Hyaluronic acid is a natural component found in much of our body. It is present in our skin, in the eyes, in the synovial fluid of the joints and in the cartilage. It is also found in the umbilical cord of newborns. In addition, we can find hyaluronic acid in the crest of roosters, the eyes of cows and other animals, as well as in the fins of sharks.
Do you know what the secret is to stay as young as possible? Hyaluronic acid may be the answer to this question.
What is hyaluronic acid for?
As the years go by, especially after 35, our body begins to change, visible symptoms appear that indicate that we are moving from a youthful age to a mature age. This results in the appearance of wrinkles on the skin of the face, as it begins to look less soft, smooth and more flaccid; In addition, it becomes thinner, gradually losing the protective layer of fat.
Hyaluronic acid for skin
One of the main functions of hyaluronic acid is to keep tissues constantly hydrated, as it has the property of retaining water. Over the years, the skin loses this component, decreasing its firmness and, as a consequence, wrinkles begin to appear on the skin. In the world of beauty, dermatology and cosmetology, these are the most popular uses of hyaluronic acid:
- Helps keep skin hydrated and gives it elasticity, keeping it looking youthful.
- It is used to promote the creation of collagen in the body. Read what collagen is for by clicking the link.
- In plastic surgery processes, it is used to fill in wrinkles on the skin.
- Due to its regenerative capacity, it is injected into the skin to improve the appearance of scars.
- Helps eliminate expression lines on the face.
- Fight sagging, especially on the lips and cheeks.
- Reduces the presence of dark circles and bags around the eyes. Learn more about How to remove dark circles with hyaluronic acid in our article.
In addition to the skin, hyaluronic acid also brings numerous benefits to the hair, as it regenerates damage caused by external agents, hydrates and strengthens it. If you want to know more about the benefits of hyaluronic acid for hair , we invite you to visit our article.
Hyaluronic acid for joints
Not all the benefits of hyaluronic acid remain on the skin. We also find this compound in the synovial fluid of the joints, where it is responsible for reducing friction between cartilage and other tissues, lubricating them and cushioning movement. Taking all this into account, we tell you what hyaluronic acid is used for in the joints :
- It serves as a regenerator of cartilage.
- It is used to relieve the symptoms of pain in the knees and other joints caused by diseases such as osteoarthritis or arthritis, as well as in postoperative treatments.
- It is used as an interarticular injection to relieve pain in the joints of the knee, shoulder, hip, ankles and wrists of the hands, with the aim of delaying surgical interventions.
- In veterinary medicine, it is applied to the joints of the legs of horses.
Hyaluronic acid for eyes
Although the most popular uses of hyaluronic acid come from its properties to maintain youthful skin, this biopolymer is also found in the vitreous humor of human eyes and many animals. In the eyes, it fulfills the function of lubricating the eye, as well as moisturizing and protecting it . In this way, it is used to:
- It is used to protect the cornea during eye surgeries such as cataract operations.
- It is used to treat dry eyes , as it relieves the symptoms of this problem.
Properties of hyaluronic acid
As we have seen before, hyaluronic acid is found throughout the skin, in the eyes, in the joints and in the cartilage. That is why it is essential for the well-being of our body. Among the properties of this component we can mention:
- Retains water : It has the ability to attract water and retain it, which keeps the skin hydrated and the joints and eyes lubricated.
- It regenerates tissues : it recovers and regenerates tissues and cartilage, promoting the creation of collagen in the body.
- It is elastic : its viscoelastic properties allow it to cushion the impact of movement on bones and joints, also reducing friction between them.
- Substitute for synovial fluid : helps to heal joint injuries in athletes more quickly by replacing lost synovial fluid.
Hyaluronic Acid Side Effects
Since hyaluronic acid is a natural biopolymer present in the body, side effects from the application of this compound are very rare , whether it is injected, taken in capsules or applied in creams.
However, it is important to note that it is not recommended to use hyaluronic acid in people with severe allergies, pregnant or lactating women and in areas where the skin is inflamed or infected. The side effects that you can expect after applying hyaluronic acid are:
- Allergic reactions such as irritation and redness in the treated area.
- Tenderness, swelling or pain in the skin.
- Appearance of bruises after injections.
Where to buy hyaluronic acid
You can find hyaluronic acid in different presentations depending on the treatment for which it is used. You can find it in pharmacies or beauty stores, as well as in beauty centers where it is purchased in the form of injection treatments. Commercially, hyaluronic acid can be found in the following presentations:
- Hyaluronic acid in creams or drops: specifically indicated to moisturize the skin and reduce wrinkles, widely used in cosmetology.
- Hyaluronic acid tablets: indicated for cartilage regeneration and in postoperative processes.
- Hyaluronic acid injections: commonly used in cosmetology as to fill wrinkles and scars, as well as to diminish dark circles. In medicine, hyaluronic acid injections are used to relieve joint pain and inflammation.
- Hyaluronic acid capsules: combat arthritis and muscle pain.
If you want to know how to apply hyaluronic acid on the face , don't hesitate to read our article about it and take advantage of all its properties for the skin.
