Hyaluronic acid is a type of glycosaminoglycan that occurs naturally in the body and is particularly concentrated in the skin, eyes and joint fluid. This compound has important functions such as maintaining skin fullness and elasticity, protecting the eyes and supporting joint mobility due to its ability to absorb and retain water.
Hyaluronic acid is also a popular compound used in aesthetic and medical fields. In particular, it is used in cosmetic procedures for skin plumping and can be used in the form of injections to relieve pain in joints.
Because hyaluronic acid has the capacity to retain the molecular structure of water to a large extent, it promotes the transport and storage of water into cells. For this reason, it is widely used in skin care products, moisturizers and cosmetic procedures such as lip fillers.
What are the Types of Hyaluronic Acid?
Each type of hyaluronic acid serves different uses and purposes. Widely used in cosmetic and medical fields, hyaluronic acid can be used in various ways from skin care products to aesthetic filling procedures;
High Molecular Weight Hyaluronic Acid: This type of hyaluronic acid molecules are larger in size and help retain water in the upper layers of the skin when applied to the skin surface. It moisturizes the skin surface and provides fullness.
Medium Molecular Weight Hyaluronic Acid: This type of hyaluronic acid can penetrate deeper into the skin surface. It can help store water in the middle layers of the skin and support the skin's function of maintaining moisture balance.
Low Molecular Weight Hyaluronic Acid: This type of hyaluronic acid can penetrate deeper skin layers and help transport water into the skin cells. This can help the skin stay hydrated and plump for longer.
Cross-linked Hyaluronic Acid: This type of hyaluronic acid may contain molecules stabilized with cross-links to make it more durable and long-lasting. This type of hyaluronic acid is often used to treat deep wrinkles and restore skin volume.
Intramuscular Hyaluronic Acid: This type of hyaluronic acid can be injected into the muscle to help smooth deep wrinkles and facial contours. Such applications are usually performed in professional medical centers.
Intraocular Hyaluronic Acid Injections: Hyaluronic acid injected into the eye can help maintain the moisture of the eye surface, supporting eye health. Such injections are usually administered during ophthalmologic procedures.
It is always important to consult with a qualified health professional or skin care specialist before administering.
What Does Hyaluronic Acid Do?
Hyaluronic acid is a compound that occurs naturally in the body and has several important functions. Hyaluronic acid has the capacity to retain skin moisture. When applied to the skin surface, it attracts water molecules and helps the skin maintain its moisture balance. This contributes to the skin looking moist, plump and youthful.
As the skin ages, hyaluronic acid levels may decrease. Therefore, products or injections containing hyaluronic acid can restore more moisture and fullness to the skin, reducing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.
Hyaluronic acid plays an important role in wound healing and tissue repair. It can promote tissue regeneration in injured areas, reduce inflammation and speed up the skin's healing process. Hyaluronic acid is found in joint fluid and supports the mobility of joints. By increasing the viscosity of joint fluid, it protects joint surfaces and can reduce friction. Therefore, hyaluronic acid injections can be used to relieve joint pain.
Hyaluronic acid in the eye helps to keep the surface of the eye moist and supports eye health. It can improve lens comfort in people who wear contact lenses . Hyaluronic acid can help reduce oral discomfort and dryness by moisturizing oral tissues. It can be used in oral care products and treatments.
Hyaluronic acid can be used where the skin has been damaged by injury, burns or irritation. It can help to repair the skin barrier and restore the skin's healthy appearance.
Hyaluronic acid plays an important role in many different areas such as skin moisture retention, tissue repair, joint mobility and eye health. It is therefore used in a wide range of applications, from cosmetic products to medical treatments. It is always important to consult with a qualified health professional or skin care specialist prior to application or use.
What are the Benefits of Hyaluronic Acid?
Hyaluronic acid has the ability to attract and retain water molecules. When applied to the skin surface, it increases the skin's ability to retain moisture. This helps the skin look moisturized and radiant. However, hyaluronic acid benefits are as follows;
Gives fullness to the skin: As the skin ages, hyaluronic acid levels decrease. Therefore, products or injections containing hyaluronic acid can increase the fullness of the skin and reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. It can give the skin a younger and more vibrant appearance.
Wound Healing and Tissue Repair: Hyaluronic acid plays an important role in wound healing and tissue repair. It supports tissue regeneration in injured areas, can accelerate the healing process of the skin and help reduce scars.
Joint Health: Hyaluronic acid, found in joint fluid, supports joint mobility. It protects joint surfaces, reduces friction and can relieve joint pain.
Eye Health: Hyaluronic acid is a compound found in the eye. It supports eye health by keeping the eye surface moist. It can increase lens comfort in contact lens users.
Oral Health: Hyaluronic acid moisturizes oral tissues and can reduce oral discomfort. It can be used in oral care products and oral health treatments.
Treatment of Injuries and Skin Irritations: Hyaluronic acid can be used when skin is damaged as a result of injuries, burns or irritation. It helps to repair the skin, helping the skin to regain its healthy appearance.
Cartilage Health: Hyaluronic acid is one of the building blocks of cartilage tissue and can help support joint health.
