What is all the Hype with Hyaluronic acid?

Everywhere us Aestheticians look at the moment; Hyaluronic Acid is everywhere but what is the hype? Why is Hyaluronic Acid so fantastic for our skin? Lets find out...

Firstly, what is it?

Although Hyaluronic Acid (HA) can be found naturally in most every cell in the body, it is found in the greatest concentrations in the skin tissue. Almost 50% of the body’s HA is found here. It is found in both the deep underlying dermal areas as well as the visible epidermal top layers.

Its function in the body is, among other things, to bind water and to lubricate movable parts of the body, such as joints and muscles. Its consistency and tissue-friendliness allow it to be beneficial in skin-care products as an excellent moisturizer. Because HA is one of the most hydrophilic (water-loving) molecules in nature, with numerous benefits for the human body, it is described as “nature’s moisturizer.”

It is a well-proven fact that HA improves skin hydration, and elasticity while stimulating skin collagen production. In addition, it performs antioxidant and free radical protection, as well as cushioning joints and nerve tissues. It has also been confirmed that it possesses antibacterial and anti-inflammatory characteristics.

When was Hyaluronic Acid Discovered?

HA was first used commercially in 1942 when Endre Balazs applied for a patent to use it as a substitute for egg white in bakery products. Its discovery was very unique. No other molecule had ever been discovered that has such unique properties to the human body. Balazs went on to become the leading expert on HA, and made the majority of discoveries concerning Hyaluronic Acid benefits.

What products is it used in?

Hyaluronic Acid is found in Dermal Fillers used by Aestheticians all over the world, Dermal fillers are treatments that can combat the signs of aging such as wrinkles and furrows and rejuvenate the face by augmenting the lips, cheeks, and other areas. Among injectable fillers, hyaluronic acid is a popular choice due to its versatility, effectiveness, and very few side effects.

HA is a humectant, which means that it can hold moisture; it can bind up to 1,000 times its volume in water. This contributes to its effectiveness as a dermal filler as it pulls and retains water, enhancing the volumizing effect while also adding hydration.

HA fillers are injected into the skin through a needle or cannula to fill in sunken skin areas, smoothen wrinkles and fine lines, and add volume and plumpness. Effects are visible immediately after the treatment.

Hyaluronic Acid is also found in Skin Care Products; from Cleansers, to Eye Creams to Day & Night Moisturisers, Toners and Serums.

This is why I have adapted it into my SkinstinctUK range of Day Creams and Serums; Skincare for me is not just a pamper session; SkinstinctUK has helped ladies and gentlemen with Dermatitis, Eczema and Dermatillomania plus much more using Natural Ingredients and NO harmful substances.

Lets look at the benefits of Hyaluronic Acid in the Body

Hyaluronic Acid in Bones and Cartilage

Hyaluronic Acid is found in all bones and cartilage throughout the body. Both of these provide a resilient rigidity to the structure of the human body. HA is found in various forms of cartilage, but none more than the hyaline cartilage. As you may have guessed, hyaline is short for Hyaluronic Acid. Hyaline cartilage covers the ends of the long bones where articulation (bending) occurs and provides a cushioning effect for the bones. The hyaline cartilage has been called the “gristle cartilage” because of its resistance to wear and tear. Hyaline cartilage also supports the tip of the nose, connects the ribs to the sternum, and forms most of the larynx and supporting cartilage of the trachea and bronchial tubes in the lungs.

Hyaluronic Acid in Synovial fluid

Our joints (like the elbows and knees) are surrounded by a membrane called the synovial membrane. This membrane forms a capsule around the ends of the two articulating bones. This membrane secretes a liquid called the synovial fluid. Synovial fluid is a viscous fluid with the consistency of motor oil. It has many functions, but none more important than providing the elastic shock absorbing properties of the joint. Its second most important function in the joint is to carry nutrients to the cartilage and to also remove waste from the joint capsule.

Hyaluronic Acid in Tendons and Ligaments/Connective tissue

Connective tissue is found everywhere in the body. It does much more than connect body parts; it has many forms and functions. Its major functions include binding, support, protection, and insulation. One such example of connective tissue is the cordlike structures that connect muscle to bone (tendons) and bone to bone (ligaments). In all connective tissue, there are three structural elements. They are ground substance (Hyaluronic Acid), stretchy fibers (collagen and elastin) and a fundamental cell type.

