What is hyaluronic acid?

Hyaluronic acid – also known as Hyaluronan, Hyaluronate or HA – is a substance that is naturally found in the human body, where it acts as a cushion and lubricant in the joints and other tissues. In particular, it’s present in high concentrations in fluids in the eyes and in the joints.

HA has multiple beneficial functions, such as hydrating the skin, stimulating the production of collagen in skin, acting as an antioxidant and free radical scavenger, maintaining skin elasticity and cushioning joints and nerve tissues. It also has an antibacterial and anti-inflammatory function and maintains the fluid in the eye tissues.

As other protective agents in the body though, Hyaluronic acid decreases with the ageing process.

Hyaluronic acid has several medical applications – for example to treat osteoarthritis. Cosmetically, it is used as a common ingredient in skin-care products and as main active ingredient of injectable treatments for filling soft tissue defects such as facial wrinkles.

Hyaluronic acid fillers are the most common type of dermal fillers. Juvederm and Restylane are common brand names of injectables based on Hyaluronic acid.

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