
Moisturizing the skin is considered to be the most important effect of skin care cosmetics available commercially. Such an effect can be achieved by using cosmetics containing an active substance that inhibit water loss or significantly reduce this process.Hyaluronic acid belongs to the group of such active substances. It has special physicochemical and biological properties, thanks to which it guarantees adequate hydration of tissues, additionally preserves intercellular spaces and is responsible for the transport of ions and nutrients.
Hyaluronic acid - genesis and occurrence
The isolation of hyaluronic acid by American scientists from the vitreous body of the bovine eye dates back to 1934, which is why this acid owes its name to this day - from the Greek word hyalos - glass, referring to its transparent structure. Since the 1980s, hyaluronic acid has been used as a filling substance that improves facial volume, firmness and, above all, skin hydration. Hyaluronic acid is widely present in nature because it is present in all living organisms, including the human body in the form of a transparent liquid. The highest concentration of hyaluronic acid occurs during wound healing, in the vitreous body of the eye, tear fluid, walls of blood vessels and joints, but its largest accumulation, as much as 50%, is found in the skin, in the form of sodium hyaluronate. It is worth noting, however, that the amount of hyaluronic acid in the body decreases with age, and research shows that by the age of 80 it disappears completely.
Properties of hyaluronic acid
Hyaluronic acid is an extremely desirable raw material. In human skin, it occurs in the form of a biopolymer and together with collagen, it is its main component. The most important function of hyaluronic acid is considered to be:
- It is responsible for maintaining an appropriate level of skin hydration, where one acid molecule can bind as many as 250 water molecules. Thus, it prevents the skin from drying out, loss of firmness and the formation of unwanted wrinkles,
- It is designed to maintain the viscosity and elasticity of the vitreous body of the eye, is responsible for its proper structure and function,
- It is the basic component of the fluid in the joints - responsible for the elasticity of the articular cartilage and the proper movement of the joint,
- In addition, it supports the healing process of wounds, as well as burns and other skin lesions.
The use of hyaluronic acid
As it is easy to see, hyaluronic acid is necessary for the proper functioning of the body, but also for the desired appearance and well-being. Hence, it has found application in many fields of science and medical specializations. The fact that the acid is a naturally occurring component in our body is very helpful, hence it is very well tolerated and absorbed. Preparations based on hyaluronic acid are used in:
- Dermatology and cosmetics
It has a strong moisturizing, protective and anti-aging effect, so it is often used in dermatology and beauty salons during treatments and as a component of many preparations also available for home use, e.g. face or hair products. In dermatology, preparations based on hyaluronic acid accelerate the healing of acne lesions, even out skin tone and unevenness of the epidermis.
- Ophthalmology
Used in many ophthalmic procedures, such as corneal implantation, lens implantation, cataract and glaucoma surgery, and other injuries. As an active ingredient, it is commonly used in eye drops to moisturize the surface of the eye and build a protective barrier.
- Orthopedics
Used in the prevention and treatment of diseases and degenerations of the musculoskeletal system. Then administered in the form of intra-articular injection, e.g. in the case of degenerative diseases - OA and osteoarthritis
- Otolaryngology
Hyaluronic acid is used here to regenerate the vocal cords and perforate the eardrum.
- Gynecology
Used in the case of infections of the genital tract and intimate zones. It moisturizes the mucosa, soothes the symptoms of infection and prevents its recurrence. Small molecule hyaluronic acid stimulates the immune system and inhibits the spread of infection. Hyaluronic acid is also used in the treatment of postmenopausal vaginal atrophy, soothing irritation, moisturizing, making it more flexible, and also has a beneficial effect on urinary incontinence.
- Rheumatology
Used by orthopedists to treat degenerative joint diseases.
Hyaluronic acid used in cosmetic preparations and aesthetic medicine
As previously mentioned, hyaluronic acid is designed to moisturize, protect and act anti-aging. In the composition of cosmetics and preparations, we can also find hyaluronic acid in the form of its derivatives - sodium hyaluronate and potassium hyaluronate. It is used in products for the care of the face, neck, delicate skin around the eyes (in masks, creams and toning products), in body care cosmetics, such as anti-cellulite and anti-stretch marks lotions.
Hyaluronic acid has a definitely more durable and effective effect when it is administered directly to the dermis by injection, so in modern aesthetic medicine it has been used as a component of many fillers for various applications. It is used for:
- reduction of static wrinkles,
- Volumetry and giving the face the right owl,
- Cheek modelling,
- Correction of facial features,
- Correction of the shape of the mouth and nose,
- Correction of nasolabial folds,
- chin correction,
- Significant improvement of hydration and firmness of the skin around the face, neck, cleavage and back of the hands.
Due to the fact that hyaluronic acid is a component naturally occurring in the human body, there is no risk of allergic reactions after the procedure. Due to the fact that hyaluronic acid itself has a relatively short half-life in the skin (only 12 hours) and then degrades, chemically modified acid and cross-linking are used. Cross-linking is carried out using epoxides, aldehydes and divinyl sulfones, which makes the substance more viscous and the effect after application lasts much longer.
The first filler approved by the American Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2003 was the Restylane filler (Medicis Aesthetics), which was distinguished by its high efficiency due to the use of pure hyaluronic acid based on the NA-SHA (Non-Animal, Stabilized, Hyaluronic acid). In the following years, more fillers entered the market that meet all quality standards, are clinically tested and are an unprecedented hit in the field of aesthetic medicine.
Products with hyaluronic acid available in our store:
CROMA – Princess Volume, Princess Filler, Saypha Volume, Saypha Filler,
DIVES MED – Fine Lines, Universal, Lips, Volume
FILLMED FILORGA ART – Fine Lines, Filler Lips, Filler Universal, Filler Volume
And much more!