Whereas all other primary tissues in the body are composed mainly of living cells, connective tissues are composed largely of a gel-like substance, Hyaluronic Acid, which separates and cushions the living cells of the connective tissue. The separation and cushioning allow the tissue to bear weight, withstand great tension and endure abuse that no other body tissue can. All of this is made possible because of the presence of HA and its ability to form the gelatinous fluid.

Hyaluronic Acid in Scalp Tissue and Hair Follicles

Structurally, the scalp is identical to the skin tissue located throughout the body. The exception is that it also contains about 100,000 hair follicles that give rise to hair. Actually, the hair and the hair follicle are a derivative of skin tissue. There are two distinctive skin layers. The epidermis (outer layer) gives rise to the protective shield of the body. The other, the dermal layer (deep layer), makes up the bulk of the skin and is where the hair follicle is located. This dermal layer is composed of connective tissue and, with its gelatinous fluid-like characteristics, provides support, nourishment and hydration for the deep layers of the scalp. The result is healthy lustrous hair and a moisturized scalp. All of this is made possible because of the presence of HA in the scalp.

Hyaluronic Acid in Lips

The lips are a core of skeletal muscle covered by skin tissue. The dermal layer of the lips is composed primarily of connective tissue and its components: Hyaluronic Acid and collagen. Together, they give structure (shape) and plumpness to the lips. The HA binds to water creating a gelatinous fluid that hydrates the surrounding tissue and keeps the collagen (responsible for keeping the skin tight) nourished and healthy. The result is healthy well hydrated and plump lips that are well protected from the environment.

Hyaluronic Acid in Skin

Although Hyaluronic Acid (HA) can be found naturally in most every cell in the body, it is found in the greatest concentrations in the skin tissue. Almost 50% of the body’s HA is found here. It is found in both the deep underlying dermal areas as well as the visible epidermal top layers. Young skin is smooth and elastic and contains large amounts of HA that helps keep the skin stay young and healthy. The HA provides continuous moisture to the skin by binding up to 1000 times its weight in water. With age, the ability of the skin to produce HA decreases. The skin is the largest organ of the body comprising about 15% of the body weight. Roughly 50% of the Hyaluronic Acid in our body is found in the skin. HA and Collagen are vital to maintaining the skin’s layers and structure. It is the collagen that gives the skin its firmness but it is the HA that nourishes and hydrates the collagen. Imagine the collagen as the stretchy fibres that restore the skin back to shape when stretched.

Collagen is like a rubber band. But stretch that rubber band a million times, like what we do with our skin and without any moisture, and eventually that rubber band gets overstretched (saggy), dried out, and will most likely break. This is much the same way the collagen in our skin reacts leaving our skin in need of moisture. Now imagine that same rubber band stretched a million times while under water the whole time. Chances of that rubber band drying out and breaking are minimal. Consider the Hyaluronic Acid as the water that keeps the collagen moist and elastic. Collagen is continuously surrounded and nourished by the gelatinous HA substance.

Young skin is smooth and highly elastic because it contains high concentrations of Hyaluronic Acid, which helps skin stay healthy. As we grow older, the body loses its ability to maintain this same concentration in the skin. With decreasing levels of HA in the skin, so goes the ability of the skin to hold water. The result, the skin becomes drier and loses its ability to maintain its hydration. Hyaluronic acid acts as a space filler by binding to water and thus keeping the skin wrinkle-free.

SkinstinctUK.com launches its brand new Day Cream Moisturisers on Monday 1st February and it also has Hemp Oil in and other super hydrating ingredients that will allow your skin to glow and become super hydrated. I also have my Hydrating Serum which is amazing for the under eye and any dry patches on the body.

If you want to learn more about your skin and product ingredients then pop over to hollystottbeauty.com and have a look at my online courses where you can learn to be a Facial Esthetician from home starting with the Level 2 Anatomy & Physiology with Basic Facial Course.

Holly <3