Hyaluronic Acid

Hyaluronic acid is a chemical compound that naturally occurs in the human body, primarily in the skin, in the synovial fluid (protecting against mechanical injuries and helping to distribute nutrients to the cartilage), as well as in the walls of blood vessels and in the vitreous humor of the eye (that is why it is sometimes added for contact lens solutions).

It belongs to the group of glycosaminoglycans (GAG) and is a component of the intercellular matrix (the space filling skin cells, which also contains youth proteins - collagen and elastin fibers), making the skin firm, dense, smooth and elastic.

Physiologically, hyaluronic acid is present in the skin in the form of sodium salt (sodium hyaluronate). Unfortunately, with age, from about 25 years of age, its amount gradually decreases, which causes the skin to become flaccid, dry, sensitive to external factors, and wrinkles appear. Approx. by the age of 80, it almost completely disappears.

How does hyaluronic acid work?

Hyaluronic acid is a highly hydrophilic substance, which means that it has the ability to bind water in an amount exceeding 1000 times the weight of one acid molecule.

As a humectant, it retains water in the skin, limiting tran-epidermal water loss. This ensures the appropriate level of hydration.

Unfortunately, with age, the concentration of hyaluronic acid in the skin gradually decreases, which results in decreased tension, firmness and the appearance of wrinkles. This process begins at the age of 25, so it is worth ensuring proper hydration as early as possible.

Types of hyaluronic acid

The extraordinary diversity of hyaluronic acid applications and its effects results from the existence of two main types: cross-linked and non-cross-linked hyaluronic acid. Both types have unique properties that determine their applications in various fields.

Non-cross-linked hyaluronic acid has a more fluid consistency, which facilitates its penetration into the deeper layers of the skin. This is especially important in the context of cosmetics, where we want to achieve deep hydration and reduce fine wrinkles.

This type of hyaluronic acid is also useful in daily care, intensively moisturizing the skin and improving its elasticity.

In turn, cross-linked hyaluronic acid is a substance in which molecular chains are connected, creating a mesh structure. As a result, cross-linked hyaluronic acid is more stable and denser.

This makes it an excellent solution in aesthetic medicine, especially for facial modeling or filling deeper wrinkles. Its structure enables precise shaping of facial contours and long-lasting effects in reducing wrinkles.

Hyaluronic acid plays a key role in maintaining the health and beautiful appearance of the skin, so it is worth knowing what it can be used for. Its main functions include: moisturizing, maintaining firmness, supporting the healing process, sun protection and anti-aging properties.

  • Hyaluronic acid has the ability to bind and retain water, thus helping to keep the skin properly moisturized, which translates into its softness, smoothness and elasticity.
  • The hydration provided by hyaluronic acid helps keep the skin firm and elastic. Additionally, it is a key component of the extra cellular matrix that provides the skin with structure and support.
  • Hyaluronic acid plays a role in the wound healing process because it accelerates skin regeneration, helps regulate the inflammatory response and supports angiogenesis, the process of creating new blood vessels.
  • Hyaluronic acid can help protect the skin from the harmful effects of UVB rays, which can lead to sunburn and premature skin aging.

Over the years, the amount of hyaluronic acid in the skin naturally decreases, which contributes to the formation of wrinkles and loss of skin firmness. Therefore, hyaluronic acid supplementation is often used in anti-aging products.

Properties of hyaluronic acid

When talking about hyaluronic acid, we primarily mention its ability to bind water, which allows for deep hydration of the skin. However, this extraordinary substance has much more than hygroscopic properties. It has many more functions in the body. So what are the most important properties of hyaluronic acid?

Hygroscopicity

Hygroscopicity is nothing else than the ability of molecules to absorb water. This is the main and most important property of the acid, although not the only one - more on that in a moment.

Thanks to it, our skin maintains the appropriate level of hydration - it gains a special "coating" that blocks excessive water loss. Which also affects the proper functioning of the vocal cords and many other processes.

Stimulating the production of collagen and elastin

Collagen is a protein responsible for hydration, and elastin - for elasticity. Together they create a duo that gives us firm skin. Hyaluronic acid contributes to increasing the amount of these proteins in the body, but also has the ability to bind collagen fibers.

Thanks to this property, the skin remains firm and elastic and the signs of aging appear much slower.

Soothing irritations, discolorations and inflammation

Discoloration and signs of fatigue often result from excessive water loss through the skin, which causes it to become dry and rough. By providing additional hydration, hyaluronic acid helps reduce these problems.

In addition, it can also help improve skin tone by stimulating the production of collagen and elastin - key ingredients for maintaining skin firmness and elasticity. This makes the skin smooth and more uniform, which helps reduce the visibility of discoloration and signs of fatigue.

Supporting the epidermis healing process

Another property of hyaluronic acid is to accelerate tissue regeneration. Hyaluronic acid acts as a natural stimulator, stimulating repair processes and accelerating the creation of new tissues.

By attracting water, it maintains moisture in the area of the wound or burn, which helps keep the skin around the wound elastic. Thanks to this, the skin is able to regenerate and heal faster.

Hyaluronic acid can also act as a natural anti-inflammatory agent, reducing inflammation around a wound or burn. In this way, it helps reduce the pain and discomfort that occurs during skin healing.

The use of hyaluronic acid in cosmetics

Cosmetics usually contain salts of hyaluronic acid, most often in the form of sodium salt - sodium hyaluronate. This ingredient is most often used in moisturizing creams, which can be successfully incorporated into daily care.

Hyalurones are also an ingredient of boosters, cheeses or facial elixirs, as well as body care products (e.g. moisturizing balms) and protective lipsticks. Hyaluronic acid can also be used in hair care.

There are numerous masks, conditioners and shampoos containing acid available on the market. It is worth choosing products that are designed for our porosity and hair type.

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