Hyaluronic acid, a large molecule made up of glucose, amino acids and polysaccharides, is a component of nerves and connective tissue found in skin, cartilage, tendons and ligaments. Hyaluronic acid forms part of the synovial fluid, which lubricates your joints and contributes to the fluid balance and repair of skin. Scientists have found hyaluronic acid effective for a number of medical uses.
Skin Aging
Hyaluronic acid combined with retinaldehyde -- a form of vitamin A -- slows skin aging, according to a study published in the June 2011 issue of the "Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology." In the study, 1,462 participants used the supplements on facial skin for 90 days. Results showed decreased evidence of forehead wrinkles and furrows and crow's feet and wrinkles around the eyes. Hyaluronic acid and retinaldehyde also reduced drooping of the eyelids and diminished areas of uneven pigmentation. The supplements showed no no signs of adverse reactions. The study was conducted by the Hospital de Clinicas "Jose de San Matin", Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Atopic Dermatitis
Hyaluronic acid may replace prolonged use of steroids in the treatment of atopic dermatitis -- an inflammatory skin condition -- in some cases, according to a study conducted at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine, Department of Dermatology, New York. Researchers evaluated short-term effectiveness of a non-steroidal medicated foam containing hyaluronic acid and found it helpful for alleviating mild-to-moderate severity atopic dermatitis. Four weeks of therapy resulted in 82 percent clearing of affected areas with no adverse results. The study appeared in the June 2011 issue of the "Journal of Drugs in Dermatology."
Scars
A surgery technique that uses hyaluronic acid may be helpful for reducing neck wrinkles, according to a study published in the June 2011 issue of the journal Dermatologic Surgery." Doctors have used hyaluronic acid, successfully to reduce acne scarring and this technique uses a similar method, in which hyaluronic acid is placed under the skin surface in a minimal surgical procedure. Study participants underwent four sessions four weeks apart. Results showed more than 50 percent improvement in neck wrinkles. The study was conducted by researchers at the Department of Dermatology, Eulji General Hospital, College of Medicine, Eulji University, Seoul, Korea.
Joint Health
Painful joints may find relief with hyaluronic injections, say researchers at the Department of Diagnostic Imaging, Interventional Radiology, Radiotherapy, and Nuclear Medicine, Rome, Italy. Joint injections with drugs, corticosteroids, anesthetics or hyaluronic acid have all been demonstrated to provide pain relief in certain conditions. The study appeared in the June 2010 issue of the journal "Seminars in Interventional Radiology."
References
- "Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology"; Retinaldehyde/Hyaluronic Acid Fragments: a Synergistic Association for the Management of Skin Aging; A. Cordero, et al.; June 2011
- "Journnal of Drugs and Dermatology"; Bilateral Comparison Study of Pimecrolimus Cream 1% and a Ceramide-hyaluronic Acid Emollient Foam in the Treatment of Patients with Atopic Dermatitis; A. Frankel, et al.; June 2011
- "Dermatologic Surgery"; Subdermal Minimal Surgery with Hyaluronic Acid as an Effective Treatment for Neck Wrinkles; T. Han, et al.; June 2011
- "Seminars in Enterventional Radiology"; Diagnostic and Therapeutic Joint Injections; S. Masal, et al.; June 2010
- "The Journal of Clinical Investigation"; Hyaluronan is not just a goo!; B. Toole; 2000
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