What is Hyaluronic Acid? Hyaluronic Acid Benefits and Uses

Hyaluronic acid is derived from the word hyalos, meaning glass. It is a polysaccharide with binding properties. It is found in many tissues in the body; It is naturally found in the structure of eye fluid, skin, muscles and joints. Hyaluronic acid mainly has the function of retaining water in the body. It is used quite frequently in dermatology and cosmetology, playing a therapeutic or supportive role in joint and skin diseases.

What is Hyaluronic Acid?

Hyaluronic acid has the ability to retain water up to a thousand times its own weight. Problems such as wrinkles and dry skin may occur due to the decrease in hyaluronic acid in the structure of the skin, which is the largest organ of the human body. For this reason, it is frequently used in anti-aging or anti-aging treatments. Although hyaluronic acid is produced naturally in the body, it can be produced through animal or bacterial sources. It has various forms; It can be found in forms such as liquid, tablet, powder, cream, ointment and serum. It is also used in the form of eye drops to relieve eye dryness when using contact lenses. Hyaluronic acid can be divided into 2 types:

  1. Micromolecular hyaluronic acid: It consists of molecules with low molecular weight. Since they are quite small, they descend to the epidermis layer and penetrate under the skin. It has a healing and restorative effect. It supports the natural production of hyaluronic acid.
  2. Macromolecular hyaluronic acid: They have high molecular weight. It is very difficult for them to penetrate under the skin. For this reason, they strengthen the skin barrier by making repairs on the skin surface, not under the skin, and provide moisturizing and elasticity.

What Does Hyaluronic Acid Do?

The benefits of hyaluronic acid and what it does are among the frequently wondered topics. It can be used in skin care products for cosmetic purposes to eliminate signs of aging,

  • It is used in fillers for cosmetic purposes,
  • It is used for removing expression lines, lifting eyebrows, lifting the tip of the nose, protruding cheekbones, and lip augmentation.
  • As a moisturizing ingredient in topical care products,
  • It creates a smoothing and lubricating effect on the skin surface,
  • It has anti-irritation effects by preventing water loss from the skin.

Benefits of Hyaluronic Acid

One of its most important benefits is that it has the capacity to hold moisture up to a thousand times its own weight, keeping areas such as muscles, joints and eyes moist. Other benefits of hyaluronic acid can be listed as follows:

  • Provides anti-aging effect,
  • Skin plumping effect,
  • Provides moisturizing skin care,
  • Protects skin health,
  • Micro molecular hyaluronic acid penetrates into the lower layers of the skin, provides an enhancing effect on collagen production and contributes to skin regeneration,
  • It has very few side effects and is suitable for all skin types.
  • Its use is not risky like other acids,
  • It has a relieving effect on eye dryness,
  • It removes skin roughness,
  • It gives flexibility and lubrication to the joints,
  • It is used by injection method in the treatment of osteoarthritis.
  • Strengthens the barrier by moisturizing the skin,
  • It is used in prosthetic applications,
  • It is used in the treatment of rash and eczema.
  • It is an ingredient that benefits the healing of wounds. It reduces the risk of infection and supports the healing process by moisturizing the area around the wound.

In Which Treatments Is Hyaluronic Acid Used?

Hyaluronic acid is used therapeutically in the field of dermatology as well as in the cosmetic industry.

  • It is used in prosthetic application methods in orthopedic fields,
  • In some surgical procedures,
  • In facial mesotherapy,
  • In the treatment of eczema,
  • It is used in the mucosal treatment of gastritis, reflux and ulcer-like stomach problems,
  • It is used to transport antibiotics and increase their effect.
  • In ophthalmic treatment, it prolongs the residence time of the drug molecule in the eye,
  • It is used in nasal treatment as an absorption enhancer,
  • In pulmonary therapy, it adjusts the dissolution rate.

How to Use Hyaluronic Acid?

