The Benefits of Hyaluronic Acid

Hyaluronic Acid

Hyaluronic Acid (Hyaluronic Acid) is renowned for its ability to retain moisture, making it essential for skin hydration and joint lubrication. This naturally occurring substance helps keep tissues supple and resilient, reducing the appearance of wrinkles and promoting smoother, more youthful skin. It also supports joint function by keeping cartilage hydrated and healthy, easing joint pain and stiffness.

Key Highlights of Hyaluronic Acid

• Promotes healthy & hydrated skin
• Helps to keep joints supple
• Important for wound healing and tissue repair
• Enhances tissue repair
• Reduces signs of aging

Biochemistry Timeline

Hyaluronic acid supplementation typically shows benefits, like improved skin hydration, elasticity, and joint lubrication, after about 12 weeks of consistent use, enhancing overall skin appearance and joint health.

What is Hyaluronic Acid ?

Hyaluronic Acid has been a buzz word in the cosmetics industry since the 90’s but was first isolated by the German pharmacist Karl Meyer as early as 1934. It is a carbohydrate occurring naturally in all living organisms and is responsible for giving skin its structure.

Aside from your skin it is found in connective tissue and eyes. Its function in the body is, amongst other things, to bind water and to lubricate movable parts of the body, such as joints and muscles. Before the beauty industry took claim, it had previously been used by athletes to help speed up recovery from sprained ankles and other joint issues.

Hyaluronic acid is widely used across various medical fields. Ophthalmologists incorporate it into treatments for dry eye syndrome, providing essential moisture to alleviate symptoms. Orthopaedic specialists utilise it in managing arthritis and joint pain, where it acts as a lubricant and shock absorber within the joints. Additionally, aesthetic practitioners frequently use Hyaluronic acid in dermal fillers to enhance facial volume and reduce wrinkles

The Amazing Benefits of Hyaluronic Acid:

Inflammation and Wound Healing

Hyaluronic acid shows important biological properties and plays a significant role in crucial processes such as inflammation, immune reactions and wound healing. It helps to regulate inflammation when the skin is damaged, concentrating around the wound, and helping with the healing process.

Many diseases are associated with the harmful action of reactive oxygen species, which are a type of unstable molecule that easily reacts with other molecules in a cell, leading to potential cell damage and degradation of our essential tissues. The positive is that Hyaluronic acid has the capacity to absorb reactive oxygen species, playing an important role in protecting tissues and associated biological components from these reactive oxygen species.

Skin Hydration

Hyaluronic acid is one of the most hydrophilic (water-loving) molecules in nature and can be described as Mother Nature’s moisturiser. When present in the skin it binds to water helping the skin to retain moisture and stay hydrated. It is this action that is thought to give hyaluronic acid its magical anti-ageing properties.

Anti-ageing

There is evidence to show that supplementation of hyaluronic acid can reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. One study showed that skin lustre and suppleness significantly improved after 12 weeks in all groups compared with the control group. Although often used as a component of topical skin care products, some studies have examined whether ingestion of hyaluronic acid can reduce skin ageing, where compared with the placebo group, participants who took hyaluronic acid had reduced wrinkle depth, wrinkle volume, and increased skin hydration and elasticity.

Reduction in Joint Pain

Hyaluronic acid is abundant in the synovial (joint) fluid which lives in-between your joints. Research has shown that hyaluronic acid can help with knee pain, relieve inflammation, and offer an improvement in muscular knee strength, which in the long term may help reduce incidences of knee replacement surgeries due to degradation of joints. Pain reduction may be achieved by increasing the viscosity and elasticity of synovial fluid that cushions and lubricates joints. This enhanced lubrication reduces friction between joint surfaces, which can decrease pain and improve joint function. This has been shown to be helpful with those suffering from osteoarthritis, whilst having a protective effect on cartilage.

