The use of hyaluronic acid is becoming popular in cosmetic procedures and cosmetic surgery, as well as in ophthalmology and surgery. But many do not know what its important functions are and what it is for.
From this article, you will learn everything you need to know about hyaluronic acid: the benefits and harms for the body, how to increase the content, how to use it correctly to get a faster and better effect?
After confirming the beneficial properties, which will be described below, scientists began to look for various ways to extract or synthesize it. Initially, it had only animal origin, but after a while a small number of synthesis methods were found that are associated with bacteria that produce hyaluronic acid under certain environmental conditions.
Hyaluronic acid is synthesized in every cell of our body, but connective tissue cells are more abundant. The synthesis of substances cannot continue indefinitely, and, unfortunately, with age, the synthesis of hyaluronic acid slows down. When its reserves are depleted, the skin begins to dehydrate and age. In addition, ultraviolet (sun) rays affect the decrease in the amount of hyaluronic acid production, as well as the rate of its depletion. Therefore, during a long stay under the scorching sun, you should not neglect sunscreens.
What is Hyaluronic Acid?
Hyaluronic acid is an organic polysaccharide that performs a building function for the skin and is also part of the intercellular substance of connective and nervous tissue. The main factor for which hyaluronic acid is needed by the body is the ability to retain water in cells. One molecule is able to retain 1000 times its weight in moisture, protecting connective tissue cells from dehydration.
Hyaluronic acid was discovered in 1934 by the German biochemist Karl Meyer in the vitreous humor of a bull's eye. Since that time, all kinds of studies have begun on the effect of hyaluronic acid on the human body.
What are the benefits of hyaluronic acid for the body?
The role of hyaluronic acid in the body is directly related to the preservation of moisture and the protection of the intercellular substance from dehydration. First of all, this has a positive effect on the condition of the skin, as the aging process slows down. That is why women all over the world are so fond of hyaluronic acid: it rejuvenates, gives the skin elasticity, restores the natural complexion.
Equally important is the benefits of hyaluronic acid for joints. With age or due to certain diseases or injuries, the connective tissue of the joints loses moisture, after which painful sensations begin in them. For example, in osteoarthritis, when severe knee pain occurs, hyaluronic acid injections are one of the most effective ways to protect the joints. The procedure is performed once a week for 2–5 weeks, after which the knee pain disappears from several weeks to several months.
How hyaluronic acid affects the body:
• regulates water balance in connective tissues;
• gives the skin elasticity, firmness, softness;
• participates in the production of collagen, which is also necessary for aging skin;
• promotes rapid regeneration of damaged body cells;
• when applied externally, forms a special film that is capable of capturing moisture from the air;
• promotes anti-inflammatory processes in the body.
How to boost hyaluronic acid in the body?
People whose body no longer has enough of its own production of hyaluronic acid can get this substance from the outside. There are several ways to do this:
• injection (local injection of a substance using a syringe with a needle);
• non-injection (use of creams and lotions containing hyaluronic acid);
• oral (taking dietary supplements).
Injections are the traditional method, but they have serious drawbacks. Carrying out injections at home is dangerous to health - it is better to contact a specialist. In this case, painful sensations from the injections will be in any case.
It is also quite common to apply creams to problem areas of the skin, but this is the least effective method. Its disadvantage is a weak and short-lived effect.
Now the most popular method is using dietary supplements. The benefits of taking hyaluronic acid internally are almost the same as those of injections, and cannot be compared with the effect of creams and other methods of external application. At the same time, dietary supplements are much safer than injections, and their intake does not cause any painful or even unpleasant sensations. The dosage of drugs, the time of administration and the duration of the course can be found in the instructions for use, which is compiled by the manufacturer based on numerous studies.
Conclusion
The effect of hyaluronic acid on the human body lies in its ability to protect the skin and joints from dehydration. But the benefits and harms of hyaluronic acid depend on the ability to use it. The most dangerous method is injection, and the most convenient is oral. At the same time, the benefits of hyaluronic acid in liquid food supplements are practically not inferior to the injection method of application.