Hyaluronic acid can be found in different forms such as cream and serum. These forms vary depending on the need. For muscles and joints, oral forms (tablets, powder) can generally be used. It is used in eye drop form to treat dry eyes. It can be used in lotion, cream and serum forms to show its moisturizing effect on the skin. In order to benefit from the moisturizing effect sufficiently, it is recommended to apply serums, creams or lotions containing hyaluronic acid before the skin is completely dried after washing. In this way, hyaluronic acid will meet the moisture need by penetrating the existing water on the skin surface into the epidermis layer of the skin. It can also be used in the treatment of knee and joint problems and osteoarthritis by injection of hyaluronic acid into the knee.
Hyaluronic acid does not interact with any medication or serum-like ingredients. It is very important that the dermocosmetic products used are original. Otherwise, various effects that are harmful rather than curative may be observed.

In Which Foods Is Hyaluronic Acid Found?

Hyaluronic acid is produced naturally in the body, but with advancing age, hyaluronic acid levels begin to decrease. This situation creates the need to replace the lost hyaluronic acid in various ways. In addition to various food supplements, many foods are very successful in increasing hyaluronic acid production. These foods can be listed as follows:

  • Fish, chicken and red meat,
  • Milk and milk products,
  • Almonds and peanuts,
  • Cauliflower,
  • lemon and orange,
  • Pineapple,
  • Parsley,
  • Grapefruit,
  • Broccoli,
  • Sweet potato,
  • Strawberry and cherry,
  • soy products,
  • bone broth,
  • Spinach,
  • Pea,
  • Lettuce and cabbage,
  • Blueberries,
  • Asparagus.

FAQ: What are the benefits of Hyaluronic Acid for skin?

Thanks to its water retention ability, hyaluronic acid prevents the skin from losing water due to adverse environmental conditions during the day. In addition to meeting the need for moisture, it benefits the skin with its anti-aging effect and is also used as a filler and helps eliminate existing wrinkles. The restorative effect of hyaluronic acid is not limited to skin, muscles and bones. It is a widely used ingredient in hair care, and the required moisture requirement is met in this way.

What are the side effects of Hyaluronic Acid?

As with most ingredients, Hyaluronic acid can cause various side effects. After use, side effects such as various allergic reactions, swelling, rashes, urticaria, bruising, edema, redness and infection may occur. These side effects are mostly temporary, but this may vary from person to person. Therefore, whatever the content, it should not be used without testing it in a small area before routine use. Additionally, doses deemed appropriate by the doctor should not be exceeded. It is recommended that pregnant and breastfeeding mothers consult a doctor before use.

For what purposes is Hyaluronic Acid used?

Hyaluronic acid is used for many purposes, from medical treatment to beauty. Various treatment methods (eczema, osteoarthritis) and various filling methods such as erasing signs of aging are used to eliminate the dull appearance of the skin and meet its moisture needs.

What is Hyaluronic Acid injection?

Hyaluronic acid injection is a method generally applied when drug therapy is insufficient to relieve patients’ complaints. It is used in moderate calcification, patients with stomach problems, kidney diseases and some other diseases. The most frequently applied joint area is the knee joint. Additionally, shoulder, hip, wrist and ankle, elbow and jaw joints are also applied. Hyaluronic acid injection is generally a safe procedure, but side effects such as swelling, edema, inflammation and pain can be observed. Hyaluronic acid injection method is used to fill various wrinkles on the face, to increase volume in the eyes, cheeks, chin and temples, and to remove various acne scars. If you think that the naturally produced hyaluronic acid in your body is starting to decrease, if you have dry and dull skin, if you are suffering from wrinkle problems, joint pain, dry and unhealthy hair, Hyaluronic Acid may be the ingredient you need.

Abbas Jahangir

I am a researcher and writer with a background in food and nutritional science. I am the founder of Foodstrend.com, our reputable online platform offering scientifically-backed articles on health, food, nutrition, kitchen tips, recipes, diet, and fitness. With a commitment to providing accurate and reliable information, we strive to empower our readers to make informed decisions about their health and lifestyle choices. Join us on Foodstrend.com's journey toward a healthier and happier lifestyle.

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