Hyaluronic acid occurs naturally in your skin, cartilage, connective tissue and between your joints. It helps to lubricate your joints, improving flexibility, and keeps your skin moist by increasing its ability to store moisture. A wide variety of hyaluronic acid supplements are used to nourish, plump and heal the skin.
Cosmetic
Cosmetic uses for hyaluronic acid vary, depending on the intended results. Cosmetic surgeons use hyaluronic acid injections to treat facial wrinkles and fill in naso-labial folds, the creases around the nose, according to MayoClinic.com. The hyaluronic acid attracts moisture to the area and lasts for around six months. Hyaluronic acid skin supplements that help moisturize and plump the skin topically are also available. Hyaluronic creams attract and hold moisture in your skin while helping to transport important nutrients to your skin.
Wound Healing
Hyaluronic skin supplements are used to help heal wounds, infections, sores, surgery wounds, bedsores, skin ulcers and burns, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Hyaluronic skin supplements come in gels, lotions, creams and sprays. A French study published in the 2006 issue of the "American Journal of Clinical Dermatology" used hyaluronic acid skin creams on 43 patients with varying acute wounds, including surgical wounds, burns, trauma wounds and dermabrasions. The study concluded hyaluronic acid supplement creams accelerated and improved the healing process while being well-tolerated by both patients and nurses for ease of use.
Radiation Skin Treatment
Radiation therapy causes various skin reactions such as burns and acute radiation dermatitis. Hyaluronic acid skin supplements in the form of blended creams are used as a topical therapy to treat and manage radiation skin reactions. Hyaluronic acid's anti-inflammatory properties help reduce swelling of the skin. Radiation patients given a topical treatment of hyaluronic acid-based creams also noted a decreased burning sensation, according to an Italian study published in the May-June 2008 issue of the "European Journal of Dermatology." Forty women undergoing radiation therapy as part of breast cancer treatment took part in a double-blind, randomized study of topical treatments for radiation skin reactions. The patients given a hyaluronic acid-based topical treatment had significant improvements, reduced inflammation and reduction of burning.
Side Effects
Allergic reactions to topical hyaluronic acid can cause hives, swelling of your hands or face, itching, tingling in your mouth or throat, tightness in your chest, breathing problems and burning or redness on the treated area. Call your doctor or health-care provider if you have any of these symptoms. Hyaluronic acid skin supplements for wound healing should not be used with skin cleansers containing benzalkonium chloride or benzethonium chloride, cautions the University of Maryland Medical Center.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Hyaluronic Acid (On the Skin); 2010
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Maryland Medical Spa; 2011
- Mayo Clinic: Wrinkles: Treatments and Drugs; 2011
- "American Journal of Clinical Dermatology": Efficacy and Safety of Hyaluronic Acid in the Management of Acute Wounds; V. Voinchet; 2006
- Supplement Research Foundation: Hyaluronic Acid (Hyaluronan)
- "New York Times"; From the Head of a Rooster To a Smiling Face Near You; Alicia Ault; Dec. 23, 2003
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