These benefits have led hyaluronic acid to various uses and treatments. However, it is important to consult with a health professional or specialist before undergoing any medical or cosmetic treatment.
What are the Types of Treatments Using Hyaluronic Acid?
Hyaluronic acid is used as a dermal filler . It is injected under the skin to restore wrinkles, fine lines and skin volume. This process makes the skin look fuller, younger and smoother. Other types of treatment using hyaluronic acid are as follows;
Lip Filling: Hyaluronic acid can be used to plump or shape the lips. It can help achieve fuller and more attractive lips by increasing lip volume.
Wound Healing: Hyaluronic acid can be used to accelerate wound healing and tissue repair. It supports the skin's healing process and can help reduce scarring.
Joint Injections: Hyaluronic acid can be injected into the joint to relieve joint pain and support joint mobility. It is especially commonly used for knee and hip joint pain.
Eye Health Treatments: Intraocular hyaluronic acid injections support eye health by moisturizing the surface of the eye. It can be used in applications such as cataract surgeries or dry eye treatment.
Oral Health Treatments: Hyaluronic acid can be used to moisturize oral tissues and support oral health. It can help treat oral disorders.
Cosmetic Products: Hyaluronic acid is widely used in skin care products, moisturizers, serums and masks. It is used to retain skin moisture, provide fullness and reduce the signs of aging.
Does Hyaluronic Acid Have Side Effects?
Hyaluronic acid applications may have some rare side effects. However, these side effects are usually mild and temporary. Here are the possible side effects of hyaluronic acid applications;
Bruising, Swelling and Redness in the Injection Area: After dermal filler injections, mild bruising, swelling and redness may occur at the injection site. These reactions usually resolve spontaneously within a few days.
Pain or Sensitivity: You may feel mild pain or tenderness after the injection. However, these symptoms are usually short-lived.
Tissue Stiffness or Irregularities: Rarely, tissue stiffness or irregularities may occur at the injection site. This is usually temporary and improves over time.
Allergic Reactions: Some people may develop allergic reactions to hyaluronic acid. Symptoms such as itching, rash, redness may occur.
Risk of Infection: If proper hygiene rules are not followed at the injection site, there may be a risk of infection. Therefore, the application should be performed under professional and clean conditions.
Asymmetry or Abnormal Shape: Undesirable shape or asymmetry may occur as a result of inappropriate dosage or application.
Intraocular Application Side Effects: There may be risks such as eye infections or high internal eye pressure after hyaluronic acid injections into the eye.
These side effects can usually be minimized or managed during the procedure by experienced healthcare professionals. Before starting any treatment, it is important to carefully assess the risks and benefits and consult with a specialist. The application must be done correctly so that side effects are minimized and you can receive treatment safely.
How to Use Hyaluronic Acid?
Hyaluronic acid can be used in various ways, but its use may vary depending on the type of application. Here are the different usage methods of hyaluronic acid;
Dermal Filler Injections: Hyaluronic acid injections can be applied for skin fullness, removal of fine lines or restoration of skin volume. Such applications should only be performed by licensed health professionals.
Lip Fillers: Hyaluronic acid injections are used to plump or shape the lips. This should also be performed by specialized health professionals.
Joint Injections: Hyaluronic acid injections are used in the treatment of joint pain, especially knee and hip joint pain. Orthopedic specialists or rheumatologists perform such applications.
Intraocular Injections: Intraocular hyaluronic acid injections can be used in eye health treatments. Only ophthalmologists should perform such procedures.
Before using any hyaluronic acid treatment or product, it is important to consult with a qualified health professional or specialist. Depending on the type and purpose of the application, following the correct guidelines and under the supervision of a professional will ensure safe and effective results.
What Are Foods Rich in Hyaluronic Acid?
Hyaluronic acid is not found directly in food because it is produced in our bodies and is usually found in areas such as skin tissue, joint fluid and intraocular fluid. However, there are some nutrients and foods that support the production of hyaluronic acid or increase skin moisture. Here are some foods that support hyaluronic acid production;
Foods Containing Collagen: Collagen can support hyaluronic acid production by increasing skin elasticity. Foods containing collagen include chicken, fish, bone broth and collagen supplements.
Vitamin A Rich Foods: Vitamin A can help support skin health. It may be beneficial to consume foods containing vitamin A such as carrots, sweet potatoes, spinach and pumpkin.
Foods Containing Vitamin C: Vitamin C can increase collagen production and support skin health. It is important to consume foods containing vitamin C such as citrus fruits (oranges, tangerines, lemons), broccoli, red peppers.
Foods Containing Silicon: Silicon can improve skin elasticity. Oats, barley, whole wheat rice, beans and wheat germ are foods rich in silicon.
Foods Containing Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Omega-3 fatty acids can help support skin health and moisture balance. It may be beneficial to consume foods containing omega-3 fatty acids such as salmon, flaxseed and walnuts.
Green Tea: Green tea contains antioxidants and can support skin health.
Garlic: Garlic can contribute to skin health with its antioxidant properties.
Nutrition is just one of the factors that can affect hyaluronic acid production. A healthy and balanced diet can contribute to skin health, but it is important to consult a specialist about skin care and treatment.