Hyaluronic acid is a sugar found naturally in the body, including the skin, eyes and joints. Its main function is to keep these parts of the body moist. Hyaluronic acid plays an important role in skin hydration. As people age, their skin moisture decreases, so some people choose to use hyaluronic acid and products containing it (face creams, serums, body creams). It is available as oral supplements, skin creams, serums and even injections. This article presents 11 evidence-based benefits of hyaluronic acid for your face and body. We also explain how often it can be used and discuss its types and possible side effects.
- Moisturises the skin
Many people use hyaluronic acid products (face creams, serums, body creams) to moisturise their skin. Hyaluronic acid can be taken as a supplement or applied as a cream. Hyaluronic acid and products containing it can moisturise the skin and improve quality of life for people with dry skin.
One 2014 study involved women who applied products containing hyaluronic acid to their skin: a lotion, a serum and a cream. The results showed that after 8 weeks of use, hydration of different skin types increased by up to 96%.
- Helps wounds heal
Hyaluronic acid and its products help the skin retain moisture and support the tissue regeneration processes involved in wound healing.
A 2016 study showed that applying hyaluronic acid to the skin when treating wounds may help reduce inflammation and regulate tissue repair.
- Smooths skin texture
When a person experiences skin changes or skin problems, it can have a negative effect on their emotional state and social life. These problems become more common with age.
An older study showed that hyaluronic acid and its products may help soften the skin and increase its elasticity.
- Slows the signs of ageing
About 50% of all the hyaluronic acid in the body is found in the skin. When this amount decreases – for example, possibly due to UV exposure – wrinkles may appear. Hyaluronic acid and products containing it can significantly reduce the depth of wrinkles and increase skin firmness and elasticity.
One 2014 study involved women who used hyaluronic acid twice a day for 8 weeks. The study showed that wrinkle depth decreased by up to 40% and skin firmness and elasticity increased by up to 55% compared with participants who did not use hyaluronic acid.
- Relieves joint pain
Hyaluronic acid can be injected into joints for therapeutic purposes to help "lubricate" them.
A 2017 review covered different treatment combinations for people with osteoarthritis who experience joint pain and inflammation. It showed that combining hyaluronic acid with medicines used to treat these symptoms, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or corticosteroids, may increase the effectiveness of these treatments.
- Eases the symptoms of dermatitis (eczema)
Hyaluronic acid and products containing it (creams, serums, foams) may help ease the symptoms of mild to moderate eczema. Participants in a 2011 study said that hyaluronic acid foam products were more pleasant to use and relieved eczema symptoms more than a ceramide-containing emulsion cream.
- Helps fight gum disease
A 2016 systematic review stated that topically applied hyaluronic acid may play a key role in post-operative care for people undergoing dental procedures.
Hyaluronic acid may help wounds heal. It may also have a positive effect on people with gum disease and mouth ulcers.
- Eases the symptoms of acid reflux
Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) is a common condition that causes symptoms such as excess stomach acid and heartburn.
A 2017 study showed that hyaluronic acid supplements taken together with acid-suppressing medicines helped improve symptoms in people with non-erosive reflux disease (a type of GORD).
- Soothes dry eyes
The eyes contain a high concentration of hyaluronic acid. That is why eye drops containing hyaluronic acid may help relieve the symptoms of dry eyes.
A 2019 study showed that a combination of oral and topical forms of hyaluronic acid reduced participants' dry eye symptoms.
- Helps with vaginal dryness
Vaginal dryness is common in women after menopause and can affect their quality of life.
A 2016 study showed that a combination of hyaluronic acid cream and oestrogen cream helped reduce the symptoms of vaginal dryness. The researchers also noted that hyaluronic acid was the more effective of the two ingredients. So people who cannot use hormonal treatment, such as oestrogen cream, may use hyaluronic acid preparations alone to relieve troublesome symptoms.
- May ease bladder pain
There is evidence that introducing hyaluronic acid into the bladder through a catheter may help reduce some symptoms of painful bladder syndrome. However, there is no evidence that oral supplements lead to enough hyaluronic acid in the bladder to have any effect on it.
Can hyaluronic acid be used every day?
How often hyaluronic acid can be used depends on its type. Generally, skin care products containing hyaluronic acid can be used twice a day, but always read the instructions, as products differ.
Types
Hyaluronic acid comes in various forms (face creams, serums, foams, body creams, tablets, injections).
Oral hyaluronic acid
Hyaluronic acid tablets have been effective for several problems, including:
- skin hydration and wrinkle reduction
- joint pain
People should talk to their doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any supplements, as they may interact with other medicines they are taking.
Topical (applied to the skin)
Topical hyaluronic acid is available in the following forms:
- creams
- lotions
- serums
- foams
Hyaluronic acid and its products may help increase skin moisture levels and reduce the signs of ageing.
Injectable hyaluronic acid
Because the body produces hyaluronic acid naturally, the likelihood of an allergic reaction to hyaluronic acid preparations is low. That is why injectable hyaluronic acid has many uses, both medical and cosmetic. Cosmetic uses include fillers, such as facial and lip fillers. A dermatologist injects hyaluronic acid into the lips to make them look fuller.
Side effects
People who regularly use hyaluronic acid and its products usually report very few possible side effects. This is probably because the body produces hyaluronic acid naturally, which means the risk of allergic reactions is low.
A 2012 study involved participants who took oral hyaluronic acid for 12 months. They reported no side effects at all.
Injections
An older article did note, however, that injectable hyaluronic acid may cause adverse effects. These are usually caused by the injection itself rather than by the hyaluronic acid. Possible side effects include:
- pain
- bruising
- redness
- itching
- swelling
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Women receiving hyaluronic acid injections should talk to their doctor if they are planning to become pregnant or are breastfeeding. There is currently not enough evidence on the effects of hyaluronic acid on the foetus or newborn.
Summary
People may know about the benefits of hyaluronic acid as an ingredient in skin care products (face creams, serums, body creams), but may not be aware of its versatility. Using hyaluronic acid supplements or topical products may help people maintain a youthful appearance and reduce many signs of ageing. It may also help with some conditions, such as vaginal dryness or joint pain. You should consult your doctor before starting to take supplements. You should also make sure that any specialist providing hyaluronic acid injections is registered with the relevant supervisory bodies and holds a licence to carry out this work.
#face cream, #face creams, #hyaluronic acid
- https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/hyaluronic-acid-benefits
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27280412/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5585914/
Our recommendation. For daily facial care, choose Eubos Hyaluron day face cream with SPF 20 – hyaluronic acid moisturises the skin and SPF filters protect against UV rays.
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