Hyaluronic Acid: The Ultimate Hydration Hero
Hyaluronic acid is a highly effective skincare ingredient renowned for its ability to deeply hydrate the skin, enhance elasticity, and reduce wrinkles. It also plays a crucial role in wound...
Introduction
Nowadays, hyaluronic acid is considered one of the most effective and popular ingredients in the skincare and cosmetic industry due to its outstanding water retention capacity in the skin. So what exactly is hyaluronic acid and why such a big fuss about it? What benefits it has, how it can be used, and what we know from clinical trials.
What is Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic Acid, also referred to as Sodium Hyaluronate is an element that is naturally occurring in skin and connective tissue. Incredible since a single molecule of Hyaluronic Acid can absorb as much as 1000 times (yes, that was one thousand) its own weight in water. This incredible ability aids in maintaining healthy glowing skin and keeps it hydrated as it continues to release moisture at a slow pace.
How Hyaluronic Acid Functions
Hyaluronic acid helps skin attract water and retain it, making skin smoother and less likely to develop wrinkles. This process gives a plump cushioning effect that increases skin elasticity and firmness on the face and body. When you apply it to the skin, it creates a permeable film that gets absorbed deeper into the skin, increasing moisture and decreasing pore size. Besides having cosmetic functions, hyaluronic acid plays a crucial role in the healing of skin wounds and the reduction of inflammation, which makes it useful in cosmetic procedures and clinical practice.
Benefits of Hyaluronic Acid
1. Deep Hydration
Hyaluronic acid’s most remarkable trait is its ability to draw moisture from the environment and lock it into the skin. This results in a more radiant, youthful, and plump complexion.
2. Enhanced Skin Elasticity
By maintaining optimal hydration levels, hyaluronic acid helps keep the skin firm and smooth, which reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. This is why it’s a key ingredient in many anti-ageing products.
3. Strengthened Skin Barrier
Hyaluronic acid fortifies the skin’s outer barrier, providing protection against environmental aggressors like pollution and UV rays. A healthy barrier is essential for preventing moisture loss and maintaining overall skin health.
4. Promotes Wound Healing
Hyaluronic acid is vital in the repair of tissues and wound healing. It aids in cell migration and proliferation, which can speed up the healing process and reduce the likelihood of scarring.
5. Reduces Inflammation
Hyaluronic acid has natural anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce skin redness and inflammation. This makes it effective in treating conditions like rosacea and eczema.
Figure 1: Benefits of Hyaluronic Acid
Applications of Hyaluronic Acid
Skincare Products: You’ll find hyaluronic acid in a variety of products, including serums, creams, lotions, and even face masks. Its excellent moisturising properties can significantly improve skin texture and appearance.
Dermal Fillers: In the realm of aesthetics, hyaluronic acid is a go-to ingredient for dermal fillers. These fillers restore lost volume, smooth out wrinkles, and help contour the face for a more youthful look.
Ophthalmology: Hyaluronic acid is also used in eye drops to alleviate dry eyes and is commonly employed during eye surgeries due to its compatibility with the body and its ability to maintain necessary moisture.
Joint Health: Hyaluronic acid injections are used to treat osteoarthritis by lubricating the joints, which helps reduce pain and improve mobility. This is because it naturally occurs in synovial fluid, where it acts as a lubricant and shock absorber.
Figure 2: Applications of Hyaluronic Acid
Findings from Clinical Studies/Trials
Hyaluronic acid has received much attention in the past few years and rightfully so. It has a wide range of applications and evidence-based efficacy drawn from numerous clinical research in different disciplines.
Here is a closer look at how hyaluronic acid is making waves:
In terms of skincare, hyaluronic acid has been an absolute revelation. There is strong evidence that proves that internally, externally, or locally applied hyaluronic acid can greatly enhance skin moisture, elasticity, and appearance. For example, a study published in the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology has established that creams and serums containing hyaluronic acid can reduce wrinkles and improve skin elasticity in the periods within a few weeks of use (Jegasothy et al., 2014). It is no wonder hyaluronic acid is a popular ingredient in many products (including ours)!
Hyaluronic acid is also used in dermal fillers as it is fairly famous for its performance in the treatment of wrinkles while simultaneously carrying out facial volume correction. Dermatologic Surgery discussed a review wherein the outcomes involving the hyaluronic acid fillers were found to last for a year, thus, proving to be a solution for people who desire to look a little younger (Monheit et al., 2018).
Hyaluronic acid can be regarded as remarkably effective in the sphere of eye care. A number of clinical studies have established that the use of hyaluronic acid-based eye drop solutions can indeed alleviate the symptoms of dry eye syndrome, greatly improving the patients’ comfort. Moreover, a study presented in Ophthalmology confirmed that hyaluronic acid also has a positive significant effect for the eye surgeries (Chang et al., 2021).
For patients with joint pains, especially osteoarthritis, hyaluronic acid has proven to have yielding outcomes when administered in injections. A study published by the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery established that hyaluronic acid treatment can help reduce pain in patients experiencing knee osteoarthritis and enhance the status of the joint. This gives a client a good option as compared to other harsh treatments (Trigkilidas & Anand, 2013).
Hyaluronic acid is a useful and potent agent that has multiple functions in the body affecting skin, joint and other tissues and organs. Many creams, lotions, and ointments contain it due to its functions as a moisture reservoir, skin-healing aid, and elasticity booster. Based on the numerous clinical trials and studies that support the hyaluronic acid’s effectiveness, this substance remains relevant and valuable for the improvement of our health and appearance.
Hyaluronic acid should therefore be included in the list of cosmetics that can help to achieve noticeable improvements in skin and joint health. No matter if it is applied on the skin surface, inserted with a needle or taken orally as a supplement, hyaluronic acid still occupies one of the key positions in contemporary cosmeceuticals and medicine.
References
Chang, W.-H., Liu, P.-Y., Lin, M.-H., Lu, C.-J., Chou, H.-Y., Nian, C.-Y., Jiang, Y.-T., & Hsu, Y.-H. H. (2021). Applications of hyaluronic acid in ophthalmology and contact lenses. Molecules, 26(9), 24–85. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26092485 Jegasothy, S. M., Zabolotniaia, V., & Bielfeldt, S. (2014). Efficacy of a New Topical Nano-hyaluronic Acid in Humans. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. , 7(3), 27–29. https://doi.org/PMC3970829 Monheit, G., Beer, K., Hardas, B., Grimes, P. E., Weichman, B. M., Lin, V., & Murphy, D. K. (2018). Safety and effectiveness of the hyaluronic acid dermal filler VYC-17.5L for nasolabial folds: Results of a randomized, controlled study. Dermatologic Surgery, 44(5), 670–678. https://doi.org/10.1097/dss.0000000000001529 Trigkilidas, D., & Anand, A. (2013). The effectiveness of hyaluronic acid intra-articular injections in managing osteoarthritic knee pain. Annals of The Royal College of Surgeons of England, 95(8), 545–551. https://doi.org/10.1308/003588413x13629960049432