Hyaluronic Acid

Hyaluronic acid (also known as Hyaluronan) is a naturally chemical found in many tissues in the body, including the bones, cartilage and skin. It functions within the body as an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, a lubricant , and as a viscous acid in the eyes and spinal fluid. Hyaluronic acid has found uses in both modern medicine and cosmetic science, as studies show it promotes the health and function of several systems in the body.

Wrinkle creams and injections containing hyaluronic acid provide a gentle and safe alternative to Botox or plastic surgery, and physicians often use hyaluronic acid in conditions where inflammation or mechanical friction in bones or joints is a problem.

How It Works

When you look at your skin, it is the presence of hyaluronic acid that gives it the full, smooth and healthy look that you love. Hyaluronic acid actively attracts water molecules towards it, so it is perfect for acting as a natural moisturizer, as well as a lubricant in muscles, ligaments and joints. Hyaluronic acid provides a buffer where there is mechanical action occurring in the body, or where viscosity is needed. For this reason, it is found in high quantities in the knee joint, in the fluid within the eyes, and in cartilage.

It's also an important for shock absorption within the spine. When tissue damage or injury has occurred, hyaluronic acid is a key player in the healing and repairing of cells -- it plays a role in mobilizing collagen synthesis, and appears to have anti-inflammatory properties.

Joint Problems

Hyaluronic acid is rising in popularity as a possible treatment option for arthritic complaints, especially in patients suffering from osteoarthritis of the knee joint. In 2010 researchers from the Gaziosmanpasa University in Turkey investigated the anti-inflammatory effects of hyaluronic acid in patients with knee osteoarthritis, and compared the results to patients treated with natural mud packs. Patients treated with hyaluronic acid had the substance injected directly into the knee, and after 12 weekdays the majority of patients reported an improvement in inflammation, knee function and pain.

Researchers confirmed that the hyaluronic acid was just as beneficial as the mud-pack therapy, and both made a significant improvement on the quality of life of the participants. Another study in 2010 by the University of Padova in Italy supported these results -- showing that people suffering from temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders have a significant improvement in pain and function when treated with hyaluronic acid injections.

Skin Care

Hyaluronic acid is present in the tissues of the skin, where it plays a vital role in the cosmetic appearance, health and repair of skin cells. Without adequate hyaluronic acid in the body, your skin will appear thin, dry, and will break easily. Skin rich in hyaluronic acid is soft, smooth to the touch, and heals quickly.

In a review of research published in "Skin Pharmacology and Physiology" in 2004, researchers from Ludwig Maximilian University in Germany confirmed the results of studies that show hyaluronic acid has wound healing properties. Hyaluronic acid effects wound healing by stimulating fibroblasts -- cells that are important for the production of collagen.

Quality and strength of skin is largely determined by the presence of collagen -- and where collagen supplements and treatments have shown little benefit to skin quality in scientific research, a product which improves the bodies own collagen may be of great benefit.

Cosmetic Health

Originally the use of hyaluronic acid in cosmetic skin care began when doctors started using it as a carrier for other drugs and chemicals during injections. Following this, doctors noticed the cosmetic effects of the hyaluronic acid on the skin, as it improved the moisturising and softness of the local skin by attracting water molecules to the area. As more and more research and information has come to light about hyaluronic acid and its effect on the skin, products and creams containing hyaluronic acid have become more prolific on the market.

Hyaluronic acid improves the fullness and tone of skin, making it an excellent choice for reducing the depth of wrinkles. Skin creams containing hyaluronic acid are the most non-invasive way of using the chemical -- however, in some cases people may choose to use it in plastic surgery as a filler.

Safety Concerns

Hyaluronic acid is a natural compound which is safe and effective for the majority of the population. Injections can cause some temporary side effects to the local injection site, including pain, inflammation and irritation. On rare occasion, more serious systemic adverse reactions can result. Adverse reactions can include allergic reactions, swelling of the hands, trouble breathing and tightness in the throat. When used topically on the skin in the form of wrinkle creams, some people may experience swelling, itching, burning and discomfort.

References

Hyaluronic Acid

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