Hyaluronic acid, also known as hyaluronan, is a transparent viscous substance that is naturally produced in the human body. The largest amounts of hyaluronic acid are found in our skin, connective tissues and eyes.
Its main function is to retain water to keep tissues adequately hydrated.
Its uses as a medicinal substance are many. Some people take it in supplement form, while we also find it in serums for topical application to the skin, in eye drops, or even in injectable form.
But how can it be used for health and beauty reasons? The main scientifically proven benefits of hyaluronic acid can be seen in detail below
1. Healthier and firmer skin: Its antiaging use is perhaps the best known. The hyaluronic acid found in the skin is gradually lost over time but also due to external influences such as the sun's ultraviolet radiation and air pollution. Taking a hyaluronic acid supplement can mitigate this loss, keeping skin looking more youthful as the years go by. A dose of 120-240 mg daily for at least a month leads to a noticeable improvement in the appearance of the skin.
2. Faster Wound Healing: Hyaluronic acid speeds up wound healing because it is involved in controlling inflammation and signals the body to create new blood vessels in the area of injury. Topical application of hyaluronic acid has been shown to reduce the size of the wound while helping to manage pain. At the same time, hyaluronic acid has antibacterial properties and thus protects against infections.
3. Relief of joint pain: In addition to the skin, hyaluronic acid is also found in the joints, where it acts as a "lubricant". Adequate lubrication of the joint is necessary to prevent friction between two bones and, by extension, the pain and wear and tear that this causes. Hyaluronic acid supplements are particularly beneficial for people suffering from osteoarthritis. Related studies have shown that a dose of 80-200 mg of hyaluronic acid daily for at least two months significantly reduces osteoarthritis pain.
4. Heartburn relief: The latest scientific data shows that hyaluronic acid is also useful for treating heartburn caused by gastroesophageal reflux. In particular, hyaluronic acid relieves the esophagus irritated by stomach acids and accelerates its healing.
5. Fights Dry Eye: Dry eye is a common eye condition caused by reduced tear production or rapid evaporation. Since hyaluronic acid is an excellent moisturizer, it is often used to treat dry eyes. The effect of drops with a content of 0.2-0.4% in hyaluronic acid has been proven to be helpful.
6. Maintaining skeletal health: The latest research on the medical uses of hyaluronic acid focuses on its role in skeletal health. Available research data suggests that hyaluronic acid supplementation may help slow bone loss in experimental animals with osteopenia, a condition that is a precursor to osteoporosis.
