Hyaluronic acid is known to be beneficial for the skin. So do not be surprised, this substance is widely found in beauty products. But make no mistake, hyaluronic acid also has benefits for overall health. Check out the full explanation through the following review.
Hyaluronic Acid Definition
Hyaluronic acid or hyaluronic acid (HA) is a clear, sticky substance that is naturally produced by the body. HA is one of the substances that help glue cells and tissues in the human body.
Hyaluronic acid has the property of ‘retaining water’ so it is responsible for the moisture of the skin, while keeping the tissue intact. Not only that, HA also plays a role in cell regeneration in the tissue.
Hyaluronic acid is abundant in your skin, tissues, and eyes.
This substance has many uses, especially for beauty. Therefore, apart from being produced by the body, HA is also found in many products, such as supplements, facial serums, eye drops, and injections.
Types of Hyaluronic Acid
There are three types of hyaluronic acid. Here are the details:
- Hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid. This type has been broken into small pieces, making it easier to penetrate the skin. This HA will be suitable for people who have oily skin because it will moisturize sufficiently.
- Sodium hyaluronate. This substance provides better moisturizing results than the previous type. However, the effect did not last long. Owners of normal skin will be suitable to use this type of HA.
- Sodium acetylated hyaluronate. This type has similar results to sodium hyaluronate. The difference is, this substance can last a long time. Hence, people with dry skin will need it.
Overall Hyaluronic Acid Benefits
Many people know hyaluronic acid of various beauty products, such as serum. However, did you know that this substance has a myriad of health benefits? Here are the details:
Help maintain healthy skin
Hyaluronic acid can help maintain healthy skin so that its elasticity is maintained. In addition to hydration, the skin will look healthier.
Broadly speaking, the benefits of HA in the skin, including:
- Moisturizing.
- Prevents signs of premature aging because it is anti-aging and anti-wrinkle.
- Helps accelerate wound healing.
- Caring for skin firmness.
- Overcoming redness on the face.
- Helps relieve eczema.
Relieve joint pain
The next benefit of hyaluronic acid is that it helps relieve joint pain. HA is present in the joints of the body and makes them well lubricated.
If you get lubrication, the possibility of the bones between the joints to rub is less so that it can reduce pain.
Besides that, the hyaluronic acid in supplement form is beneficial for people with osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is an inflammatory condition of the joints caused by damaged cartilage.
According to studies, taking 80-200 mg of HA supplements daily for two months has been prove to substantially ease knee pain in people with osteoarthritis, specifically in people between 40 and 70 years old.
Not only in the form of supplements, hyaluronic acid can also be used in the form of liquid injections (viscosupplementation) for pain relief.
Unfortunately, according to research conducted on 12,000 older persons, the reduction in pain is very small, and even has a greater risk of side effects.
Helps treat dry eyes
HA has moisturizing properties so its use can help overcome dry eyes problems
Research has shown that eye drops containing 0.2-0.4 percent hyaluronic acid can reduce dry eye symptoms and support eye health.
This efficacy has only been proven from the use of HA as eye drops. So, it is not known if HA supplements can provide similar benefits.
Treat urinary tract infections
Urinary tract infection is an infection that attacks the organs of the urinary system, namely: ureters, bladder, kidneys, and urethra. This condition is more common in women.
Hyaluronic acid can help repair damage to bladder tissue so that pain can be reduced.
Reducing stomach acid complaints (GERD)
Increased stomach acid in gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) patients will make the contents of the stomach regurgitated into the throat. This condition causes damage to the lining of the esophagus and causes pain.
Hyaluronic acid can help soothe the damaged lining of the esophagus so that complaints can be resolved quickly.
Caring for bone health
In addition to reducing joint pain, the benefits hyaluronic acid can also take care of your bone health.
Research has found that hyaluronic acid supplements can help slow the rate of bone loss in rats with osteopenia (early stage of the osteoporosis condition).
However, human studies are needed to support these properties.
Hyaluronic Acid Benefits for Skin
The main benefit of hyaluronic acid is that it helps maintain fluid in tissues and cells. This will bring a variety of other benefits.
Signs of premature aging associated with skin hydration. Therefore, this substance will prevent various signs of premature aging, such as wrinkles.
In addition, for those of you with dry skin, this substance can help overcome these skin problems. A study in 2014 in Japan shows, the use of hyaluronic acid can help moisturize the skin so that it may improve the quality of life of people suffering from dry skin.
Knowing the various benefits above, it is not surprising that hyaluronic acid famous for its properties for skin health.
You may find it easy to find this substance in the womb skincare, for example in the following products:
- Serum.
- Sheet mask.
- Moisturizer.
- Face wash.
- Eye cream.
- Lip care products.
Are There Any of Hyaluronic Acid Side Effects?
Side effects regarding the potential dangers of hyaluronic acid are extremely rare. So, the use of this substance is generally safe, as long as it is in accordance with the product instructions.
In addition, no harmful side effects were found in a study of 60 people with osteoarthritis who took 200 mg hyaluronic acid per day for one year.
However, the risk of allergies may increase in some people, especially with the use of injectable hyaluronic acid. However, this effect is likely to arise as a result of the injection, not from hyaluronic acidalone.
A number of side effects that can appear, including:
- Redness.
- Swollen.
- Bruises.
- Itching.
- Painful.
Before using products containing hyaluronic acid, you should do the allergy test first. If necessary, first consult with a dermatologist to ensure safety.
