Hyaluronic acid: what is it and what are it’s uses?

Imagine holding a magic key in your hands which opens the doors to well-being and youth. This key, capable of transforming and improving various different aspects of our health, is hyaluronic acid.

Exactly, it is the undisputed protagonist of creams, serums, supplements and treatments that are increasingly used as effective solutions for skin, joints, eyes, vaginal mucosa and other areas of our body.

As commonly happens, however, everyone has heard of this substance but few really know what it is. What exactly is hyaluronic acid? What is it used for? In this fascinating journey, we will delve into all the wonders of this extraordinary substance, discovering why it has become an essential element of our beauty and health routines.

What is hyaluronic acid?

Imagine a natural sponge, which can withhold huge amounts of water and release it gradually, maintaining hydration in the tissues.

If we were to analyze it under a microscope, we would find that hyaluronic acid is composed of long, repeating chains of disaccharide units of D-glucuronic acid and N-acetylD-glucosamine, two simple sugars with structures closely intertwined with each other and with other molecules, which give them an extraordinary capacity to give volume and plastic support and to bind water. These characteristics make hyaluronic acid an essential component for maintaining the elasticity and health of the skin, joints and other tissues.

Where do we get hyaluronic acid from?

In the past, hyaluronic acid was extracted from rooster’s crests, a long, expensive and often unsustainable process. This method required the use of large amounts of animal tissue, which not only had a significant impact on animals but also entailed a high risk of animal protein contamination, which could cause allergic reactions in consumers.

Moreover, the variability in the quality of the extracted material made it difficult to obtain a homogeneous and pure product.

Today, thanks to the advances of biotechnology, the production of hyaluronic acid has made remarkable advances. It is mainly produced through a process of bacterial fermentation. During this process, specific bacteria, usually gram-positive, such as streptococcus, are coated with a special mucoid capsule made out of Hyaluronic acid, and through controlled biofermentation processes, large quantities of pure hyaluronic acid are obtained and the quality and characteristics of the final product are defined: molecular weight and concentration.

These bacteria are grown in bioreactors under highly controlled conditions, where they feed on sugars and other substances, producing hyaluronic acid as a metabolic product.

Once the bacteria have completed their production cycle, the hyaluronic acid is separated and purified through various processes such as filtration and precipitation. This biotechnological production method is not only much more environmentally friendly, reducing the need for animal resources, but also allows the obtainment of a product which is absolutely pure and practically identical to the physiological one. In addition, the risk of allergies and contamination is non-existent since the process can be closely monitored and controlled to avoid any impurities.

This modern approach to hyaluronic acid production is not only more environmentally and animal friendly, but also allows to meet the growing global demand for this precious compound in a more effective and safe way.

What are the uses of hyaluronic acid?

Hyaluronic acid has such a wide range of uses that the risk of confusion isn’t small. Here are some of its main uses:

Skin health

Skin is our calling card and hyaluronic acid is the secret to keeping it young and radiant, to the point where it’s become one of the most used anti aging supplements today.

What does hyaluronic acid do for the skin?

• Deep hydration: thanks to its ability to retain up to 1000 times its weight in water, hyaluronic acid keeps the skin hydrated, smooth and soft.
• Reduction of wrinkles: counteracts the aging of the skin, filling in the gaps between the cells, helping to reduce the visibility of fine lines and wrinkles, and giving the skin a younger and smoother look.
• Elasticity and tone: stimulates the production of elastin and collagen, improving the elasticity of the skin and preventing skin sagging.

Joint health

Joints are what allows us to move with agility. Hyaluronic acid acts as a natural lubricant, acting both preventively and to remedy any critical issues.

It has a triple action, with benefits confirmed by medicine.

• Lubrication: naturally present in the synovial fluid, hyaluronic acid serves to reduce friction between cartilage during movement, preventing wear and pain.
• Cushioning: It works like a cushion, absorbing shocks and protecting joints from damage.
• Filter: its tight texture formed by macromolecules blocks toxic substances that could infect the synovial fluid.

It can be administered in the form of Infiltrations, therapeutic injections directly inside the suffering joints. In case of osteoarthritis, trauma, or else, hyaluronic acid injections can reduce pain and improve joint mobility.

Eyes

Eyes are the windows that allow us to see the world and hyaluronic acid helps keep them healthy and well lubricated.

• Ocular hydration: present in the vitreous humor, maintains proper hydration and pressure within the eye.
• Artificial tears: administered as eye drops or in other forms (e.g. sublingually) to treat dry eyes, relieving the typical discomfort of this condition and preventing damage to the cornea.

Intimate well being

Oral health

Our mouth also benefits from hyaluronic acid.

• Healing of gums: this magical substance promotes the regeneration of gum tissues and accelerates the healing of oral lesions and ulcers.
• Dry mouth: some people suffer from this condition, which leaves the mucous membranes of the mouth constantly dry.
• Dental products: used in mouthwashes and gels, it serves to maintain the hydration of the gums and prevent periodontal diseases.

How to use hyaluronic acid

Hyaluronic acid is generally safe and well tolerated, but it’s important to know how to use it correctly.

Regarding skin products, the main bit of advice when applying a serum or cream with hyaluronic acid is to make sure that your skin is well cleansed. The most effective products are absorbed and penetrate to the dermis.

If you’re considering taking supplements, consult a doctor to ensure that the product has a good quality and that the concentration present is suitable for you.

For specific treatments, such as joint treatments, the injections should be administered by a qualified medical professional.

The simplest solution today is called Osidra: sublingual hyaluronic acid, whose purity is guaranteed, and which allows a rapid and total absorption of the active ingredient. Whatever the reason for your body to take hyaluronic acid, with Osidra you will only need to spray the product directly under the tongue to obtain the benefits you were looking for in a very short time.

Conclusions

Hyaluronic acid is a true wonder of nature and science.

Its applications vary greatly and it’s spreading to where increasingly more people want to know about it (from “what are the uses of hyaluronic” to “what does it cure“, just to give two examples).

Whether it is to keep the skin young and bright, lubricate the joints, moisturize the eyes or promote wellness and vulvovaginal health, This molecule is a valuable ally for our organism. So, the next time you think about taking care of your body, remember that hyaluronic acid could be the secret to a healthier and happier life.