If you are a beauty product user, you must have heard the name 'Hyaluronic Acid' quite often these days. Maybe your cream or serum has this name. In places where we talk about beauty, this is called like magic. What exactly is Hyaluronic Acid? Is it only good for the skin? Let's find out about this simply and precisely.
Simply put, what is hyaluronic acid?
Hyaluronic acid, or hyaluronan, is something that is naturally produced in our bodies , not anywhere else. Think of it like a sponge. It absorbs and holds water. In the same way, hyaluronic acid is a natural 'water magnet' that helps retain moisture in our bodies.
These are especially abundant in our eyes, skin, and joints . Their main function is to provide moisture and keep them lubricated. For example, an adult weighing about 70 kg has about 15 grams of hyaluronic acid in their body.
These days, the products we buy in stores contain hyaluronic acid , which is made by scientists in laboratories through a process called bacterial fermentation . These help our health in various ways.
What are the ways our body gets hyaluronic acid?
We can obtain hyaluronic acid in several ways.
1. From foods (Foods)
Yes, we can also get hyaluronic acid from some of the foods we eat. While it may not provide instant results like a skin serum, what you get from food provides long-term benefits .
Bone broth is one of the richest sources of hyaluronic acid. In addition, foods containing phytoestrogens , a plant-based compound, stimulate the body to produce its own hyaluronic acid.
| Food category | Examples |
|---|---|
| Main food sources | Bone broth |
| Foods rich in phytoestrogens | Sweet potatoes, beans, soy, peanuts, chickpeas, garlic, onions |
| Fruit | Apples, grapes, plums, pears, berries |
| Vegetables | Cabbage, spinach, sprouts |
| Types of tea | Black & Green tea |
2. Supplements
Hyaluronic acid can also be taken in pill or capsule form. Studies have shown that taking these daily can reduce wrinkles and dryness of the skin. But there is one very important thing to remember.
Don't start using any supplements or medications without first checking with your doctor. They may interact with other medications you are taking.
3. Topicals
This is the most popular method that we all know. These can be used as serums and creams. A serum is a liquid made by mixing hyaluronic acid powder with water. Studies have shown that using these can increase skin moisture by about 55% .
The main benefits of hyaluronic acid
For skin health
This is the most popular use.
- Provides the skin with the necessary moisture .
- Increases skin elasticity .
- Reduces skin tightness and tightness.
- Helps reduce scars.
- It helps the body produce collagen and elastin , proteins that keep the skin looking youthful .
- Dermal fillers are injected under the skin by doctors to reduce wrinkles and give a fuller appearance.
For the eyes
- It is used to reduce inflammation and speed up the healing process after eye surgery.
- People with dry eyes can maintain moisture in their eyes by using eye drops containing these.
For hair
Hyaluronic acid is a humectant . That means it helps retain moisture. Therefore,
- Moisturizes hair and reduces dryness.
- Reduces frizziness of hair.
- It is also somewhat good for skull health.
To the joints
These are useful for osteoarthritis, a condition caused by the wear and tear of the soft cartilage in joints like the knees.
- Doctors inject hyaluronic acid directly into the joint. This treatment is called viscosupplementation .
- This reduces pain. It may take several injections to see results, but the benefits last for about 6 to 12 months .
Other Potential Benefits
- Acid Reflux: There is research that it can reduce damage to the esophagus caused by acid reflux (GERD) and help it heal faster. However, further studies are being conducted on this.
- Bladder Pain: In interstitial cystitis , a condition in which the bladder walls become inflamed, injecting hyaluronic acid directly into the bladder has been found to reduce pain and the need to urinate frequently.
Are there any side effects?
Hyaluronic acid is very safe . Allergic reactions are very rare.
The most common side effects are those associated with injections. These usually resolve within 7 days .
| Side effect | Description |
|---|---|
| Pain, hurt | Temporary pain at the injection site. |
| Bruising, redness, swelling | Skin discoloration around the injection site. |
| Itching | Itching at the injection site. |
If these symptoms persist for more than a week, be sure to let your doctor know .
How to use it safely?
- If you buy a product from a pharmacy or store, read the instructions and ingredients carefully.
- If you are going to get a vaccine, tell the doctor in advance if you have any skin infections or wounds at the injection site.
- Inform your doctor about any other medications you are taking (even cough or cold medicine).
Hyaluronic Acid and Retinol
Retinol is also a type of vitamin A that has very good results for the skin. One thing that many people ask is whether it is possible to use the two together.
The answer is yes! You can use both of these together. Sometimes retinol can cause a little dryness or irritation on the skin. In those cases, using hyaluronic acid can reduce that discomfort.
Take-Home Message
- Hyaluronic acid is a natural substance found in our bodies that helps retain moisture.
- These are very beneficial for the skin, eyes, hair, and especially the joints.
- These are available in the form of food, pills, creams, and injections.
- Although generally safe, vaccines can cause minor, temporary side effects.
- Most importantly: If you are taking pills or getting injections, be sure to talk to your doctor first and get advice.
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