[SPA - ENG] 💉💃 Los sorprendentes beneficios del ácido hialurónico: Una revisión más allá del uso estético. / The surprising benefits of hyaluronic acid: A review beyond aesthetic use. 💃💉

In this opportunity I want to share with you this post whose origin I owe to one of those conversations that occur during the enjoyment of meals in Christmas holidays. As it were, during the after-dinner conversation I was a passive observer of the conversation of the women in the house (my wife, my mom and my sister-in-law). They were raving about so-called hyaluronic acid, all its supposed cosmetic goodness and how much they would like to receive some of these products as Christmas gifts.

Until that moment I had not really paid much attention to the subject; however, observing in detail the advertising on subscription television, there was really an excessive exposure of the different cosmetic products elaborated with this component. Different presentations such as serum, body cream, lipsticks, shampoo and conditioner, among other products. As for brands, those of wide global renown and even of local production. At the end of the day, it was a product boom, handled so effectively in advertising that it managed to convince even the most skeptical of potential buyers of its benefits. Is there anyone, regardless of age or gender, who does not want to look more attractive and youthful?

Before checking how much myth or reality exists in relation to the supposed benefits of hyaluronic acid, I did a little research on the nature of this substance and what other uses it has in addition to cosmetic ones. The following is a brief summary of the most relevant information I was able to find.

Hyaluronic acid is a natural molecule (polysaccharide), that is composed of repeating units of the sugar molecule glucuronic acid and N-acetylglucosamine, present in the human body. That has the ability to retain large amounts of water. Hyaluronic acid is a substance that has several important functions. It is mainly found in the skin, eyes and joints.

Hyaluronic acid was first discovered in 1934 by Karl Meyer and John Palmer, two scientists who were working at the Rockefeller Institute for Medical Research. However, it was not until the 1950s that hyaluronic acid began to be investigated in more detail. Since then, it has become an important component of many beauty products and medications used in the treatment of skin problems, arthritis and other disorders.

Hyaluronic acid can be obtained in different ways, including synthetic production in a laboratory and obtaining it from natural sources. In synthetic production, hyaluronic acid is produced from a sugar molecule called D-glucosamine and synthesized using a special chemical process. Hyaluronic acid can also be obtained from natural sources, such as the skin of certain animals or the connective tissue of some marine organisms. However, hyaluronic acid obtained from these natural sources is usually less pure and more difficult to process, so it is less commonly used in cosmetic products and medical procedures.

As most of us know, hyaluronic acid is commonly used in the manufacture of beauty and skin care products. However, it is also used in a variety of other applications, among which we will mention:

1.- Joints: Hyaluronic acid is used in some arthritis treatments to reduce inflammation and pain in the joints. In orthopedic medicine, hyaluronic acid is used as an artificial synovial fluid to lubricate joints and reduce pain and inflammation in joints damaged by arthritis.

2.- Wound healing and scarring: Hyaluronic acid can be used as a dermal filler in cosmetic surgeries to add volume and smooth wrinkles or expression lines. Hyaluronic acid is used in some types of wound care to help promote healing and prevent scar formation. Hyaluronic acid can be injected into the ear canal to smooth the skin and improve the appearance of wrinkles around the ear.

3.- In ophthalmic medicine:Some eye drops contain hyaluronic acid to lubricate and moisturize dry eyes. Hyaluronic acid is used to replace fluid in the eye and to treat vision problems such elevated intraocular pressure.

4.- In surgeries related to sexual organs and urinary tract: In the treatment of urinary incontinence, hyaluronic acid can be injected into the bladder to help control this deficiency, especially in the elderly. For example, some vaginal health products contain hyaluronic acid to help improve the moisture and elasticity of the vaginal skin. It has also been investigated for use in the treatment of peyronie’s disease, a condition that can cause abnormal curvature of the penis.

In addition to the uses mentioned above, the following applications of hyaluronic acid, which are only in their early stages, deserve to be highlighted.

There are a few different ways that hyaluronic acid can potentially improve cardiovascular health. One way is by injecting it into the bloodstream, although this is typically done in a medical setting and is not a method that is generally available to the general public. Another way is by taking supplements that contain hyaluronic acid. This can be done orally, by consuming pills or capsules that contain the acid, or by using products like gummies or powders that are mixed into drinks or food. Finally, it is also possible to apply hyaluronic acid topically, by using creams, lotions, or serums that contain the acid and applying them directly to the skin. It is not yet clear exactly how these different methods work to improve cardiovascular health, but it is thought that the acid may have anti-inflammatory effects and may help to improve the function of the cells that line blood vessels.

Recently, there has been growing interest in the potential role of hyaluronic acid in brain health. Some research suggests that hyaluronic acid may play a role in brain development and may also be involved in processes such as learning, memory, and nerve repair. There is still much that is unknown about the exact mechanisms through which hyaluronic acid may influence brain health, and more research is needed to fully understand its potential applications in this area. However, the preliminary findings are promising and suggest that hyaluronic acid may have potential as a therapeutic agent for a variety of brain-related conditions, studies on the possible effects of hyaluronic acid activity on brain health are still in their early stages, so the possible risks and side effects have yet to be determined.

There is some evidence to suggest that hyaluronic acid may have potential as a therapeutic agent for Alzheimer's disease, a progressive neurological disorder characterized by the loss of cognitive function, including memory and problem-solving abilities.

One study published in the journal Neurology found that injections of hyaluronic acid into the brains of mice with an Alzheimer's-like condition improved their memory and learning abilities. Another study published in the journal Aging Cell found that treatment with hyaluronic acid improved memory and cognitive function in mice with an Alzheimer's-like condition. While these findings are promising, it is important to note that they are based on animal studies and more research is needed to determine whether hyaluronic acid could be an effective treatment for Alzheimer's disease in humans. Additionally, it is important to keep in mind that Alzheimer's disease is a complex and poorly understood disorder, and it is unlikely that a single treatment, such as hyaluronic acid, will be able to completely reverse or cure the disease. It is likely that any future treatment for Alzheimer's disease will involve a combination of therapies.

Hyaluronic acid is generally considered to be safe and to have few side effects when used as a dietary supplement or in topical treatments. However, there may be some potential risks or complications which it is suggested should be known prior to use.

Allergic reactions: Some people may experience allergic reactions such as skin irritation or difficulty breathing when using it.

Skin irritation: Mild irritation, redness, dryness or peeling of the skin may occur in some people.

Risk of infection: There is a small risk of infection associated with the use of hyaluronic acid, particularly when it is injected.

Increased bleeding: Hyaluronic acid may increase the risk of bleeding, particularly in people who are taking blood thinners.

Potential for harm in pregnant or lactating women: There is no evidence regarding the safety of its use in pregnant or lactating women.

Hyaluronic acid can be generally safe and effective for a variety of medical conditions. Before starting any treatment, it is important to have an evaluation by a healthcare professional.

To conclude, let us find out what is true in some of the statements that exist in relation to this component, specifically concerning its use for aesthetic purposes: