Medically Reviewed
What is Hyaluronic Acid?
Hyaluronic acid, commonly called hyaluronan or hyaluronate, is a naturally occurring compound in the human body. It is a clear, sticky substance crucial in keeping the skin moist and elastic. It is a glycosaminoglycan, a molecule composed of repeating units of sugars, found abundantly in the skin, joints, and eyes.
This remarkable compound acts as a humectant, attracting and retaining moisture in the skin’s outer layers, keeping it hydrated and plump. Additionally, hyaluronic acid contributes to the skin’s structural integrity by providing cushioning and lubrication, allowing for smooth movement and flexibility.
Hyaluronic acid is present in various tissues throughout the body, but its concentration decreases with age, leading to visible ageing signs, such as sagging skin, wrinkles, and fine lines. Consequently, many individuals turn to hyaluronic acid supplements or topical products to replenish and enhance their skin’s hydration and youthful appearance.
What does Hyaluronic Acid do for You?
Hyaluronic acid offers many benefits for overall health and well-being, particularly for the skin, joints, and eyes. Here are some of its most notable advantages:
- Skin Hydration and Anti-Aging: As a potent humectant, hyaluronic acid attracts and binds moisture (hygroscopic property) to the skin, thus keeping your skin hydrated and plump. This moisture-binding property helps to reduce fine lines, wrinkles, and other ageing signs, promoting a smoother, more youthful complexion.
- Joint Health: Hyaluronic acid plays a vital role in joint lubrication and cushioning, acting as a shock absorber and reducing friction between bones and cartilage. It can help ease joint stiffness and pain associated with various conditions like osteoarthritis, promoting smoother joint movement and reducing discomfort.
- Eye Health: Hyaluronic acid is a key component of the vitreous humour, the gel-like substance that fills the eye’s interior. It helps maintain the eye’s shape and clarity, contributing to overall eye health and potentially reducing the risk of certain eye conditions.
- Wound Healing: Hyaluronic acid can promote tissue regeneration and regulate inflammation, assisting in the healing process of wounds, burns, and other skin injuries. These can reduce scarring and promote faster recovery.
- Skin Barrier Function: Hyaluronic acid enhances the skin’s barrier function, shielding it from environmental stressors, such as pollution and UV rays, which can contribute to premature ageing and skin damage.
How is Hyaluronic Acid Made?
Hyaluronic acid can be derived from various sources, both natural and synthetic. The following are some common methods of production:
- Bacterial Fermentation: Many commercial hyaluronic acid products are derivatives of bacterial fermentation processes. Specific strains of bacteria, like Streptococcus zooepidemicus, are cultivated in controlled environments and produce hyaluronic acid as a byproduct of their metabolism.
- Animal-derived Sources: Historically, hyaluronic acid was extracted from rooster combs or other animal tissues, such as the vitreous humour of bovine eyes. However, this method is less common today due to concerns over potential contamination and ethical considerations.
- Plant-derived Sources: Several plant-based sources, like certain mushrooms and yeasts, can also produce hyaluronic acid through fermentation, offering a vegan-friendly alternative.
- Synthetic Production: Advances in biotechnology have enabled the artificial production of hyaluronic acid through chemical synthesis or enzymatic processes, providing a consistent and controlled compound source.
Is Hyaluronic Acid Safe?
Hyaluronic acid is considered safe and risk-free for most people when used as directed. However, as with any substance, there are potential hyaluronic acid side effects and precautions to consider:
- Topical Use: Most people can tolerate the topical application of hyaluronic acid products, like serums or creams. However, some individuals may encounter mild skin irritation, redness, or dryness, especially if they have sensitive skin.
- Oral Supplements: Oral hyaluronic acid supplements are also generally safe after the doctor’s recommendation. However, some people may experience digestive discomforts, such as bloating, diarrhoea, or nausea, particularly at higher doses.
- Injections: Only qualified doctors should administer hyaluronic acid injections. Doctors commonly use these injections for cosmetic purposes like dermal fillers or joint injections. Potential risks include bruising, swelling, infection, or allergic reactions.
- Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: While hyaluronic acid is naturally present in the body, limited research exists on the safety of supplemental hyaluronic acid during pregnancy and breastfeeding. It is advisable to consult with a doctor before using hyaluronic acid products during these times, says “Dr. Pratiksha.”
- Allergic Reactions: Although rare, some people still encounter allergic reactions to hyaluronic acid products (derived from animal sources or containing additional ingredients). It is necessary to carefully read product labels and consult with a specialist if you have any known allergies or sensitivities.
How to Use Hyaluronic Acid and How Does it Interact With Other Products?
