What Is Hyaluronic Acid? Benefits, Uses And More

07 Sep.,2023

 

Hyaluronic acid has many potential internal and external benefits, according to research, and has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for several uses, including dermal fillers, topical wound creams and knee joint injections.

Potential benefits of hyaluronic acid include:

  • Hydrates skin. Hyaluronic acid can hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water, making it highly effective at keeping skin hydrated.
  • Reduces signs of aging. Hyaluronic acid stimulates collagen production, which is essential for maintaining plump and youthful-appearing skin.
  • Improves bone health. Hyaluronic acid can enhance bone health by stimulating the production of new bone cells.
  • Prevents or reduces knee joint pain. Hyaluronic acid is a major component of joint fluid and can help to prevent or reduce joint pain in the knee.
  • Relieves dry eyes. Hyaluronic acid is also present in tears and can be used to treat dry eye syndrome or after ophthalmological surgical procedures.
  • May treat chronic airway disease. Hyaluronic acid  may effectively treat certain chronic airway diseases, such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), according to available research, though this use is not approved by the FDA.

Hyaluronic Acid for Skin

One of the most common uses for hyaluronic acid is as a skincare product. Many serums, creams and gels containing hyaluronic acid are available online and at local retailers. Some prescription wound creams also contain hyaluronic acid—a key component of tissue regeneration and anti-inflammatory response.

When used topically, hyaluronic acid helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by plumping the skin, according to Dr. Barrios. “Since hyaluronic acid in the body decreases with age, using it helps keep the skin youthful, more elastic and soft like a baby,” she explains.

It’s best to apply products containing hyaluronic acid before bed, according to Angela Casey, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist at the Center for Surgical Dermatology and Dermatology Associates in Westerville, Ohio and founder of Bright Girl youth skincare line. Some experts recommend applying hyaluronic acid to damp rather than dry skin for optimal results.

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“Hyaluronic acid applied to the skin at night penetrates the skin and then continues to attract water toward it—allowing for better skin hydration while you’re sleeping,” explains Dr. Casey. “Skin that’s well-hydrated stays strong, resilient and healthy.”

Some dermatologists inject hyaluronic acid as a dermal filler to improve the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. When injected, hyaluronic acid fills in shallow to deep wrinkles and folds—such as smile lines from the nose to the corners of the mouth and the creases that run from the corners of your mouth toward the bottom of your chin.

Keep in mind that hyaluronic acid fillers should only be done by a board-certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon. They’re also temporary—lasting between six and 12 months—so you’ll need continuous treatments to maintain results.

Hyaluronic Acid for Bone and Joint Health

Hyaluronic acid promotes new bone cell growth for optimal bone health. It’s also a major component of joint fluid and can help to prevent or reduce joint pain by acting as a cushion between the bones.

Hyaluronic acid injections are approved by the FDA to treat osteoarthritis in the knees when other treatments haven’t improved joint pain, however these injections have not been approved by the FDA for osteoarthritis in other joints. An experienced provider may inject a small amount of hyaluronic acid into or around the knee joint during an outpatient procedure.

Hyaluronic Acid for Chronic Airway Disease

Hyaluronic acid may reduce lung inflammation and keep the airways clear, as the lungs contain connective tissue rich in hyaluronic acid. According to a 2020 review in Cells, research suggests that inhaling nebulized hyaluronic acid helps improve symptoms in people with chronic airway diseases, such as asthma and COPD . To receive this type of treatment, however, a patient must be enrolled in a clinical trial because this specific hyaluronic acid use is still under investigation.

“For many years, we have known about the benefits of hyaluronic acid for joint, eye and skin health,” explains Dr. Kara. “However, more recent research suggests that hyaluronic acid can also be a beneficial substance for keeping the lungs healthy.”

“Studies have suggested that hyaluronic acid can help with mucus hydration, mucus transport and less mucus plugging in the airways because of the role it plays in fluid regulation and its moisture-retention properties,” he adds.

While more research is needed to fully understand its potential benefits regarding the lungs, the water-retaining quality of hyaluronic acid may help keep airways clear by regulating the fluid balance within them.

Hyaluronic Acid for Ocular Health

The tissues of the eyes contain hyaluronic acid, which helps keep them lubricated and functioning properly. People with dry eye disease may find supplementing with hyaluronic acid eye drops or oral supplements can help increase tear production and improve symptoms.

In fact, a small 2019 study in the Journal of Ophthalmology that examined using hyaluronic acid for dry eye found that combined treatment with oral and topical hyaluronic acid in lubricant form resulted in more significant symptom improvement than topical treatment alone .

Hyaluronic acid is also beneficial during surgical procedures involving the eyes, such as cataract removal and corneal transplant. Furthermore, research suggests using eye drops containing a combination of hyaluronic acid (0.1%) and carboxymethylcellulose (0.5%), an eye lubricant,  after LASIK surgery may help improve visual and ocular recovery compared to carboxymethylcellulose drops alone .

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