Hyaluronic acid
Benjamin Clanner-Engelshofen is a freelance writer in the medical department. He studied biochemistry and pharmacy in Munich and Cambridge / Boston (USA) and noticed early on that he particularly enjoyed the interface between medicine and science. That is why he went on to study human medicine.
More about the experts All content is checked by medical journalists.Hyaluronic acid is a multiple sugar (polysaccharide) that occurs almost everywhere in the human body. It can be found in larger quantities mainly in the skin, in the bones and intervertebral discs, in the joint fluid (synovial fluid) and in the vitreous humor of the eye. As a medicinal substance, it is used to treat osteoarthritis (joint wear). Wrinkle injection with hyaluronic acid is also widespread. Read more about the effects, uses and side effects of hyaluronic acid.
This is how hyaluronic acid works
Hyaluronic acid is a natural multiple sugar (polysaccharide), more precisely a glycosaminoglycan, which is put together from individual building blocks by the body's own enzymes to form a complex structure. Due to its spatial structure, it can bind water and thus contribute to the stability and friction-free mechanics of the joints. In the skin area, hyaluronic acid ensures the natural elasticity and firmness of the connective tissue. Their natural part in the body decreases with age. The loss can be artificially replaced by certain preparations.
When is hyaluronic acid used?
Hyaluronic acid is mainly used to treat osteoarthritis (joint wear) in orthopedic medicine. Since the mid-1980s, many medical professionals have also been offering wrinkle injections with hyaluronic acid. In addition, injections with the active ingredient are also used for breast or lip enlargement.
This is how hyaluronic acid is used
General medicine
The active ingredient is available in numerous dosage forms: There are hyaluronic acid syringes, hyaluronic acid ampoules, hyaluronic acid cream, hyaluronic acid gel, hyaluronic acid eye drops and hyaluronic acid capsules.
As an injection, the active ingredient is primarily used for the direct treatment of osteoarthritis. In so-called viscous supplementation, the doctor injects the active ingredient directly into the spaces between the joints. Since hyaluronic acid is a natural component of the synovial fluid, the mobility of the joint is supported in this way. The different preparations that are on the market differ in the number of injections required.
Local treatment with the active ingredient can also support the function of the nasal mucosa - many of the commercially available nasal sprays now contain hyaluronic acid, which prevents the nasal mucosa from drying out.
In the same way, hyaluronic acid eye drops are mainly used to treat dry eyes. A thin, water-binding film forms over the eye, which keeps the eyes moist longer than natural or artificial tear fluid.
Aesthetic medicine
Hyaluronic acid creams and hyaluronic acid injections are also used in aesthetic medicine. The focus here is on wrinkle injection with hyaluronic acid. The different types of hyaluronic acid gel available differ in terms of molecular weight. In general, the effect achieved lasts about six to twelve months, after which a new wrinkle injection must be carried out.
The active ingredient is also injected to shape the buttocks, lips or breasts.
In the cosmetics industry, hyaluronic acid cream applied to the skin is used to remove slight wrinkles. The achievable effect is limited to the physical water binding, with which the uppermost skin layers should appear visually rejuvenated. However, the hyaluronic acid used cannot reach the deeper layers of the skin. A long-term effect on the connective tissue (permanent smoothing of wrinkles) is therefore excluded.
What are the side effects of hyaluronic acid?
Hyaluronic acid side effects are largely unknown as the substance occurs naturally in the human body. In rare cases there are intolerance reactions of the skin or infections after an injection. If the active ingredient is injected, therefore, very careful attention must be paid to sterile work. Injection treatment for osteoarthritis should be interrupted if the joint is inflamed or is beginning to be inflamed.
What should be considered when using hyaluronic acid?
Hyaluronic acid injections and wrinkle injections with hyaluronic acid, on the other hand, are usually carried out by a doctor. Pregnancy, breastfeeding and age generally play no role in the application.
How to get medicines with hyaluronic acid
Some products with hyaluronic acid, such as creams and eye drops, are available over-the-counter in pharmacies. An application for moistening the mucous membranes (nose and eyes) as well as for skin care falls within the scope of self-medication.
How long has hyaluronic acid been known?
Hyaluronic acid was first chemically isolated in 1934 by Karl Meyer and John Palmer. The first generation of hyaluronic acid preparations was launched on the market in 1981. The hyaluronic acid used here still comes from animal sources. Preparations in which the active ingredient is obtained fermentatively with the help of bacteria have been on the market since 1997. This significantly reduced the risk of side effects due to the allergenic potential of any animal protein residues.
Hyaluronic acid is also being used more and more in the cosmetics industry. Usually only small fragments are used here, as these are slightly better absorbed into the skin, which is supposed to increase the effect of a cream.
Tags: book tip parasites Menstruation
