Hyaluronic Acid Benefits

Hylauronic acid (HA) is part of the glycosaminogly family; it's a complex carbohydrate that's vital to our well-being. Hyaluronic acid fastens onto our collagen and elastin and creates cartilage. It's found in every tissue of our body, and is responsible for carrying out a number of vital functions.

Significance

• Hyaluronic acid assists in the distribution of nutrients to cells that don't possess a blood supply. Cartilage is one example of such cells. The presence of HA in those cells maintains the lubrication of joints and allows them to preserve water for other tissues. By retaining an adequate amount of water, our joints are less likely to turn out to be fragile and weak. HA also aids in the restoration of skin by maintaining its elastin and collagen, encouraging a healthy appearance. Additionally, HA eliminates waste from cells and manages their movement. This results in an activation of our blood's white cells, reviving the immune system to successfully decrease and combat unwanted bacteria.

Function

• Hyaluronic acid has become especially popular in both the medical and cosmetic fields. Medical professionals are employing HA to alleviate conditions like arthritis, chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, dry eyes and pain associated with joint damage. It has also been effective in increasing mobility, alertness, sleep quality, muscle strength, sexual potency, wound healing and bone density. A majority of medical treatments that employ HA are obtained from rooster combs. Rooster combs are considered to contain the most potent variety of HA and are administered via injections.

Types

• In the cosmetology arena, hyaluronic-acid treatments are used to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, facial lines, drooping skin, acne scars and discolorations. Most of these fall into the "anti-aging procedure" category. Restylane is an example of an HA filler that's injected into the skin to improve its appearance and combat signs of aging.

Effects

• Cosmetic products containing HA are also available. It can be found in a variety of skin creams, masks and cleansers. The aim of these products is to rehydrate the skin so it will look supple and smooth. Topical Retinol treatments containing hyaluronic acid are frequently prescribed to treat skin conditions like acne, psoriasis, melasma and rosacea.

Considerations

• Hyaluronic acid is available by injection and via oral supplements. HA supplements can usually be found in health-food stores, pharmacies and vitamin shops and from online distributors. The side effects of hyaluronic acid tend to be infrequent and mild. Reported side effects include skin irritation and rashes.