Hyaluronic acid - is it really effective for joints and skin?

Hyaluronic acid has become popular lately due to its beneficial effects on the skin and, in particular, for the fact that it reduces wrinkles. But it is also useful for wound healing and for treating reflux. Read our article to find out what hyaluronic acid is and what are the benefits of using it.

The origin of hyaluronic acid

Name hyaluronic originates from the Greek word Hyal, which means " the glass". Hyaluronic acid is found naturally in the human body and together with sodium salt forms synovial fluid. Its role is to moisturize the soft tissues, which support the functioning of the joints. The synovial fluid reduces friction and facilitates the smooth movement of cartilage. You can find hyaluronic acid in a concentrated form and in the eye fluid.

The hyaluronic acid molecule, also known as hyaluronan, is a high -viscosity mucopolysaccharide in the structure, made up of repeated glucoside units. As it appears from the names 'carbohydrate' and 'gluco', it includes 'sugar', more precisely glucose. Glucoside is a name for bioflavonoids, which are attached to glucose, in which the glucose molecule acts as a transporter.



Hyaluronic acid was first isolated from beef intraocular fluid in 1934. It was isolated by Karl Meyer and John Palmer and was given the name by combining the terms hyaloid (glass) and uronic acid (uronic acid). In 1986, the term hyaluronan was introduced to correspond to carbohydrate terminology.

Functions of hyaluronic acid

Improves physical activity and reduces joint pain

The correct functioning of the joints depends on their hydration because proper hydration prevents the friction process, which is a source of pain. This function is performed by synovial fluid, which contains hyaluronic acid. It disintegrates over time from the liquid, which causes pain and stiffness.

Hydration of the joints is especially important for people suffering from osteoarthritis, where hyaluronic acid can reduce stiffness and pain. Osteoarthritis is a disease that affects millions of people around the world and is the most common type of arthritis. Arthritis is a term for inflammation of the joints, which can present 200 different medical conditions. In the case of osteoarthritis, it is a problem caused by the breakdown of cartilage in the joints. Osteoarthritis most often affects the knees, hips, and spine, but it also affects the finger joints or the carpometacarpal joints (the lower joint of the thumb) and the tarsometatarsal joint (the lower joint on the thumb).

A scientific study in 2016 evaluated the results of studies conducted between 2008 and 2015. The results of the analysis confirmed the positive effects that hyaluronic acid has in treating the symptoms associated with synovitis. This term refers to inflammation of the synovial membrane, which is painful, especially during movement. Hyaluronic acid has shown moderate efficacy, with no side effects. It is a safe and good substance for relieving knee pain.

Supports wound healing

Hyaluronic acid is found in synovial fluid in the eye area, but it is also a natural component of the skin. The concentration of hyaluronic acid increases to repair damaged skin. Hyaluronic acid can influence the speed of healing by regulating inflammation and notifying the body to create more blood vessels in the damaged area.

Research in 2015 examined the ability of hyaluronic acid to reduce dead skin cells. To this end, they developed an experimental model of dematotoxicity (skin lesions) and hepatotoxicity (liver lesions) caused by ethanol. Were used keratinocytes, human (epidermal cells that produce keratin), and hepatocytes (liver epithelial cells) which maintain the induced activity of cytochrome p450(enzymes needed for the synthesis and metabolism of various molecules and chemicals in cells). According to the results, hyaluronic acid backbones were used to incorporate the fibroblast growth factor. Fibroblasts are cell types that make up the extracellular matrix and collagen. These two components are important for the formation of the structural framework of the tissues and also for the repair of the tissues. Hyaluronic acid is used alone or in combination with other ingredients to repair tissues. Hyaluronic acid extracts are effective and safe for skin recovery.

The importance of hyaluronic acid in the treatment of chronic wounds and its ability to accelerate the healing process has already been proven. A 2006 study focused on verifying that hyaluronic acid can be successful in improving the healing of acute wounds. The study involved 43 patients with different types of injuries, such as burns, injuries after accidents, surgical sutures or dermabrasions. Hyaluronic acid in the form of a cream or patch was used for treatment, and the results were evaluated after each application, out of a total of 9 applications. The study showed the following results:

• 70% reduction of the wound area after the 6th application
• 56% of cases healed completely after the 6th application
• 91% of cases had little or no fibrin (a protein in the blood clotting)
• 84% of cases showed little or no exudate (fluid leaking from blood vessels due to inflammation)

It relieves the symptoms of gastric reflux

Reflux is an unpleasant disease in which the fluid in the stomach reaches the tube that connects the oral cavity to the stomach, which leads to damage to the esophagus. Hyaluronic acid may be helpful in relieving the symptoms of reflux due to the healing of the esophageal mucosa.

