A Deeper Look at Hyaluronic Acid: Internal and Topical Usage
APAN Aesthetics Network
Established in 2009, the AESTHETICS PRACTITIONERS ADVISORY NETWORK (APAN) is Australia’s fastest growing member-base
We are all familiar with hyaluronic acid – perhaps one of the most studied molecules for its benefit as a topically applied product in skincare.
We are also aware of its benefits in plumping the skin when administered through cosmetic injections.
But what about hyaluronic acid as a supplement??
Here we explore the broader applications and benefits of hyaluronic acid as well as their benefits and risk considerations.
While we are familiar with its use in the cosmetic world it is useful to know that hyaluronic acid is available in a variety of forms including:
If you do a quick search on hyaluronic acid, you will find thousands of products, from liquid serums to pills to creams that make a variety of claims.
As we know creams and serums focus on hyaluronic acid’s ability to ease skin redness and reduce wrinkles, while oral supplements?predominantly focus on acting as a lubricant for joints.
However, new evidence suggests that taking hyaluronic acid internally can not only help benefit joints and the skin but also several other conditions.
The role of hyaluronic acid in the body
Within the body, hyaluronic acid plays an important, albeit diverse, role.
It is a major component that supports epithelial tissue and it also seems to play a role in cell division and movement. This is because hyaluronic acid is a chief component of synovial fluid – the fluid found inside a synovial joint, such as the in a human’s hips or wrists, where it acts as a lubricating agent.
Hyaluronic acid is also found in joint cartilage, where it coats all the cells, and it even plays a role in the body’s innate immune system (high hyaluronic acid levels can be used as a marker for prostate and breast cancers).
The average person has ~15 g of hyaluronic acid in their body, and about 1/3 of it is degraded each day.
In short, hyaluronic acid does a lot of things from skin repair to joint lubrication, so it makes sense that is recommended for possible treatment for a wide variety of health problems ranging from osteoarthritis to sunburns. But what does the science say about its efficacy??
Ageing skin
In terms of topical application through serum or cream, the effectiveness of hyaluronic acid will be determined by its molecular size.?
Micronised hyaluronic can penetrate the skin and restore moisture levels, whereas larger molecular sizes will act more as a skin barrier for protective purposes only.
Dry eyes
Most research shows that using eye drops containing hyaluronic acid up to eight times a day can help relieve symptoms of dry eye.
Osteoarthritis
Hyaluronic acid injected into the joint has been shown to reduce joint pain and stiffness. Hyaluronic acid is approved by the TGA for this condition. But not all people seem to benefit from this treatment.
Also, any improvement is usually short-term. Having hyaluronic acid injected into the joint is not recommended for all people with osteoarthritis but can be discussed with your doctor. Some early research shows that taking hyaluronic acid orally may reduce pain in some people with osteoarthritis.
Promising results
While the below conditions have shown that hyaluronic acid has provided benefits, some of the research is not conclusive and may require further investigation:
Foot sores in people with diabetes
Research shows that applying products containing hyaluronic acid and other ingredients helps heal diabetic foot ulcers compared to regular treatment.
However, it is not clear as to whether the benefits were attributed just to the hyaluronic acid or due to the other ingredients.?Further research is required.
Eye trauma
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Some research suggests that hyaluronic acid might be injected into the eye to treat detached retina or other eye injuries.
Shoulder pain
Early research shows that injecting hyaluronic acid might improve pain in people with hemiplegic shoulder pain due to a stroke.?
Some research has shown that it can provide positive relief in pain management.
Nasal surgery
Early research in people who have had nasal surgery shows that using a hyaluronic acid nose wash might improve sinus scarring and crusting better than a salt-water nose wash.
Kidney, bladder or urethra infections
Research shows that injecting hyaluronic acid with chondroitin sulphate directly into the bladder can reduce the number of urinary tract infections s in women.
Thinning of vaginal tissue
After menopause, vaginal tissue gets thinner due to atrophy. Early research suggests that applying a solution containing hyaluronic acid to the vagina helps to reduce burning, itching, and painful intercourse in women with thinning vaginal tissue.
Wound healing
Early research shows that applying hyaluronic acid to the skin might be helpful for treating burns and skin wounds.
What about the oral administration of hyaluronic acid?
There have been a few studies?on oral treatments of hyaluronic acid, and they all seem to have quite positive results. One study?found that daily supplementation with oral hyaluronic acid enhanced several markers of quality of life in adults with osteoarthritis of the knee, and?this study also concluded that oral intake of high-purity hyaluronic acid is effective in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis.
It also found that partnering oral hyaluronic acid supplements with exercise also had positive results.
Another interesting discovery is that there is?sufficient evidence to believe that orally administered hyaluronic acid is absorbed in the digestive tract and that it does migrate to the relevant connective tissues including the skin.
There is also?evidence?that it can have a biological effect without even being absorbed. This function however depends on there being enough hyaluronic acid molecules present to interact with the relevant receptors.
Side effects
Investigations about any side effects examine the following
All the above confirmed that hyaluronic acid was likely safe when used appropriately with very rare cases of allergic reactions.?However, special precautions and warnings were given in three specific areas:
Pregnancy
Hyaluronic acid is possibly safe when given by injection when pregnant. However, there isn’t enough reliable information to know if hyaluronic acid is safe to take by mouth or apply to the skin when pregnant. Stay on the safe side and avoid the use or consult with a physician.
Breast-feeding
Hyaluronic acid is possibly safe when given by injection and breastfeeding. Researchers do not know if it affects breast milk and what effect that might have on an infant.
There is not enough reliable information to know if hyaluronic acid is safe to take by mouth or apply to the skin when breastfeeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid the use or consult with a physician.
Hardening of skin and connective tissue (scleroderma)
Applying hyaluronic acid to the skin might make skin ulcers worse in people who have a condition called scleroderma. If you have scleroderma, it is advisable not to use hyaluronic acid on your skin.