What is Hyaluronic Acid: Benefits, Uses, Products, and Side Effects

What is Hyaluronic Acid?

Hyaluronic acid, or hyaluronan, is described as a transparently goo-like and naturally occurring substance found within the human body. This acid is mostly found at the highest potency in areas like the connective joint tissues, eyes, and skin.

• What is Hyaluronic Acid Used For?
• Hyaluronic Acid Benefits
• What is Hyaluronic Acid Injection?
• What Does Hyaluronic Acid Do To The Skin?
• Hyaluronic Acid Skin Care Product Recommendations
• Hyaluronic Acid Side Effects

What is Hyaluronic Acid Used For?

There are several uses for hyaluronic acid, with the most common being for supplements and treating tissue-related issues like joint problems, acid reflux, aging, urinary tract infections, dry eyes, cataracts, and various other ailments. Despite its numerous uses, its potential is not entirely proven, especially with the lack of solid scientific proof for validating its uses.

The core function of hyaluronic acid is water retention, where it regulates the moisture of tissues like the skin and joint tissue. This ensures tissues remain well-lubricated and overall more healthy.

Hyaluronic Acid Benefits

1. Healthier and Moisturized Skin

With many hyaluronic acid benefits, its effects on the skin are the most notable one, especially since about half of hyaluronic acid on the human body is found in the skin. Hyaluronic acid is essential to water retention in the skin since it attaches to water to regulate moisture.

Even so, the effects of common exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet radiation, environmental pollution, and the natural aging process can all impact and lessen the amount of hyaluronic acid present in the skin. With the use of hyaluronic acid supplements, the inevitable decrease of hyaluronic acid can be prevented, since these supplements can add additional amounts of the acid into the skin and body.

Regular intake of the recommended dosage for hyaluronic acid supplements each day can output some noticeable results within a month. The main results include greatly improved skin health and moisture, which proves effective against skin dryness, especially in adults.

2. Softer and Smoother Skin

Since hyaluronic acid supplements are great for moisturizing the skin, the well-hydrated tissue results in a significantly smoother skin texture. A well-hydrated skin translates to an effective combatant against wrinkles by smoothening the skin’s surface for not only a more even skin texture but also a much smoother and more supple feel to the touch. Hyaluronic acid even proves effective against skin tissue disorders like dermatitis and redness. Considering the many uses of hyaluronic acid, there is more than one way to incorporate the substance into the body and skin, with each method of treatment sometimes varying in purpose and usage. Nonetheless, hyaluronic acid does effectively well in retaining youthful and healthy skin in terms of both appearance and touch.

3. Faster Healing Wounds

Hyaluronic acid does effectually well in healing and mending wounds. The substance is usually found in many areas throughout the skin and other tissues but is seemingly most potent in areas where there are damaged tissues that require repair and healing. In mending wounds, hyaluronic acid quickens the healing rate by controlling inflammation intensity, which alerts the brain and body to increase blood vessel production towards the injured area. Hyaluronic acid, when applied to wounds, can help reduce the wound size and lessen any pain much quicker than without treatment.

Given its many antibacterial properties, hyaluronic acid is effectively proven to minimize any infection risk, especially when directly assimilated into the wound opening. Whether hyaluronic acid is applied directly or as a supplement, the substance’s potential in healing wounds is reassuring and will only get better with the increasing number of studies to support its properties.

4. Tougher Joints

Joints are one of the areas in the body where high potency of hyaluronic acid is found. The primary role of hyaluronic acid in joints is to lubricate and regulate the connective tissues joining each bone.  Hyaluronic acid is a key substance found in joints since they ensure the bones move and function fluidly without grinding or obstructing one another.

As for supplements, hyaluronic acid is especially beneficial for patients with joint tissue disorders like osteoarthritis, which is the most common one. Joint pain tends to become more apparent due to aging, which can be treated through regular intake of hyaluronic acid supplements as prescribed by medical professionals.

5. Stronger Bones

In addition to more durable joints, hyaluronic acid can potentially enhance bone health. According to recent animal studies, hyaluronic acid is found to have some substantial effect on animals with osteopenia, which is the initial level of bone loss before osteoporosis. Some new research even indicates that hyaluronic acid, when applied in high amounts, can improve the efficiency of osteoblasts, which are the cells in charge of constructing new bone structures and tissue. Although the results were from research conducted on animals, hyaluronic acid is looking promising and is yet to be studied in humans.

6. Alleviates Eye Discomfort and Dryness

Considering the moisturizing properties of hyaluronic acid, the substance is frequently used in treating dryness in the eyes. Eye drops with around one-third of its composition being hyaluronic acid have proven to successfully lessen the effects of dry eyes, resulting in enhanced eye health. Hyaluronic acid can even be found in some newer contact lenses but through a gradual application of slow-release medication. These contact lenses are often used for quickening the healing process and lessening inflammation throughout eye surgery. Of course, these contact lenses are still in the process of development for alleviating dry eyes and their symptoms. Also, these studies were based on the direct application of hyaluronic acid to the eyes, with research yet to be conducted using hyaluronic acid supplements as medications for dry eyes.  

