HYALURONIC ACID, WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF ITS USE

What is the benefit of hyaluronic acid for the skin? What is more effective injections or pills.

INNA CODRU , SEPTEMBER 11, 2018

Hyaluronic acid is one of the most important components of our body, involved in the process of cell regeneration. Hyaluronic acid (HA for short) is a compound that our bodies produce on their own. Despite the fact that its name sounds like an ingredient we once poured into test tubes in high school chemistry classes, hyaluronic acid performs an important protective function under certain stressful conditions. It helps our joints work well, our eyes glow, and our skin glows beautifully. What we need to know exactly about hyaluronic acid is what it does for our body and how to get it.

WHAT IS HYALURONIC ACID?

So first, what is hyaluronic acid? Hyaluronic acid, also known as glycosaminoglycan( 1 ), is a collagen-like compound produced by the human body that has several important functions. It is present in every tissue and fluid in the body( 2 ). It is a key component of the synovial fluid that keeps our joints supple and well lubricated.

It is also the component that gives a beautiful shine to our eyes and maintains their rounded shape. It can be found in the umbilical cord during pregnancy and childbirth. The most prominent effect this key molecule has on skin cell hydration( 3 ), which means that hyaluronic acid plays a huge role in slowing down skin aging. The fact is that hyaluronic acid plays a huge role in the functioning of your entire body, including those functions that go far beyond facial beauty and skin care.

WHY IS HYALURONIC ACID SO IMPORTANT?

Although hyaluronic acid is present throughout the body, most of it is located in skin cells - 50 percent of the total amount of hyaluronic acid in the body (3).

The reason why people's skin is more elastic and pliable while they are young is because young skin has a higher water content. Hyaluronic acid is unique in its ability to bind and retain moisture and is the key molecule responsible for maintaining the skin's natural hydration. Over time, our skin loses some of its ability to retain moisture, due to both external factors (such as overexposure to sunlight) and internal factors (such as the body's natural tendency to produce fewer sex hormones as we age).

In addition to being present in almost every conceivable part of the human body and responsible for maintaining healthy and hydrated skin, hyaluronic acid is an integral part of the wound healing process ( 3 ). When we are sick, our bodies actually start producing more hyaluronic acid, its synthesis is increased, for example, with injuries to body tissues and wound healing. Moreover, hyaluronic acid is responsible for regulating many of the events that occur when the human body enters recovery mode, including the activation of inflamed cells.

WHAT IS HYALURONIC ACID USEFUL FOR SKIN?

The most important benefit of hyaluronic acid for the skin is to maintain sufficient levels of moisture in the skin. It may not sound like much, but hydration is a key element in many aspects of healthy, beautiful skin. Well-moisturized skin is more elastic and firm. Since hyaluronic acid can have an impressive 1,000 times its own weight in water, it is one of our body's best defenses against skin dehydration.

Hyaluronic acid works( 3 ) by drawing water from the dermis into the epidermis (the outermost layer of the skin), giving the skin an immediate improvement even when applied topically. Adding hyaluronic acid to skin care products can help relieve dryness and dullness.

CAN OUR BODY PRODUCE HYALURONIC ACID INDEPENDENTLY?

The short answer is yes: our body naturally produces hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid is present throughout the human body, even where most of us don't think about it, helping our joints and our eyes. Without it, the human body simply won't function properly. Like many other essential (and simply beneficial) substances that our bodies naturally produce, natural production of hyaluronic acid declines with age.

According to Dr. Nigma Talib, the natural supply of hyaluronic acid in our body decreases significantly over time. She says that by the time we hit 40, we only have 50 percent of the hyaluronic acid we had when we were younger. This dramatic drop is the reason why many people begin to notice the physical signs of aging in their 40s, as well as an increase in capillary lines and wrinkles and increasingly dry and dull skin.

While we all lose hyaluronic acid over time, there are external factors that cause this wonderful substance to deplete more quickly - especially if you spend a lot of time in tanning beds or in the sun. Approximately 80 percent of early facial skin problems( 3 ) can be attributed to UV exposure, which is worth keeping in mind the next time you think about leaving the house without sunscreen .

