What is hyaluronic acid?
Hyaluronic acid (HA) is naturally found in the joints, eyes, and skin of the human body. It acts as a lubricant, helping to maintain hydration throughout various tissues.
What does hyaluronic acid do?
Hyaluronic acid has innate moisturizing abilities, working to attract up to 1,000 times its molecular weight in water. With this, it provides cushioning within the joints, hydrates the eyes, and provides moisture to skin cells.
Anti-aging benefits
As the body goes through the natural aging process, it is normal for the natural hyaluronic acid concentration to deplete. With this occurring, the dermis’s volume and moisture are at the same time reduced, resulting in a sagging, sallow, and dry skin appearance. When hyaluronic acid is reintroduced into an area of the skin, it assists in smoothing out wrinkles, firming the dermis, and providing hydration for a more youthful, healthy look.
Boost skin health and offers protection
Hyaluronic acid acts as a powerful source of hydration, keeping the skin moisturized and healthy. However, this substance’s high attraction of water also gives it incredible volumizing properties within the skin. With this, it is able to plump, smooth, and tighten the dermis, amplifying its overall appearance. It may also reduce scars and wrinkles, making it an excellent partner in the fight against aging. Additionally, it can be used in plastic surgery to contour and reshape the face, acting as a more natural treatment option than other fillers.
- It enhances the protective barrier of the skin, preventing harmful substances from entering the body.
- It supports the overall healing process with its anti-inflammatory properties.
- Its antioxidant properties protect against oxidative damage, which thwarts the breakdown of collagen in the skin. This keeps the dermis’s structure in tip-top shape.
How to use hyaluronic acid in any skincare routine
Hyaluronic acid is abundantly used in skincare products, such as makeup, serums, and moisturizers. If you want to get the most out of your hyaluronic acid usage, it is highly advisable to use a hyaluronic acid serumespecially if your skin is dry. When used in moisturizers, it may also provide additional hydration.
Hyaluronic acid-based injections
Hyaluronic acid may be used in dermal fillers or therapeutic injections. When injected into the skin, this substance increases hydration and volume to reduce wrinkles and other visible signs of aging. Hyaluronic acid injections may also be used to treat symptoms of osteoarthritis via injection into the joints. There, it lubricates and cushions the bones within the joint to prevent further pain and deterioration.
Is hyaluronic acid worth using?
The answer is a definite yes! Along with its many health benefits, this substance also has minimal side effects. That being said, individuals who are allergic or sensitive to hyaluronic acid should not use skincare products or fillers that include this ingredient. Additionally, pregnant and breastfeeding women should consult a doctor before using hyaluronic acid.
Is it good for acne?
While hyaluronic acid doesn’t clear acne, it does moisturize the skin. This contributes to the overall health and hydration of the dermis, which can reduce oil productiona main player in the development of acne. It may also reduce the look of acne scarring, helping to improve the overall quality of the skin.
Other uses of hyaluronic acid
- It promotes hair growth.
- It is used in eye and corneal surgery to keep the eyes hydrated.
- It can treat mouth sores.
- Early studies suggest that it may help treat burns and wounds.
Can hyaluronic acid be taken orally?
Yes, hyaluronic acid can be taken orally as a dietary supplement. In this form, it is most often used by individuals with joint pain and osteoarthritis. Research suggests that in this case, 80mg should be taken once daily for 8 weeks to see real effects.
Hyaluronic acid may be used to aid with a variety of issues, including osteoarthritis and the visible signs of aging. Its innate ability to hold water works to plump and hydrate the skin, as well as lubricate the joints. Before using a hyaluronic acid supplement, skincare product, or injectable filler, including Belotero, please consult your doctor to ensure that any adverse effects may be avoided.
