Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance produced by your body. Also known as Hyaluronan, it is found in the fluids in your eyes and joints, acting as a lubricating agent. This acid can retain water in the skin and is used in many beauty products. From Hyaluronic acid serum to moisturizing creams and lotions, it has taken the beauty and skin care industry by storm.
Hyaluronic acid has a number of uses and benefits. It can be consumed in the form of supplements, used as topicals, drops and even injections. Here are the top 7 scientifically supported yet surprising hyaluronic acid benefits.
1. Speeds Wound Healing
Hyaluronic acid tends to speed up the wound healing process when applied to an open wound. It does so by regulating inflammation levels and by signaling the body to build more blood vessels in the wounded area. It also has anti-bacterial properties so it also prevents the wound from getting infected.
2. Promotes a Healthy & Supple Skin Texture
Almost half of the hyaluronic acid found in your body is present in your skin, where it combines with water to retain moisture in the skin. Hyaluronic acid supplements and creams can be used to fight the side effects of harsh weather and ageing. It helps increase skin moisture and reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
3. Soothes Acid Reflux Symptoms
The damage and pain caused in the esophagus due to the occurrence of acid reflux is very uncomfortable. Hyaluronic acid may soothe this pain and help repair the lining of the esophagus. For this, a combination of hyaluronic acid and chondroitin sulfate is used to treat the symptoms of acid reflux.
4. Relieves Dry Eyes
Dry Eye and discomfort is a condition suffered by one in every 7 adults. It may be due to quick tear evaporation or reduced tear production. Hyaluronic acid is known to be able to treat dry eye and is found in many eye drops. It is also frequently used during eye surgeries to relieve dry eye and discomfort.
5. Relieves Joint Pain
Hyaluronic acid is naturally found between joints and is responsible for keeping them well lubricated. For people suffering from diseases related to wear and tear of bones due to age like osteoarthritis, can be treated with hyaluronic supplements. It can also be injected directly into joints for fast pain relief.
6. Preserves Bone Strength
Initial research on animals and test-tube trials suggest that hyaluronic acid has a slowing effect on the rate of bone loss in rats with osteopenia. It is the beginning stage of bone loss disease leading to osteoporosis. Though no testing has been done on humans, the initial observations are very promising.
7. May Prevent Bladder Pain
Painful bladder syndrome or a condition called interstitial cystitis is suffered by 3-6% women. It causes abdominal pain and tenderness. Hyaluronic acid is known to help relieve the symptoms of interstitial cystitis when inserted directly into the bladder through a catheter.
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