Several sources refer to the use of a combination of hyaluronic acid with chondroitin sulfate for the treatment of symptoms. Research in 2012 refers to the use of a product called Esoxx, which is a mixture of hyaluronic acid and chondroitin sulfate. The results show the success of the product in reducing the permeability of damaged mucosa, which supports clinical trials related to the treatment of reflux.

The effect of hyaluronic acid on the skin

The most popular benefit of using hyaluronic acid is the effect it has on the skin. Surely you are also familiar with the ads that highlight the properties of hyaluronic acid and the effects it has on the skin, it moisturizes and eliminates wrinkles. A 2017 study examined the ability to slow skin aging with supplements, where participants were divided into two groups, one group was placebo, and the second group was given hyaluronic acid (HA 2k and HA 300). k). The study involved both men and women aged between 22 and 59 years, and the duration of the study was 12 weeks. The researchers examined changes in wrinkles around the eyes (crow´s feet wrinkles) by comparing photos before and after using hyaluronic acid, as well as a questionnaire. The results showed that oral supplementation with hyaluronic acid reduces wrinkles and improves skin condition. The microscopic photos attached to the study show that hyaluronic acid significantly improves the appearance of the skin

A 2014 study evaluated the effectiveness of a low molecular weight preparation (nano-hyaluronic acid) in the process of skin hydration, wrinkle treatment, and skin elasticity. The study involved 33 women with a mean age of 45.2 years and was conducted over a period of 8 weeks. During the measurement of skin texture, an improvement was observed after only 2 weeks and an improvement in skin elasticity after 2 and 8 weeks of research. After a period of 8 weeks, a significant improvement was found in 3 areas:
visibly hydrated skin (up to 96%)
wrinkle depth has been reduced (up to 40%)
the skin became more elastic and firmer (up to 55%)

Based on the results of studies, it can be seen that hyaluronic acid can improve the vitality of the skin, which changes naturally with age when wrinkles begin to appear. We do not all age the same and the aging process is influenced by several factors. By default, the anti-aging effect of hyaluronic acid affects each of us differently. Factors that can affect its effects include food, alcohol, cigarettes, genetics, air pollution, and sun exposure.
Side effects and risks

The human body naturally produces hyaluronic acid, so allergic reactions to it are only very rare. The use of acid in the form of tablets and creams is considered safe. The exception is its administration in the form of injections, which can cause redness. Pregnant and lactating women, as well as people with a history of anaphylaxis and other severe allergic reactions, should be careful if taking hyaluronic acid. Therefore, if you belong to one of these groups, you suffer from a chronic disease or take medication, it is recommended to consult your doctor before use.

Which form of hyaluronic acid is the most effective?

Hyaluronic acid is part of many products, in addition to tablets, it can be found, for example, in the form of day and night creams, serums, lipsticks, but can also be administered by injection. Local application on the skin is effective due to the ability of the acid to retain 1000 times its weight in water, so it has excellent moisturizing properties. The acid retains water on the surface of the skin, thus increasing cell hydration.

When choosing a cream that contains hyaluronic acid, focus on the amount of hyaluronic acid or sodium hyaluronate, which is a derivative of hyaluronic acid. The main difference between these forms is solubility because sodium hyaluronate is characterized by better absorption. Another important piece of information that you should be interested in is whether the product contains hyaluronic acid. The best choice is creams and serums, which contain at least 1% acid, but if this information is not provided on the package, it is good to choose products that do not have the hyaluronic acid listed at the end of the list of ingredients.

Nutritional supplements that contain hyaluronic acid and are intended for oral use may have the same effects as serum or injections. Hyaluronic acid that has passed through the digestive tract can work in three ways. One part of the acid is absorbed, the other part breaks down into sugars, which are absorbed in this form. The third function is to support the spread of beneficial bacteria in the digestive tract and thus improve the general state of health, immunity, and joints.

Alternative medicine experts believe that hyaluronic acid is suitable for treating conditions such as insomnia, osteoporosis, chronic fatigue syndrome, chronic pain, or erectile dysfunction. The level of support in the form of scientific studies varies, and some can be classified as pseudoscience. Therefore, it is important to consider only the effects of hyaluronic acid-based on relevant scientific studies relevant.

Method of administration of hyaluronic acid

There is no official and universal guide to the correct use of hyaluronic acid. The recommended daily dose is 200 mg, and others mention a dose of up to 1000 mg. The best solution is to follow the dose indicated on the package. There is no evidence to confirm that you will get better results if you take higher doses. The daily intake of hyaluronic acid in several studies did not exceed 240 mg.

Hyaluronic acid is a natural component of the human body, but its concentration decreases with age, which can lead to aging skin and joint problems. Hyaluronic acid supplementation has been and is being studied scientifically, and the results confirm its positive effects without mentioning side effects. We believe that in this article you have learned everything you need to know about hyaluronic acid. Do you want your friends to know the health benefits of hyaluronic acid? Do not hesitate and share our article.