Introduction
Hyaluronic acid is a type of polysaccharide (sugar) molecule found in connective tissues that form like a gelatin layer surrounding the cells. It helps in the building up of cells & their migration contributing to the repairing of tissues. Hyaluronic acid is also naturally found in fluids of the eyes and bone joints.
How Is Hyaluronic Acid Biosynthesized?
Hyaluronic acid is synthesized by an enzyme called hyaluronic acid synthases. It is a membrane-bound enzyme synthesized on the inner surface of the plasma membrane and then permeates out through pore-like structures into the extracellular space. Hyaluronic acid biosynthesis is an energy-consuming process for bacteria.
How Does Hyaluronic Acid Work?
Hyaluronic acid is a complex chain molecule known as a polymer; this chain has many gaps where any chemical compound (like water) can attach. This property can hold and absorb water, making it a good moisturizing agent for skin and hair. In addition, because of the ability to bind with water, it forms a viscous gel-like structure which helps in the lubrication of bone joints, acting as a shock absorber.
How Is It Extracted for Cosmetic, Biomedical, and Pharmaceutical Use?
Hyaluronic acid is extracted from animal tissues and bacterial systems (Streptococci) because of safety issues. Alternative sources are also in research with endotoxin-free microorganisms (Bacilli and Escherichia coli). For commercial use, hyaluronic acid is produced from these sources, making it cheaper and safe for use.
What Are the Roles of Hyaluronic Acid for Skin and Hair?
Hyaluronic acid plays a vital role in wound healing and provides elasticity. Due to its holding water, it helps in lubrication, penetrates the skin, and is absorbed better into the skin.
-
Repairing of Wounds- Hyaluronic acid is major in tissue regeneration and repairing skin wounds due to inflammation, injuries, and burns. Hyaluronic acid helps heal wounds due to its property of new cell growth.
-
Skin Healing- Hyaluronic acid plays an important role in protecting skin against sun radiation, and helps to hydrate skin and regenerate new skin layers.
-
Reduce Wrinkles- Hyaluronic acid is used as dermal fillers (combination with water swells to form a gel) to reduce wrinkles. The procedural effect lasts for 6 to 12 months.
-
Hair- Hyaluronic acid can hold and absorb water or moisture due to its chemical structure which helps hair to revitalize, look smooth, and less frizzy.
It also helps in the prevention of hair loss by controlling the dryness of the scalp. It boosts hair growth by providing thickness to hair. Bleaching of hair can make the hair strands porous which can make it difficult to hold water. Hyaluronic acid helps reduce porosity by locking water in the hair.
Other Uses of Hyaluronic Acid
-
Asthma- It is used to treat breathing problems with the help of an inhaler or nebulizer.
-
Lubricating Eyes- Hyaluronic acid helps in the lubrication of eyes. In the case of dry eyes, it is used to create artificial tears.
-
Eye Surgery- Because of its repairing and healing properties, hyaluronic acid injections are used in corneal transplants, retinal detachment surgeries. Because of its viscoelastic property, it acts as a supplement and helps to recover the loss of vitreous body fluid.
-
Helps to activate inflammatory cells to enhance immune response.
-
Provides the framework for blood vessel formation and cell migration.
-
Knee Surgery- Hyaluronic acid injections are useful in cases of osteoarthritis, providing lubrication, relieving pain, and improving motion.
What Are the Benefits of Hyaluronic Acid for Hair and Skin?
Hyaluronic acid helps hydrate the outer layer of skin, prevent dark spots helps in tissue regeneration, minimizes signs of aging, also helps in creating volume and structure in the skin
-
Used in retaining the moisture of the skin
-
Helps in the prevention of acne, pimples, and skin breakouts, and minimizes open pores.
-
Can be used to reduce fine lines and wrinkles.
-
It is effective against cold sores, sunburns, and skin burns.
-
It helps rejuvenate the skin by giving a smooth skin texture.
-
Reduces and prevents age spots, pigmentation and even skin tone, reducing scars.
-
Helps to hydrate dry skin and keep skin tone firm.
-
Promotes hair growth and moisture to the scalp.
-
Improves overall hair structure.
What Are the Side Effects of Hyaluronic Acid?
Although hyaluronic acid is available as an over-counter drug in cosmetic stores, medical stores, and online health markets, it is best advised to take it as prescribed by the expert or with the doctor's consent, as it may have many side effects and its use or dose and form of availability may vary in all cases. The less commonly reported side effects of hyaluronic acid include:
-
Hyaluronic acid has the property of cell growth, proliferation, and migration which can also be involved in the growth of cancerous or malignant tumors in known cases of cancer.
-
Some people may experience allergic directions to hyaluronic acid like rashes, swelling, and burning sensation.
-
Because of its cell migration property, it can grow tumor cells which can be malignant so it is to be strictly avoided in pregnant and breastfeeding mothers as it can pass through and harm the child.
How to Apply Hyaluronic Acid to Skin and Hair?
Hyaluronic acid must always be applied on clean and damp skin. Avoid too much sun exposure. For the best result, depending on the concentration, it could be used on a daily or weekly basis.
What Are the Available Forms in the Market?
Hyaluronic acid is available in various molecule forms like hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid, sodium acetylated hyaluronate, and sodium hyaluronate. Hyaluronic acid can hold water 1000 times of its molecular weight so when it is applied or injected through the skin it will take a longer time to break down.
-
Oral dietary supplements or pills are mostly used for skincare, osteoarthritis, and haircare.
-
Topical creams, gels, serums, lotions, and shampoos are widely used for skin breakouts, as moisturizers, and for boosting hair growth.
-
Eye drops are used for dry eyes.
-
Injections in the form of dermal fillers for reducing fine lines and wrinkles, and adding volume to cheeks and lips. These injections are to be given by dermatologists only. Injections are also used to relieve arthritic pain and bone joint stiffness.
-
Inhaler for breathing problems or asthma.
Conclusion:
The wide use of hyaluronic acid in skin and hair care is all because of its benefit and results observed by its consumer. As it is available easily in all health stores, the user should use it wisely as prescribed by the dermatologist.
