What is it?
Hyaluronic acid or hyaluronate (HA) is a polysaccharide in the glycosaminoglycan family (GAG), composed of glucuronic acid and N-acetylglucosamine. This is a naturally occurring molecule in the human body, where it is most concentrated in the eyes and joints.
The potential applications of HA are limited due to its high solubility in water and its rapid degradation in the human body: chemical modification is essential, which is why we must rely on stable formulations that can be used without sacrificing the product's beneficial properties.
Finally, hyaluronic acid is rapidly broken down by free radicals, which is why it is so important to use antioxidant products in skincare too!
What is it for?
Hyaluronic acid has shown a wide range of pharmacological activities: moisturizing, wound-healing, tissue-regenerating, anti-inflammatory, and anti-aging. It has the ability, in fact, to stimulate the synthesis of collagen and elastin by fibroblasts, which are cells found in our dermis. Furthermore, once these fibers have formed, it helps maintain them in their proper configuration. This is a very important aspect for the skin, because in aging skin these connections with HA are reduced, leading to the disorganization of these fibers and thus the formation of fine lines, wrinkles, and nasolabial folds. Additionally, thanks to its hydrophilic nature, retains water like a sponge: it can hold up to 1000 times its weight in water, which is exactly what makes it so effective at maintaining and improving hydration.