UV radiation burns away your natural supply of hyaluronic acid in a complex but very logical way. The initial UV damage actually causes an increase in dermal hyaluronic acid. This injury caused by UV damage causes the body to send more hyaluronic acid to the epidermis. This is why, especially in young people, a tan can look so healthy and amazing (they still have enough hyaluronic acid). Moreover, this damage will not take much time; in studies, as little as five minutes of exposure resulted in the release of large amounts of hyaluronic acid in mice, proving that sun damage occurs incredibly quickly.

However, our bodies interpret burns (including roughness from sun exposure) as a wound, and over time exposure to ultraviolet radiation leads to a different type of wound healing response that causes the body to produce type I collagen (often found in scar tissue) rather than hyaluronic acid. (!) in a mixture with collagen, which make the skin more elastic.

HOW CAN I GET MORE HYALURONIC ACID?

Here's the good news: Although your body loses natural hyaluronic acid over time, you can replenish your deficiency with both topical hyaluronic acid and hyaluronic acid capsules or injections. If you are primarily concerned about its effect on the skin, it is best to try topical application. Hyaluronic acid is the active ingredient in a number of serums, creams and face masks. Hyaluronic acid is often injected into the lips or into the joints.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN HYALURONIC ACID TOPICAL AND INTERNAL CAPSULES?

Hyaluronic acid has long been studied as an additional nutrition of the body, mainly joints and to improve skin condition.

When applied topically, hyaluronic acid acts as a powerful moisturizer. Research on cosmetic products containing hyaluronic acid( 4 ) has shown that using them for as little as 14 days can result in more hydrated, softer, and more supple skin than untreated skin.

While oral forms of hyaluronic acid have also been shown to increase skin hydration( 5 ) and improve skin appearance(5), they are also used in the treatment( 6 ) of other conditions such as osteoarthritis( 7 ). Available data( 8 ) show that oral hyaluronic acid supplements are well absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract and then migrate to the connective tissues that need it the most. A study currently under way( 9 ) at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York City is investigating the use of an injectable version of hyaluronic acid for patients with arthritis in the knees. Of course, talk to your doctor before starting any regimen.

TOTAL

Hyaluronic acid is more than just a skin care trend. It is a natural molecule in the body that helps with skin hydration and wound healing. Hyaluronic acid is responsible for maintaining skin hydration, brightness and elasticity. It is also a key component of the synovial fluid that cushions our joints and is present in the gel-like substance that gives our eyes their shape. The supply of hyaluronic acid naturally decreases over time, and increased exposure to ultraviolet rays accelerates its destruction. Fortunately, you can replenish your hyaluronic acid stores with modern cosmetics such as gels, serums and creams, as well as capsules or tablets.

SOURCES and MATERIALS used in the article:

1. “Understanding the Ingredients in Skin Care Products“.  Cleveland Clinic. February 2017.
2. Hyaluronic acid.  University of Michigan, 06-08-2015.
3. “Hyaluronic acid: A key molecule in skin aging“.  Journal of Dermato-Endocrinology. 2012 Jul.
4. “Efficacy of a New Topical Nano-hyaluronic Acid in Humans“.  The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology. Mar 2014
5. “Oral hyaluronan relieves wrinkles: a double-blinded, placebo-controlled study over a 12-week period“.  The Journal of Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology. 2017 Jun.
6. “Safety and Effectiveness Study of Hyaluronic Acid for Osteoarthritis of the Knee“.  US National Library of Medicine. Jun. 2010
7. Is Hyaluronic Acid All Hype?  McGill University. 2017 Jun.
8. “Absorption, uptake and tissue affinity of high-molecular-weight hyaluronan after oral administration in rats and dogs“.  J Agric Food Chem. Nov. 2008
9. “Study Aims to Determine if Hyaluronic Acid Treatment Combined with Exercise Program Works Better than Exercise Alone to Relieve Knee Arthritis“.  Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) New York. May 2018