What is hyaluronic acid?
Hyaluronic acid is a polysaccharide of the glycosaminoglycan type, which exists naturally in the body, especially at the level of collagen connective tissue and vitreous humor. It is mainly found in the skin, cartilage and joints.
It has a viscous texture and has a structural function. In a man weighing 70 kg, 15 g of hyaluronic acid, a third of which is synthesized and degraded every day.
A very important quality of hyaluronic acid is that it retains water in a percentage equivalent to thousands of times its weight, giving it great moisturizing power, and also stimulates the production of collagen.
What is hyaluronic acid used for?
In a natural, non-cross-linked form, it is used in aesthetic medicine in:
- Creams and mask bases used to moisturize the skin.
- Mesotherapy infiltrations to improve luminosity and texture as well as skin hydration.
In cross-linked form, it increases its density and can be used to smooth wrinkles, volumize… Its use stands out in lip contour and volume, cheekbone augmentation, forehead smoothing, reduction of skin marks, reduction of acne scars.
Depending on the size of the cross-linking substance, it will have more or less density and will be applied at a lower density for finer wrinkles, and at a higher density to volumize and correct larger defects. The duration will also be different. The highly cross-linked ones can last for more than a year, and the less cross-linked ones will last for a shorter period of time.
What effects does hyaluronic acid produce in the different specialties where it can be used?
The most important effects of hyaluronic acid in aesthetic medicine are:
- Hydration of the skin
- Support of collagen and stimulates its production.
- Prevents premature skin aging
- Creates volume and facial fillers
In ophthalmology, it prevents eye diseases and in traumatology, it strengthens ligaments and tendons, as well as joint lubrication.
As a dietary supplement, it reduces premature joint aging by rebuilding cartilage and promoting natural collagen production.