Hyaluronic acid has received much press lately as a natural source of health and beauty. In fact, there are so many uses and benefits of hyaluronic acid, it is instructive to clarify and organize them.
The three main categories of uses for hyaluronic acid are: anti-aging treatments, nutritional supplements, and medical treatments.
Anti-Aging Supplements and Creams
As we age, hyaluronic content in the skin changes due to two separate clinically proven factors, decrease in HA synthesis and shift from concentration from the epidermis to the dermis. These changes can leave the epidermis depleted in hyaluronic acid resulting in thinning, aging, and decreased moisture in the skin. Nutritional supplement and beauty products such as Episilk ® contain ultra-high concentrations of hyaluronic acid in order to provide intensive moisture for aged skin that suffers from the dryness and wrinkles. When applied to the skin, HA can penetrate the skin surface and replenish the natural levels already present. Like hyaluronic acid produced in the body, hyaluronic acid used in this form moisturizes from the dermis to the epidermis – from deeper layers of the skin to the outer layer.
Nutritional Supplements
Hyaluronic acid extracted from rooster combs cannot be absorbed by the intestinal tract. But, Japanese scientists have developed a proprietary enzyme-cleaving technique to lower the molecular weight of hyaluronic acid without altering its chemical nature. This allows hyaluronic acid to be taken orally as a nutritional supplement, many varieties of which are readily available for commercial use.
Facial Injections
Hyaluronic acid based gel injections are a new option for the on-spot treatment of facial wrinkles. These shots must be administered by a dermatologist and last up to 4 to 6 weeks.
Medical Treatments
Products containing hyaluronic acid are in use or are being researched to aid in the prevention and treatment of symptoms related to connective tissue disorders such as: fractures, hernias, glaucoma, keratoconus, detached retinas, osteoarthritis, TMJ, prevention of scarring, vocal chord repair insufficiency, wrinkled skin, cartilage damage, and wound and ligament healing. Of these, osteoarthritis has recently become a particularly popular area for HA treatment. Physicians have injected hyaluronic acid directly into the synovial fluid in the knee as a treatment for osteoarthritis of the knee for the past 20 years. There is, however, an ongoing debate as to the efficacy of this treatment.
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An Overview of Hyaluronic Acid Products
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Hyaluronic acid is available in a variety of products ranging from vitamin supplements to beauty creams. Hyaluronic acid products are manufactured by a number of different sources from natural food retailers to pharmaceutical companies. Scientific tests are ongoing as to new methods of isolating HA...
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In our continuing search for the fountain of youth, there is a new weapon. Hyaluronic acid (HA), is a key component of human tissue that aids in the body’s flexibility, mobility and moisture retention. And, Hyaluronic acid is emerging both as a key ingredient in...
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Hyaluronic Acid Secures its Place Among Wrinkle Removal Products
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Hyaluronic acid has firmly secured its place among wrinkle removal products. Specifically, hyaluronic acid is now commonly being considered for use alongside botox, collagen and fat injections in the fight against wrinkles. Moreover, hyaluronic acid products tend to last longer than its competition. For nearly...
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Side Effects of Hyaluronic Acid Products
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Currently, there are no known side effects for most hyaluronic acid products including pills, serums, creams and liquids. However, there are some side effects associated with knee and facial injections. Some of the less common side effects for knee injections of hyaluronic acid include: blue...
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Hyaluronic Acid For Osteoarthritis
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Hyaluronic acid (HA) is already widely used in skin care and anti-aging treatments, and it can be used to treat osteoarthritis. Recent studies show that 80 % of patients with osteoarthritis experience relief when given HA treatment, and although some patients do not have the...
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Research on Hyaluronic Acid Knee Injections
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Hyaluronic acid, a key component of human tissue, aiding the body’s flexibility, mobility and moisture retention is a popular component of many anti-aging products but can also provide a wealth of benefits in the medical sphere. Recently, in an attempt to find effective treatment methods...
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The Key Benefits of Hyaluronic Acid
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With so many applications for hyaluronic acid (also known as “HA”), it is helpful to have a grasp on exactly what HA is, what it does, and what uses and benefits HA provides. For that reason, an in-depth description of the uses and benefits of...
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Hyaluronic Acid – Newest Celebrity Beauty Secret?
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New Sources of Hyaluronic Acid
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Recent research into the purification of Hyaluronic acid (HA) from the vitreous humor of fish has shown great promise. This method is highly efficient and easier than derivation from rooster combs and other traditional sources of HA. Specifically, scientists have pinpointed a way to derive...
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How Effective are Oral Hyaluronic Acid Supplements?
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There is a paradox of sorts when dealing with injections versus oral supplements. Many people would much rather take an oral supplement than have an injection administered. However, the efficacy of injections has been proven to a greater extent than oral supplements. Part of the...