Hyaluronic acid is a versatile compound that can be used with various ingredients to enhance its effectiveness or target specific skin concerns. Here are some common interactions and combinations:
- Vitamin C: When used together, hyaluronic acid and vitamin C can provide a powerful antioxidant and anti-ageing boost. Vitamin C protects the skin from stressors in the environment, while hyaluronic acid hydrates the skin, diminishing fine lines and wrinkles.
- Retinoids: Combining hyaluronic acid with retinoids, such as retinol or retinaldehyde, can enhance their effectiveness in promoting cell turnover and collagen production. Hyaluronic acid helps to counteract the potential drying effects of retinoids, keeping the skin hydrated and minimising irritation.
- Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs): Various AHAs, like lactic acid or glycolic acid, are used in chemical exfoliants to improve skin texture and brightness. When combined with hyaluronic acid, the two can work synergistically, with AHAs promoting cell turnover and hyaluronic acid hydrating and plumping the skin.
- Ceramides: Ceramides are lipids that help to strengthen the skin’s barrier function and retain moisture. Combining hyaluronic acid with ceramides can provide a comprehensive approach to hydration, as hyaluronic acid attracts and binds moisture, while ceramides help to prevent moisture loss.
- Peptides: Peptides are small amino acid chains that can stimulate collagen production and promote skin firmness. When used alongside hyaluronic acid, peptides can help improve skin elasticity and reduce wrinkles and fine lines, while hyaluronic acid provides hydration and plumpness.
How can You Take Hyaluronic Acid?
You can include hyaluronic acid into your skincare routine or overall wellness regimen in various forms, depending on your specific needs and preferences. Here are some common methods of using hyaluronic acid:
- Topical Products: Hyaluronic acid is widely available in topical skincare products, such as serums, creams, lotions, and masks. These products can be applied directly to the face, neck, and other areas of the body to provide hydration and augment the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
- Oral Supplements: Oral hyaluronic acid supplements are available in capsule or liquid form. These supplements can support joint health, skin hydration, and overall well-being from the inside out.
- Injections: Hyaluronic acid can be injected into the skin as a dermal filler to restore volume temporarily, smooth out wrinkles or fine lines, and enhance facial contours for cosmetic purposes.
- Eye Drops: Hyaluronic acid is also available as eye drops, which can help lubricate and hydrate the eyes, relieving dryness and discomfort.
- Wound Dressings: In the medical field, doctors apply hyaluronic acid-based dressings or gels on wounds to promote healing and reduce scarring in various types of wounds, burns, or surgical incisions.
FAQs
What is hyaluronic acid and its benefits?
Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a natural material found in your skin and joints. It acts like a sponge, holding onto tons of moisture to keep things plump and lubricated. This is why HA is a popular ingredient in skincare for hydration and reducing wrinkles. It’s also used in injections for joint pain and in eye drops for dry eyes.
What are the adverse effects of taking hyaluronic acid?
Hyaluronic acid is generally safe, but some people experience temporary side effects like redness, itching, or swelling at the application site. In rare cases, allergic reactions can occur.
How do you use hyaluronic?
Here’s how you use hyaluronic acid:
- Skincare: Look for serums, moisturizers, or creams with HA. Apply it to your moist skin for better absorption.
- Joint injections: This is a medical procedure done by a doctor to treat joint pain.
- Eye drops: Use them as directed by your doctor for dry eye relief.
Can hyaluronic acid cause acne or breakouts?
It is unlikely that hyaluronic acid itself will cause acne or breakouts. However, some people with oily or acne-prone skin may experience issues if the hyaluronic acid product contains comedogenic (pore-clogging) ingredients or is not correctly formulated for their skin type.
Is hyaluronic acid safe for sensitive skin?
The composition of hyaluronic acid is generally well-tolerated by most skin types, including sensitive ones. However, some individuals with highly reactive skin may experience irritation or redness, mainly if the product contains additional ingredients or fragrances.
Can I use hyaluronic acid in conjunction with other dermatological or skincare products?
Yes, hyaluronic acid can be safely used with other skincare products, like serums, moisturisers, and sunscreens. Combining hyaluronic acid with other beneficial ingredients like vitamin C, retinoids, or ceramides can provide synergistic benefits for the skin.
How long does it take to see results from using hyaluronic acid?
The timeframe for seeing results from hyaluronic acid can vary and depends on the product formulation, application method, and product formulation, application method, and individual factors. Topical hyaluronic acid products may provide immediate hydration and a plumping effect. Still, more significant improvements in skin texture, wrinkles, and fine lines may take several weeks or months of consistent use. Oral supplements or injections may also require some time to show noticeable results.
Reference
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8449875/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3583886/#:~:text=Hyaluronic%20acid%20and%20skin%20aging
