How hyaluronic acid works
Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring compound in the body with water-binding, smoothing, wound-healing and “lubricating” (viscoelastic) properties. It is found primarily in connective tissue, skin, bone, joint fluid (synovial fluid), cartilage and the vitreous humor of the eye.
Due to its spatial structure, hyaluronic acid can bind water and thus contribute to the stability and friction-free mechanics of the joints. In the skin, for example, hyaluronic acid ensures the natural elasticity and firmness of connective tissue.
With age, its natural content in the body declines. The loss can be artificially replaced by certain preparations.
Absorption, degradation and excretion
The resulting metabolic products are either recycled or excreted via the kidneys.
When is hyaluronic acid used?
Hyaluronic acid is used primarily for the treatment of osteoarthritis (joint wear) in orthopedic medicine. Since the mid-1980s, many medical practitioners have also been offering wrinkle injections with hyaluronic acid.
Furthermore, many eye drops and gels used to treat dry eyes contain the active ingredient in varying amounts. The higher the quantity, the more solid and viscous the drops or gels.
How hyaluronic acid is used
General medicine
As an injection, the active ingredient is primarily used for the direct treatment of osteoarthritis. In so-called viscosupplementation, the active ingredient is injected by the doctor directly into the interstices of the joints.
Since hyaluronic acid is a natural component of the synovial fluid (synovia), the mobility of the joint is supported in this way. The various preparations on the market differ in the number of injections required.
Similarly, hyaluronic acid eye drops are used primarily to treat dry eyes. It forms a thin, water-binding film over the eye, which keeps the eyes moist longer than natural or artificial tears.
Aesthetic medicine
Hyaluronic acid creams and hyaluronic acid injections are also used in aesthetic medicine. Here, the focus is especially on wrinkle injections with hyaluronic acid.
The active ingredient is also injected to shape buttocks, lips or breasts.
In the cosmetics industry, hyaluronic acid cream applied to the skin is used to eliminate light wrinkles. The effect that can be achieved is limited to the physical binding of water, with which the uppermost layers of the skin are supposed to appear visually rejuvenated.
What are the side effects of hyaluronic acid?
Hyaluronic acid side effects are largely unknown, as the substance occurs naturally in the human body. In rare cases, intolerance reactions of the skin or even infections occur after an injection.
If the active substance is injected, great care must therefore be taken to ensure sterile working conditions. Injection treatment of osteoarthritis should be interrupted if there is an existing or incipient inflammation of the joint.
Hyaluronic acid injections and wrinkle injections with hyaluronic acid are usually performed by a physician. Pregnancy, breastfeeding as well as age generally do not play a role in the application.
How to obtain medication with hyaluronic acid
Dietary supplements and cosmetics containing hyaluronic acid can also be purchased without a doctor’s prescription.
Since when is hyaluronic acid known?
Hyaluronic acid was first chemically isolated in 1934 by Karl Meyer and John Palmer. The first generation of hyaluronic acid preparations was launched in 1981.
This has significantly reduced the risk of side effects due to the allergenic potential of any residual animal protein. Hyaluronic acid is also increasingly used in the cosmetics industry.
However, usually only small fragments are used here, as these are slightly better absorbed into the skin, which is supposed to increase the effect of a cream.
