Hyaluronic acid is a substance that is produced naturally by the body. It is found in greater quantities in the skin, connective tissues and eyes, and it is responsible for retaining water, keeping tissues hydrated and lubricating he joints. It is normal for hyaluronic acid to decreases with aging.
Hyaluronic acid can be prescribed for application to the skin, to help smooth wrinkles or expression lines, It can also be injected as lip fillers, or even used for the treatment of conditions like dry eyes, joints, dry eyes or osteoarthritis.
Hyaluronic acid can be purchased in the form of a gel, cream, capsules, oral solution or eye drops. It should only be used as directed by a dermatologist, plastic surgeon, ophthalmologist or orthopedist.
Health benefits
Hyaluronic acid is indicated for:
- Rejuvenating the skin
- Hydrating the skin and reducing dryness
- Improving skin elasticity
- Reducing sagging
- Reducing wrinkles and expression lines
- Injecting as lip filler
- Reducing dark circles;
- Correcting deep scars caused by acne
- Healing chronic skin ulcers
- Relieving pain from canker sores or ulcers on the lining of the mouth.
Furthermore, injectable hyaluronic acid can also be injected into the joints by an orthopedic surgeon to treat health problems such as osteoarthritis or arthritis.
Hyaluronic acid eye drops can be prescribed by an ophthalmologist to treat dry eye or used during cataract surgery.
Injectable hyaluronic acid should only be used by a doctor. Its use depends on the condition to be treated.
How to use
Hyaluronic acid can be used in a variety of ways, with its use depending on the goal of treatment:
1. Hyaluronic acid for lip fillers
Hyaluronic acid can be used as lip fillers to add volume, shape and structure to the lips.
In these cases, hyaluronic acid is injected by a dermatologist or trained health care professional in a clinic setting.
2. Hyaluronic acid for the face
Hyaluronic acid can also be injected into the face by a dermatologist or trained health care professional. This injection is usually a gel-like substance that can help to smooth wrinkles, grooves and expression lines on the face. It is typically injected around the eyes, corners of the mouth and forehead.
Hyaluronic acid injections can also be used to achieve facial harmonization, increase volume in the cheeks, and correct dark undereye circles or acne scars.
To inject hyaluronic acid to the face, the doctor will first map out the areas on the face where it will be injected. Then local anesthesia is applied to numb these areas and reduce the sensitivity and pain from the injection needle.
This procedure takes about 30 minutes and does not require hospitalization.
3. Hyaluronic acid in the penis
Hyaluronic acid can be injected to the penis to achieve cosmetic goals, mainly to increase its diameter.
Local anesthesia is first applied, and then the hyaluronic acid is injected with a fine needle at specific points of the penis.
The procedure is performed in the doctor's office and takes about 10 to 15 minutes. It also referred to as penile harmonization.
4. Facial moisturizer with hyaluronic acid
Facial moisturizer with hyaluronic acid can be found in the form of creams serum. These are applied directly to the skin of the face.
Typically, a dermatologist will recommend applying a small amount on the face 3 to 4 times a week, after cleansing and drying the skin.
Facial moisturizers with hyaluronic acid can help to keep the skin hydrated as it helps the skin to retain fluid. This gives it a firm and smooth appearance.
These products are typically recommended for men and women over 45 years of age.
5. Oral hyaluronic acid
Oral hyaluronic acid can be found in the form of an oral spray. It is applied on canker sores or mouth ulcers, 2 to 3 times a day, for 1 week.
Oral hyaluronic acid sprays should be used only after cleaning the mouth and brushing your teeth. Apply to the wound and then keep it in the mouth for at least one minute before spitting it out. You should wait at least 30 minutes after application to eat or drink.
These sprays can help to reduce the pain and discomfort caused by mouth ulcers or mouth ulcers, as it forms a protective film on the oral mucosa. It can help to keep the mucosa hydrated and promote healing.
6. Hyaluronic acid capsules
Hyaluronic acid capsules can be taken orally to help repair tissues and maintain skin elasticity. They are considered to have a potent anti-aging effect. They can also be used to treat eye and bone problems.
You can take one capsule per day with a meal, as the time indicated by the doctor. They are usually not taken for more than 3 months.
7. Hyaluronic acid injections in the knee
Hyaluronic acid can be injected in the knee to help treat and manage symptoms related to osteoarthritis or arthritis. It is injected by an orthopedic surgeon to help lubricate the joint.
Hyaluronic acid can be injected in the knee once a week for 3 to 5 weeks.
8. Vaginal hyaluronic acid
Vaginal hyaluronic acid can be indicated for the treatment of vaginal dryness, especially after menopause, as it helps to hydrate the vaginal mucosa.
This is usually found in the form of a gel, which is inserted into the vagina with a syringe applicator, similar to a tampon. Once inserted, the applicator is then discarded.
Vaginal hyaluronic acid can be applied once every 3 days, as instructed by your gynecologist.
9. Hyaluronic acid for hair
Hyaluronic acid for hair can be used to increase hydration in your hair follicles, and reduce frizz or split ends.
Hyaluronic acid for hair can be found in shampoos, conditioners, moisturizing masks or leave-in creams, and should be used as directed by the manufacturer.
10. Hyaluronic acid as a nose filler
Hyaluronic acid can be injected into the nose for cosmetic purposes, like raising the tip of the nose, increase the nasolabial angle or correct irregularities in the bridge.
This technique is a great alternative to rhinoplasty surgery, as it is associated with less risks. The results can last for 6 to 18 months, which can cary depending on the area of the nose filled.
11. Hyaluronic acid ointment
Hyaluronic acid ointments can be used to heal wounds, pressure ulcers, bedsores or diabetic foot ulcers.
Hyaluronic acid ointments should be applied 1 to 3 times a day until the skin heals. It is important to clean the wound or ulcer before applying it.
Hyaluronic acid ointments should only be used as prescribed by a dermatologist or wound specialist.
12. Hyaluronic acid eye drops
Hyaluronic acid in the form of eye drops can be prescribed by an ophthalmologist for cases of dry eyes caused by insufficient tear production or corneal injuries, such as keratoconjunctivitis sicca or dry eye syndrome. It helps to lubricate the eyes, and relieve symptoms such as burning, itching or redness of the eyes.
These drops can be applied directly to the affected eye. You can apply 1 to 2 drops to the conjunctival sac of the affected eye, up to 3 times a day, or as prescribed by an ophthalmologist.
Contraindications for use
Hyaluronic acid in the form of capsule or tablet supplements should not be used by pregnant or breastfeeding women, nor by people with a history of cancer.
Hyaluronic acid in the form of a cream should not be used by people who have scleroderma, as this substance causes the skin to tighten, which can worsen the symptoms of this disease.
Furthermore, hyaluronic acid should not be used by people who are allergic to this substance or any other component of the formulas