6 Benefits of Hyaluronic Acid

Also known as hyaluronan, hyaluronic acid is a clear and sticky substance that the body produces naturally. Its most extensive amounts are found in the skin, eyes, and connective tissue.

The core function of hyaluronic acid is to retain water to ensure your tissues remain moist and lubricated. It also has a wide range of uses, with many people taking it as a supplement. It's also integrated into injections, eye drops, and topical serums. Let's discuss how hyaluronic acid works and some of the scientifically proven benefits of taking hyaluronic acid. 

How does Hyaluronic Acid Works?

Hyaluronic acid belongs to a type of complex long chain-similar molecules known as polymers. The chain features various spots where various chemical compounds clasp on. A small amount of hyaluronic acid can retain around one and a half gallons of moisture, making it one of the most effective artificial or natural polymers for water absorption.

Hyaluronic acid has additional space for other molecules to clasp on, making it ideal for circulating different molecules across the body. It can also latch on cells, explaining why many experts study the targeted delivery of hyaluronic-based medications.

With its chain-similar structure, hyaluronic acid can act like a frame structure facilitating the development of tissues. This is a significant step in helping wounds heal in the body. Scientists have discovered hyaluronic acid in human embryos and are researching its role in reproduction and development. Here are the benefits of hyaluronic acid. 

1. Promotes a Supple and Healthy Skin

The hyaluronic acid in the human skin holds on to water to retain moisture. However, exposure to various components like UV rays from the sun, the natural aging process, and pollution can lower the amount of hyaluronic acid in the skin. As a result, taking supplements can limit this reduction, giving the body additional amounts to retain in the skin.

Doses of between 120-240 mg each day for slightly a month have been found to boost skin moisture and reduce dry skin in adults significantly. The more the skin is hydrated, the less the appearance of wrinkles, explaining why various studies suggest that taking hyaluronic acid supplements can improve the appearance of the skin.

Applying hyaluronic acid serums on the skin can also reduce dermatitis and redness. Some dermatologists inject hyaluronic acid fillers to maintain a youthful and firm appearance on the skin. 

2. Hyaluronic Acid Can Speed Up Wound Healing

Hyaluronic acid plays a core role in wound healing. While it's naturally present in the skin, its absorption increases where there is damage requiring repair. This substance speeds up wound healing by controlling inflammation levels and stimulating the body to develop more blood vessels around the damaged area.

Applying hyaluronic acid to skin wounds relieves pain while quickly reducing the wounds' size. This substance features antibacterial properties, reducing the risk of infection once applied to open wounds. Furthermore, hyaluronic acid effectively fights gum disease and accelerates healing following tooth surgery. When topically used in the mouth, hyaluronic acid eliminates ulcers.

Research on hyaluronic acid gels and serums is promising. However, no study has confirmed whether hyaluronic acid supplements can offer the same benefits. Still, oral supplements improve hyaluronic acid levels available in the skin, meaning they may have various uses. 

3. Lipid Barrier Improvement

The core function of the human skin is to safeguard the body. The skin secures internal organs, bones, and muscles from the harmful effects of the external elements. It also protects you from the dangerous toxins you encounter every day. The top layer of the skin bears the most damage, and as you age, the lipid barrier starts slowing down.

The lipid barrier comprises fatty acids that retain water, preventing irritants from penetrating the skin. Various factors like lifestyle choices, environmental pollution, and UV rays cause damage to the skin, resulting in fine wrinkles and lines, dry skin, and dark spots.

Hyaluronic acid strengthens the skin's natural barrier, allowing it to in moisture for an excellent hydrating effect. Over time, moisture retention can slow down the damage to the lipid barrier, fortifying and protecting it. 

4. Tightens the Skin Tone

While everybody wants tight skin, its elastin reduces as we age. As a result, the skin loses its bounce back. One of the best ways to test your elastin is by pinching the skin at the top of your hand. If it bounces back fact, your elastin is still intact. However, the more you age, the more the elastin reduces.

While hyaluronic acid won't replace the elastin on your skin, it can give your skin the appearance of tightness. This substance moisturizes the skin and tightens the entire complexion. It firms facial contours, giving users a youthful appearance.

5. Keeps Bones Lubricated to Relieve Joint Pain

Hyaluronic acid is available around the joints, where it maintains lubrication between the bones. Once the bones are well lubricated, they are unlikely to rub against each other, causing uncomfortable pain.

Hyaluronic acid supplements can be ideal for you if you suffer from osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint disease triggered by wear and tear around the joints over time. Taking between 80 to 200 mg of hyaluronic acid supplements for approximately two months can reduce knee pain in osteoarthritis patients.

Your physician can inject hyaluronic acid directly into the joints to relieve pain. However, an assessment of more than 12,000 adults established a slight pain reduction. Research suggests that combining hyaluronic acid injections with supplements can prolong pain-relieving benefits. 

6. Relieves Eye Dryness and Discomfort

Nearly one out of seven aged adults experience dry eye symptoms due to fast evaporation or reduced production of tears. Hyaluronic acid is powerful moisture retaining substance, explaining why it's often used to treat dry eyes.

Eye drops with between 0.2 to 0.4% of hyaluronic acid have been found to reduce the symptoms of dry eyes and boost eye health. Contact lenses with slow-releasing hyaluronic acid are now available for treating dry eyes. Further, hyaluronic acid-based eye drops are commonly used to accelerate wound healing and reduce inflammation after eye surgery. Scientists have yet to prove whether oral hyaluronic acid supplements can minimize eye symptoms and boost overall eye health. 

Finally

Many people can take hyaluronic acid supplements to acquire the benefits above. This substance is famous for its skin benefits, such as relieving dry skin, accelerating wound healing, and reducing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. It's also ideal for osteoarthritis patients. Hyaluronic acid is an effective supplement for a wide range of skin-related conditions.