Hyaluronic acid is categorized as one of the compounds bearing the name glycosaminoglycans, i.e. polysaccharides whose chains are made up of repeating disaccharide units. The hyaluronic acid molecule consists of an N-acetylglucosamine molecule and a D-glucoronic acid molecule. They are connected by alternating β-(1-3) and β-(1-4) glycosidic bonds. It is a completely natural biopolymer with an identical structure in both humans, other vertebrates and even bacteria. In living organisms, hyaluronic acid is usually found in the form of a sodium salt (sodium hyaluronate). What are the properties and uses of hyaluronic acid? To this question, we will try to answer below.
Hyaluronic acid – properties
First, hyaluronic acid, has hygroscopic properties. In water, its molecules can increase in volume 1000-fold, while a single molecule of HA will be able to bind about 250 water molecules together. Therefore, it can be considered to act like a sponge – binding moisture in the dermis. Such properties contributed to the fact that it could become a valuable ingredient in anti-aging, protective and moisturizing cosmetics not only for face care (tonics, masks, creams), but also for the body (washing gels, lotions). It is also the most important of the components of popular agents used in aesthetic medicine – it can occur in uncrosslinked form (cocktails used in mesotherapy) or in varying degrees of crosslinking (in which case it acts as a filler – enabling the reconstruction of tissue and volume loss, lip modeling or smoothing of the nasolabial furrow). Hyaluronic acid used in cosmetology and aesthetic medicine is obtained by bio-fermentation – purified and dried it is in the form of a powder, which when mixed with water will form a transparent gel.
Hyaluronic acid – application
The most popular hyaluronic acid is definitely in cosmetics. It is even an indispensable ingredient in creams with a rejuvenating effect, nevertheless it is used just as often, if not more often, in aesthetic medicine offices. Anti-aging treatments are usually based on injecting deep into the epidermis preparations that just contain hyaluronic acid. With their help, wrinkles can be filled in, while the skin regains its elasticity. These are not very permanent treatments, as hyaluronic acid is subject to natural breakdown in the body. The effects of the treatment last 6-12 months depending on the preparation used.
A lesser-known use of hyaluronic acid is to use its properties to promote healing of burns, skin ulcers or wounds.
Ophthalmology is another field where hyaluronic acid is highly appreciated. Eye drops and contact lens solutions are prepared based on it. All this, in turn, is due to the exceptional water-binding capacity of this acid. Fluids with its additives show a soothing effect on eye irritation that results from wearing lenses or dry eye syndrome. In addition, hyaluronic acid binds harmful substances and has been shown to affect the composition of the tear film.
Hyaluronic acid, is also a valuable treatment product for osteoarthritis, as well as other conditions in the joints. In such cases, acid-containing injections are administered to replenish the substance.
The described acid is also used in gynecology. It soothes irritation of the intimate area, as well as accelerates the healing of surgical wounds on the cervix or vulva.