Hyaluronic acid is one of the naturally occurring polysaccharides in the body such as skin, eyes, and joints. The main function of hyaluronic acid is to moisturize these parts of the body. Hyaluronic acid, which plays an important role in skin moisture, decreases with age. That’s why many people are taking hyaluronic acid supplements, which can be taken as oral supplements, creams, serums, or even injections. What will happen if you use hyaluronic acid for your face and body? British health information site Medical News Today introduced this.
1. Moisturizes the skin
Many people already use hyaluronic acid to moisturize their skin. Hyaluronic acid can increase moisture in dry skin and improve quality of life. A 2014 study asked female participants to apply hyaluronic acid lotions, serums, and creams. The results of the study showed an increase in skin moisture content of up to 96% over 8 weeks.
2. Helps in wound healing
Hyaluronic acid helps maintain moisture in the skin and aids in the tissue regeneration process involved in wound healing. A 2016 study reported that applying hyaluronic acid to the skin to heal wounds can help relieve inflammation and control tissue repair.
3. Smoothes the skin texture
When a person experiences skin changes, it can have negative psychological effects. Usually, these psychological changes occur during the aging process. One study found that hyaluronic acid increases the elasticity and smoothness of human skin.
4. It prevents aging
About 50% of the body’s hyaluronic acid is present in the skin. Decreasing the amount of hyaluronic acid leads to wrinkle formation. Supplementing with hyaluronic acid greatly reduces the depth of wrinkles and increases skin elasticity. People who applied hyaluronic acid every day for 8 weeks reduced wrinkle depth by up to 40% and increased skin elasticity by up to 55%.
5. Helps relieve joint pain
Humans can relieve joint pain by injecting hyaluronic acid into the joint. A 2017 review described a variety of treatment options for osteoarthritis patients experiencing joint pain and inflammation. When a drug used to treat these symptoms is combined with hyaluronic acid, it works more effectively.
6. Reduces dermatitis
Hyaluronic acid helps improve the symptoms of eczema. In 2011, a study found that hyaluronic acid felt better than emulsion creams containing ceramides and improved eczema.
7. Helps fight gum disease
A 2016 review reported that hyaluronic acid could play a pivotal role in postoperative care in dental patients. Because hyaluronic acid can help heal wounds, it can have a positive effect on people with gum disease and mouth sores.
8. Reduces reflux esophagitis
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a common disease that causes symptoms such as acid reflux and heartburn. Taking acid inhibitors and hyaluronic acid supplements together can help improve symptoms in patients with reflux esophagitis.
9. Soothes dry eye syndrome
The eyes contain high concentrations of hyaluronic acid. Therefore, eye drops containing hyaluronic acid can help treat dry eye syndrome.
10. Treat vaginal dryness
Vaginal dryness often affects women after menopause. A combination of hyaluronic acid cream and estrogen cream can help relieve vaginal dryness. Because hyaluronic acid is the more effective of the two, people who cannot use hormonal treatments such as estrogen creams may be able to relieve symptoms by using hyaluronic acid cream alone.
11. Prevents bladder pain
Injecting hyaluronic acid into the bladder through a catheter (a conduit that is inserted into the body to extract urine, etc.) can relieve the pain of bladder syndrome. However, oral supplements cannot affect bladder pain.
◇ What are the side effects of hyaluronic acid?
Hyaluronic acid has very few side effects. Because the body produces hyaluronic acid naturally, there is little risk of an allergic reaction. Injectable hyaluronic acid has been reported to cause side effects, but this is due to the injection itself rather than hyaluronic acid.
Using hyaluronic acid supplements or products can help people maintain their youthful appearance and prevent aging. However, you should consult with a healthcare professional before taking any supplements, and make sure that the injection form is registered with the management agency.