Hyaluronic acid is a polysaccharide produced by the body and is present in various connective tissues. The hydrating and lubricating actions of hyaluronic acid maintains the vital functions of different body parts such as skin, heart, eye and synovial fluid. Skin accounts for about half the amount of hyaluronic acid of the body. Hyaluronic acid plays a critical role in maintaining the structure and integrity of the skin as well as in the wound healing procedure.
Hyaluronic Acid Functions
Hyaluronic acid, also known as hyaluronan is produced by fibroblasts in the extracellular matrix and increases during periods of rapid tissue regeneration, repair or proliferation. A study in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology reported that hyaluronic acid is compartmentalized in the different layers of the epidermis and plays a crucial role in hydrating skin by retaining water.
Wound Healing
Commercially produced hyaluronic acid is increasingly being used in a variety of cosmetic and medical products mainly because of its vital role in wound healing. According to reports published in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology, the capacity of hyaluronic acid to retain water has a positive effect in wound healing by facilitating the transport of solutes and nutrients. Hyaluronic acid modulates inflammatory signals to initiate the wound healing process and also contributes to the later stages of the process.
Soft Tissue Filler
According to American Academy of Dermatology, hyaluronic acid is an excellent soft tissue filler, that can be used to treat scars resulting from the wound healing process. The effect of hyaluronic acid lasts longer than other available soft tissue fillers such as collagen or fat.
Dosage Forms
Commercially produced hyaluronic acid is available as injectables, and in oral and topical dosage forms. However, for the purpose of wound healing, a topical dosage form is the most suitable one because it allows better absorption into the skin.
Considerations
For commercial production, hyaluronic acid may be extracted from animal sources such as rooster comb and bovine vitreous humor. Before administration, patients must be checked to make sure that they are not allergic to those animal products. Recombinant protein generation technology can also be employed for large scale production of non-animal sourced hyaluronic acid.
