Submitted by: Dr.farid Mostamand
Hyaluronic acid is a carbohydrate that is found naturally throughout the body. It works to keep the joints and muscles lubricated. Unfortunately hyaluronic acid has a short life span of perhaps one day in the skin, making it essential that it be constantly replenished to keep the skin nourished. If the skin has enough hyaluronic acid it will continue to keep the collagen production producing the connective tissue that keeps the skin structured as well as toned so that it is firmer and more youthful looking.
But like many other things in the body, the amount of hyaluronic acid produced in the skin reduces as we age. It then leaves the collagen with less moisture so that it starts to sag and becomes dried out because it cannot maintain its level of hydration needed without constant replenishment. This in turn leads to wrinkles and other visible signs of aging that will continue to worsen if the hyaluronic acid levels in the skin are not increased.
Why the Skin Needs Hyaluronic Acid
The good news is that hyaluronic acid is abundant in the skin with almost 50% of the bodys hyaluronic acid found there. It is found in all layers of the skin and keeps the skin moistened by binding up to 1000 times its weight in water. The collagen in the skin is what keeps the skin firm and it is hydrated by the hyaluronic acid so that when the skin stretches it goes back to its shape.
Besides retaining water that in turn provides needed nourishment to the skin, hyaluronic acid is also used to reduce inflammation and is vital to keeping the skin looking and feeling healthier. Skin without this vital ingredient will have that tired loose look that becomes wrinkled and unattractive and causes premature aging if not remedied. It has also been used in products to treat skin conditions such as psoriasis, melasma or Rosacea and has also been effective in treating acne. It is, therefore, used in more than anti aging products but can also be found in products to treat discoloration of the skin or scarring.
Where to Find Hyaluronic Acid
Since our production of hyaluronic acid reduces with age, we need to replenish our supply so that we can repair the skin that has been damaged from environmental stress and sun damage or premature aging. It is found often in many skin care products because it is a great moisturizer making it extremely beneficial to the skin. There are many anti aging products available where you can get the hyaluronic acid that is needed for the skin. With creams, cleansers and lotions and other products there is no problem finding one, but the amounts of hyaluronic acid in these products will vary tremendously so you need to read the labels carefully and determine which one is right for you and ensure that it is treating the skin condition that you are trying to remedy.
You can also take health supplements so that you get the hyaluronic acid internally rather than by applying it topically to the skin. Some of the supplements with ample amounts of hyaluronic acid may be more expensive, especially those that are injected rather than taken in capsule form. You can find these hyaluronic acid supplements in pharmacies, vitamin shops or health food stores and they can also be found online through distributors or other online stores.
Are There Side Effects with Hyaluronic Acid?
Most products that you purchase to be used topically in a cream, a lotion, cleanser, mask or other treatment will not contain high concentrations of hyaluronic acid but as noted the concentrations will vary by product. Most people do not have any negative reactions to hyaluronic acid but sometimes people have a mild reaction like a rash or minor skin irritation that will cease when you stop taking it. If it is injected into the skin, it might cause redness or slight pain for awhile but rarely are there any allergic reactions to hyaluronic acid. It is recommended however, that you should not take hyaluronic acid during pregnancy or if you are breast feeding especially if taken by injection as the effects are unknown on the infant.
About the Author: Dr. Farid Mostamand has written hundreds of articles on preventing the detrimental effects of skin aging. As theauthor of Ageless Skin obsession, he has first-hand experience with the most effective non-invasive treatments.
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