint lubrication,
reduce pain, and treat various problems of the eyes and mouth.
Hyaluronic Acid vs. Glucosamine
·
Like hyaluronic
acid, glucosamine helps provide elasticity and structure within joints and
tissue that can be used to lower pain.
·
The primary difference
between the two is that HA provides more lubrication due to how it holds water,
while glucosamine provides more structure and strength.
·
HA is an integral
component of synovial fluid and articular cartilage, where as glucosamine (especially
when used with chondroitin sulfate)
works by helping build cartilage. Basically, HA is more beneficial to the joint
fluid and important for shock absorption, while glucosamine helps prevent
cartilage/collagen loss.
·
Many people experience
the best results when they use these products together. It’s even been found
that glucosamine increases hyaluronic acid production. (8)
·
Some anti-aging formulas
contain several joint-supporting substances in addition to HA and glucosamine,
such as manganese sulfate. Used together, these can all be effective for
lowering osteoarthritis pains, improving functions of the cartilage matrix and
replenishing synovial fluids.
Hyaluronic Acid History and Interesting
Facts
As you could probably guess, some of the most interesting
research to emerge in recent years regarding hyaluronic acid has to do with the
way it affects aging skin and joints.
·
Believe it or not, HA
was first used commercially in 1942 as an egg white substitute in bakery
products. (9)
·
HA belongs to the extracellular matrix (ECM) molecules of the skin. When it comes to anti-aging
products, we usually hear about the primary skin layers (epidermis, the dermis
and the underlying subcutis) but not the matrix of ECM molecules that lies
between cells of these layers.
·
The ECM helps build the
skin layers and has an important role in regulating cellular functions. These ECM molecules include glycosaminoglycans, proteoglycans,
growth factors and structural proteins, such as collagen. The most abundant
part of the ECM has been discovered to be hyaluronic acid.
·
Other than being part of
the ECM, HA has a variety of physicochemical properties in other parts of
the body that are showing importance for anti-aging treatments.
·
Researchers are now
linking higher levels of HA to increased protection from reactive oxygen
species (free radical damage), arthritis, chondrocytes that raise inflammation, certain
types of cancer, lung injury, abnormal immune regulation, eye disorders and
more.
How to Use Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic acid for your skin
and eyes:
·
Hyaluronic acid
injections: These are administered by doctors only, so talk a dermatologist
about recommendations if you’re interested in using HA on your lips, eyes or
skin.
·
Hyaluronic acid
cream/serum/lotion: Different brands contain varying concentrations and types
of HA molecules. The most effective types have more than one size of hyaluronic
acid molecules, since various sizes work in different ways. Studies have found
that daily topical application of serums containing around 0.1 percent HA can
lead to significant improvement in skin hydration, wrinkle appearance and
elasticity. (10)
·
For treating dry eyes:
HA can be administered in liquid eye drop form three to four times daily
for three months. Look for a concentration of HA around 0.2 percent to 0.4
percent, but also make sure to always read directions.
Hyaluronic acid supplements for
joint pain:
·
According to the
Arthritis Foundation, there are now several hyaluronic acid treatments approved
for knee osteoarthritis in the U.S.: Hyalgan, Orthovisc, Supartz and Synvisc.
These are often made from rooster or chicken combs and sometimes bacteria. (11)
·
In adults over age 18:
50 milligrams of hyaluronic acid can be been taken by mouth one to two times
daily with meals.
·
For people with
osteoarthritis, research shows that 80 milligrams (containing 60 percent to 70
percent hyaluronic acid) taken daily for eight weeks helps relieve symptoms
best.
·
You can also talk to
your doctor about hyaluronic acid injections. Some perform direct injections of
about 20 milligrams into the painful joint once a week for several weeks to
control pain and inflammation.
Possible Side Effects/Cautions of Hyaluronic
Acid
The FDA reports that HA products are normally safe when taken by
mouth or used topically on the skin/mouth. HA supplements and injections
should be avoided by pregnant women or those who are breast-feeding, since it
seems to be able to linger in breast milk and might be capable of negatively
affecting a developing fetus or baby.
Prescription and commercial products containing hyaluronic acid
are usually made from either bacteria created within a lab or prepared from
bird protein and cartilage. People with allergies to eggs or feathers should
not use these products since they can trigger reactions and even
bleeding. If you have allergies, always read ingredients and dosage
directions so you’re not unsure of the type of HA you’re getting.
People using medications that affect blood clotting, such
as warfarin (Coumadin) or aspirin, shouldn’t use HA supplements since this can
increase risk of bleeding.
Final Thoughts on Hyaluronic Acid
·
Hyaluronic acid is a
lubricating fluid that’s naturally found in the skin, eyes, joints, fluid and
connective tissue.
·
Because HA has a very
high capacity for holding water, it’s used in supplement, lotion, eye drop or
serum form to give structure and moisture to damaged tissue.
·
Certain types of HA also
have anti-inflammatory properties and help reverse collagen/cartilage loss.
·
Benefits of using
hyaluronic acid including firming aging skin, reducing achy joints,
moisturizing wounds and rewetting dry eyes.
PRICE
$453.73/KG OR $206.24/IB
For more information:
mobile: +2348039721941
contact person: emeaba uche
e-mail: emeabau@yahoo.com
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