Hyaluronic acid also known as hyaluronan or hyaluronate is a sticky and slippery substance that your body naturally produces. Scientists have found hyaluronic acid throughout the body, Especially in the eyes, joints and skin. It is often produced by fermentation of certain types of bacteria.
Benefits of hyaluronic acid: (1) (2) (3)
- Hyaluronic acid helps your joints move flexibly thanks to its viscosity, prevents friction and relieves pain in cases of injury.
- Hyaluronic acid is found naturally in the eyes and is often an ingredient in eye drops to relieve dry eye symptoms. Hyaluronic acid supplements can help increase skin moisture and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. So it is included in moisturizing creams, lotions, ointments and serums. Topical treatments can soothe redness and inflammation of the skin. While injections can make the skin appear tight.
- Applying hyaluronic acid directly to an open wound can help speed up the healing process and can reduce scarring.
- Combination supplements containing hyaluronic acid and chondroitin sulfate may help reduce acid reflux symptoms in some people.
- Hyaluronic acid can relieve bladder pain when administered directly into the bladder through a catheter
How it works: (1)
Hyaluronic acid belongs to a type of long, complex, chain-like molecules called polymers. The chain contains many points where other chemical compounds (such as water, For example) to stick to it. That’s why a quarter teaspoon of hyaluronic acid can contain about a gallon and a half of water. This makes it the best polymer – natural or synthetic – for absorbing water (and a key ingredient in moisturizing products).
Because it has a large surface area for other molecules to attach to, Hyaluronic acid is great for transporting other molecules throughout the body. It also has the ability to attach itself to cells, This is why targeted drug delivery using hyaluronic acid is a major topic of study.
Use of hyaluronic acid: (1)
There are many ways you can take hyaluronic acid (either alone or in a combination of products). Many of them are available without a prescription. Some require a prescription.
Oral:
- Hyaluronic acid comes in supplements and pills. There is also a liquid form that you can mix with water and drink.
- Taking hyaluronic acid orally can have many benefits. These include reducing arthritis pain and improving skin health.
On the skin:
- Hyaluronic acid products come in different forms that can be applied to the skin. These include shampoos, lotions, creams, gels, ointments and serums.
- Hyaluronic acid has beneficial properties when used on the skin. It is especially useful for reducing the appearance of wrinkles, age lines and moisturizing.
Eye drops:
- A wide range of eye drops contain hyaluronic acid.
By injection:
- Injecting hyaluronic acid into the joints can relieve pain caused by arthritis.
- Health care providers may prescribe it to treat bladder pain (such as pain caused by interstitial cystitis).
Under the skin:
- Fillers containing hyaluronic acid and collagen (a natural protein also found in your body) are approved to be injected under the skin. These fillings help restore the natural shape and appearance. Such as treating acne scars or adding volume to the lips.
Inhalation:
- Hyaluronic acid can treat respiratory (breathing) problems such as asthma or infections. It is included in some sprays.
side effects: (1) (2) (3)
- Improper use of hyaluronic acid, especially when injected, can lead to serious complications. Therefore, you should consult a doctor before.
- Research shows that hyaluronic acid is safe to use. Since reactions or adverse effects caused by hyaluronic acid are rare, It is safe to use for pregnant or breastfeeding women.
- Applying hyaluronic acid to the skin may worsen skin ulcers in people with a condition called scleroderma
Prepared by: Dalal Edriss
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