Acidic Hyaluronates - A Set or a Hit?

A5 Hyaluronic acid is referred to as a type of carbohydrate that belongs to the group of glycosaminoglycans. This compound naturally occurs in the human body in the form of sodium hyaluronate, which is a sodium salt. Initially, hyaluronic acid was derived from animal tissues, primarily from rooster combs, bovine eyes, and shark skin. It is also worth mentioning that the amount of this substance decreases with aging. The primary function of this substance is to bind water in our body.

Hyaluronic acid is one of the main components that make up joint fluid. Its ability to bind water molecules affects the smoothness and elasticity of this fluid, enabling unrestricted movement in the joint without accompanying sounds. Furthermore, it ensures adequate elasticity of the joint cartilage, contributing to appropriate shock absorption during physical activity. Supplementation with hyaluronic acid finds application in various fields of medicine, such as orthopedics, rheumatology, or dentistry. It is most commonly used in cases of degenerative joint diseases or joint injuries. In this context, viscosupplementation is mentioned, which are procedures based on the regular administration of sodium salt in the form of injections.

A single sodium salt molecule can bind up to 250 water molecules. A reduction in hyaluronic acid levels in the skin leads to collagen fiber damage, resulting in decreased skin elasticity and tension, excessive dryness, and swelling leading to wrinkles. The discussed glycosaminoglycan is a very popular component of numerous rejuvenating cosmetics. It is most frequently found in creams, gels, and masks against wrinkles and skin regeneration. Furthermore, it is very commonly used in the form of a solution that is directly injected under the skin surface. The sodium salt is also employed in cases of scars, burns, and skin ulcers.

Beyond the previously mentioned medical domains, sodium salt can find application in other scenarios. For instance, in ophthalmology. The property of water retention, mentioned earlier, is utilized in the production of eye drops or lens fluid. Therefore, our visual system is protected against drying out, irritations, and the infiltration of harmful substances. It also has a positive impact on the structure of the tear film. Another application of hyaluronic acid is inflammation in the female reproductive organs. It can also be used to expedite the healing of surgical wounds in the uterus, vagina, and vulva.

A study conducted on a group of 20 women aged 19 to 28 years with a variety of skin types aimed to prove the effectiveness of sodium salt as an active ingredient in cosmetics. The skin condition was evaluated by measuring moisture levels, skin gloss, and significant transdermal water loss (TEWL). The results confirmed the efficacy of using this ingredient to reduce TEWL by forming a hydrophilic layer on the skin surface. Following a three-week application of cosmetics containing this ingredient, an increase in gloss and moisture levels was observed not only in the upper skin layer but also in the deeper skin layers.