Summary

Hyaluronic Acid (HA) is a naturally occurring carbohydrate known for its moisture-retaining properties, essential for skin hydration and joint lubrication. It helps reduce wrinkles, improves skin elasticity, and supports joint health by keeping cartilage hydrated. Benefits from HA supplementation, such as enhanced skin appearance and joint function, typically emerge after 12 weeks of consistent use. Additionally, HA plays a vital role in wound healing and immune response, protecting tissues from oxidative stress. Commonly used in cosmetics and medical treatments, HA promotes a youthful complexion and alleviates joint pain, making it a popular supplement for overall health.

FAQs

Can I get hyaluronic acid from food sources? Hyaluronic acid is not commonly found in food, but certain foods like bone broth and root vegetables may help support its natural production in the body.

Are there any side effects associated with hyaluronic acid supplementation? Hyaluronic acid is generally safe for most people. Some may experience mild side effects, such as gastrointestinal discomfort or allergic reactions. Consult a healthcare provider if you have concerns.

Is hyaluronic acid supplementation safe for everyone? While generally safe, individuals with specific allergies or health conditions should consult a healthcare professional before starting supplementation, especially if pregnant or breastfeeding.

Research:

1. Akmal, M., Singh, A., Anand, A., Kesani, A., Aslam, N., Goodship, A., & Bentley, G. (2005). The effects of hyaluronic acid on articular chondrocytes. The Journal of bone and joint surgery. British volume, 87(8), 1143–1149.
2. Papakonstantinou, E., Roth, M., & Karakiulakis, G. (2012). Hyaluronic acid: A key molecule in skin aging. Dermato-endocrinology, 4(3), 253–258.
3. Oe, M., Tashiro, T., Yoshida, H., Nishiyama, H., Masuda, Y., Maruyama, K., Koikeda, T., Maruya, R., & Fukui, N. (2016). Oral hyaluronan relieves knee pain: a review. Nutrition journal, 15, 11.
4. Schwartz, S. R., & Park, J. (2012). Ingestion of BioCell Collagen(®), a novel hydrolyzed chicken sternal cartilage extract; enhanced blood microcirculation and reduced facial aging signs. Clinical interventions in aging, 7, 267–273.
5. Kawada, C., Yoshida, T., Yoshida, H., Matsuoka, R., Sakamoto, W., Odanaka, W., Sato, T., Yamasaki, T., Kanemitsu, T., Masuda, Y., & Urushibata, O. (2014). Ingested hyaluronan moisturizes dry skin. Nutrition journal, 13, 70.
6. Litwiniuk, M., Krejner, A., Speyrer, M. S., Gauto, A. R., & Grzela, T. (2016). Hyaluronic Acid in Inflammation and Tissue Regeneration. Wounds : a compendium of clinical research and practice, 28(3), 78–88.
7. Dereure, O. (2010). Acide hyaluronique et immunité. Annales de Dermatologie et de Vénéréologie, 137 (1), S26-S29.
8. Jiang, D., Liang, J., & Noble, P. W. (2011). Hyaluronan as an immune regulator in human diseases. Physiological reviews, 91(1), 221–264.
9. Yang, Y. J., Lee, W. Y., Kim, Y. J., & Hong, Y. P. (2021). A Meta-Analysis of the Efficacy of Hyaluronic Acid Eye Drops for the Treatment of Dry Eye Syndrome. International journal of environmental research and public health, 18(5), 2383.
10. Khan, M., Shanmugaraj, A., Prada, C., Patel, A., Babins, E., & Bhandari, M. (2023). The Role of Hyaluronic Acid for Soft Tissue Indications: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Sports health, 15(1), 86–96.
11. de la Guardia, C., Virno, A., Musumeci, M., Bernardin, A., & Silberberg, M. B. (2022). Rheologic and Physicochemical Characteristics of Hyaluronic Acid Fillers: Overview and Relationship to Product Performance. Facial plastic surgery : FPS, 38(2), 116–123.