Hyaluronic acid, properties and effects for our skin
Hyaluronic acid is one of the main components of the connective tissues of the human body. It confers to the skin turgidity and the maintenance of the form; it is for this reason that, with old age and therefore with the lower production of this substance, that the skin knows the signs of passing time such as wrinkles and loss of tone.
In fact, it is this particular type of acid if the skin looks so elastic and resistant, not to mention that this hydrates the skin deeply, thanks to its being highly soluble in water, and protects it from the tensions that it is forced to suffer day.
Where is Hyaluronic acid concentrated in the body?
Hyaluronic acid is not only present in the dermis of the face, as we usually think, but in many other parts of the body which, apparently, have nothing to do with the skin.
In fact we find it in the following regions of our body:
- A vitreous humor of the eyes
- Cartilage
- Walls of the aorta
- Tendons
- Umbilical cord
- Synovial fluid
So hyaluronic acid is present in all those parts of the body that require elasticity, hydration, turgidity, but it also works as a cement and also as an anti-shock molecule and, why not, as an excellent lubricant, protecting areas affected by physical stress and cells from tissue damage.
The functions of Hyaluronic acid
The characteristics of Hyaluronic Acid, make it for the most diverse uses, from the medical field to the aesthetic one; in both cases, the result will be excellent, always if you rely on expert and expert hands of doctors and specialists.
By analyzing more thoroughly, this substance is very used in the medical world in the following cases:
- Otologic surgery: it is used as regenerative of the tympanum membrate, in case of perforation.
- Ophthalmic surgery: Hyaluronic acid is used for the creation of artificial tears and interventions on the vitreous body of the eye.
- Arthrology: as a lubricant to preserve the synovial fluid in the joints.
In addition, research that has not yet been confirmed, claims that Hyaluronic Acid is able to combine with CD44 receptors, ie able to regenerate hair and hair.
When purchased as a gel or spray, Hyaluronic Acid is also used to relieve pain and heal ulcerative lesions, especially in those cases where these problems are caused by therapies such as chemotherapy or radiotherapy.
However, the field in which Hyaluronic Acid is most used, or in any case for which we know more, is that of cosmetics and beauty creams: there are in fact many creams that today are enriched by this substance which is already present in the human body, to fight wrinkles and give new elasticity to the skin of the affected area, as well as a deep hydration.
Filler: Hyaluronic acid in aesthetic medicine
Hyaluronic acid fillers always fall into this category, i.e. small amounts of this substance injected directly under the skin.
Surely the most requested cosmetic surgery, the filler is used to redefine and give volume to small areas, especially the face, such as lips and cheekbones, or to make different types of wrinkles disappear and what are called “crow’s feet” “. No need for hospitalizations or even anesthesia, although an anesthetizing ointment can be applied when the filler is made in more sensitive areas such as the lips.
Contraindications
As with any other molecule synthesized by the human body, hyaluronic acid has no side effects of itself, but by the method by which it is administered.
The filler is certainly one of the processes subjected to more risks: in fact, immediately after the injection, the treated part will be swollen and red, with traces of bruising, hematomas and edema, as well as a sense of numbness.
In the most complex cases, filler injections could cause persistent itching, nodules, intermittent edema and even abscesses; it is for this reason that injections of hyaluronic acid are contraindicated in patients suffering from severe hypersensitivity to multiple substances (multiple severe allergies).
As for the other uses, there are no side effects to this substance, even if it is completely discouraged to take Hyaluronic Acid in pregnancy, as researchers do not have enough data to understand if this may harm the fetus or not.