7. Relieves Symptoms of Acid Reflux

Recent studies have uncovered the benefits of hyaluronic acid in relieving symptoms from acid reflux. Acid reflux is the reverse flow of stomach content like acids, which travels upwards into the throat and esophagus. This causes damage and burning pain along the esophagus and within the chest, which is known as heartburn.

Hyaluronic acid can help relieve the pain and effects of acid reflux through its healing properties, which hastens the mending process while reducing the symptoms.

Studies have shown that combining hyaluronic acid supplements with standard acid-relieving medication is significantly more effective at reducing acid reflux symptoms than an intake of only standard medication. Although the study of hyaluronic acid in alleviating acid reflux symptoms is still fairly new, it’s few studies and research are quite optimistic, and only seem to get better with each new finding.

8. Fights Gums Diseases

Hyaluronic acid’s mending properties apply to the gums, especially in speeding up the recovery and healing process of the gums after dental operations like surgery. Wounds mend much quicker with the help of hyaluronic acid as either supplements or direct application.

Furthermore, hyaluronic acid has been shown to provide substantial relief against mouth ulcers and other gum ailments. This makes them great at not only healing gum and mouth wounds but also considerably effective at treating related gum diseases.

What is Hyaluronic Acid Injection?

Aside from being used as a supplement, hyaluronic acid can also come as an injectable. Hyaluronic acid injections are the direct forms of applying the substance, as opposed to its supplement versions which are consumables. After injecting hyaluronic acid, it proceeds to attract and gather liquid towards the damaged tissue or area lacking tissue structure. This regeneration process of recreating missing or damaged tissue structure aids in the healing process for the faster recovery time of wounds and proves just as effective for moisturizing and revitalizing the skin.

What Does Hyaluronic Acid Do To The Skin?

Injecting hyaluronic acid into the skin increases its moisture content, which greatly reduces the features of wrinkles and fine lines, making the skin much more supple and smooth-looking.

Hyaluronic Acid Skin Care Product Recommendations

What is hyaluronic acid’s role in skincare products, and why is it so important? In essence, hyaluronic acid’s moisturizing properties are what make them a key ingredient in skincare products. Hyaluronic acid for the skin is a quick and easy way to add natural hydration and moisture to the skin, making it look and feel healthier. With the following recommended hyaluronic acid skin care products, each option is a solid and popular choice among skincare enthusiasts, and all of them have that same key moisturizing ingredient.

1. SkinCeuticals Hyaluronic Acid Intensifier

Naturally improving the skin’s levels of hyaluronic acid is possible using SkinCeuticals Hyaluronic Acid Intensifier. The potent formulation consists of purple rice and licorice root, which proves effective in moisturizing and smoothening out the skin, greatly lessening any signs of wrinkles and fine lines.

2. AHC Aqualuronic Serum

The AHC Aqualuronic Serum is formulated with three doses of hyaluronic acid, French seawater, and moisturizing properties that incorporate hydration into the skin. The serum can be layered under a thin coat of external moisture, without overloading the skin with products.

3. Neutrogena Hydro Boost Night Pressed Serum

Hyaluronic acid for skin can continue to output its benefits even while asleep through Neutrogena’s Hydro Boost Night Pressed Serum. As a perfect addition to a nighttime routine, this serum pumps hyaluronic acid into the skin and retains its effect throughout sleep without wearing off. The lasting overnight effect ensures a well-moisturized and soft-feeling skin upon waking up.

4. First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Hydrating Serum

Considerably ideal for just about every skin type, First Aid Beauty’s Ultra Repair Hydrating Serum effectively hydrates and evens out skin texture regardless of how sensitive the skin is. The serum consists of aloe leaf juice and colloidal oatmeal that result in a comfortable yet revitalizing skin treatment.

5. The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2%+B5

Through its unique combination of vitamin B5 and hyaluronic acid, The Ordinary’s Hyaluronic Acid 2%+B5 provides a nutritiously energizing treatment that relaxes the skin. Considering its astounding qualities and affordable price, it is no wonder this serum is so highly popular.

Hyaluronic Acid Side Effects

Applying hyaluronic acid as a supplement or directly onto the skin is most likely to be safe when handled and applied properly. In rare cases, hyaluronic acid can trigger allergic reactions.

Hyaluronic acid injections are mostly safe when injected into the joints, but should only be applied by a licensed medical professional or healthcare provider. Injecting hyaluronic acids can come with side effects such as soreness, inflammation, and redness.

What is hyaluronic acid injection in the eyes for? Hyaluronic acid in the eyes is generally used for alleviating dryness in the eyes and any related symptoms. Injecting hyaluronic acids into the eye is mostly safe, and should only be injected by a medical professional or healthcare provider. When injected into the eye, hyaluronic acid can cause elevated eye pressure, which is a side effect that tends to disappear on its own after 2-3 days.

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