Questions about Hyaluronic Acid
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free skin care · Tue Nov 15, 2005 4:56 pm

Hyaluronic Acid in the Skin

In the skin, the extracellular matrix is composed of hyaluronic acid and other sulfated GAGs, combined with collagen and elastin. Large amounts of water are held in the ECM. When elastin is not bathed in water, it becomes dry and brittle, thus the look of dry, brittle, wrinkled skin.1

Half-life is defined as the time required for one half of the total amount of a particular substance to be consumed, broken down, or depleted. The half-life of hyaluronic acid in the cartilage is 2-3 weeks. But the half-life of hyaluronic acid in the skin is less than 1 day! Hyaluronic acid is present in both the dermis and the epidermis. 50% of the body’s naturally produced hyaluronic acid that is found in the epidermis is metabolized and excreted in less than 24 hours. Like hyaluronic acid produced in the body, hyleronic acid taken as a nutritional supplement moisturizes from the dermis to the epidermis - from deeper layers of the skin to the outer layer.

The extracellular matrix fills up the space between the skin cells. This makes the skin soft, smooth and elastic. But as we age, hyaluronic content in the skin changes due to two separate clinically proven factors.

1. There is a decrease in synthesis of hyaluronic acid.
2. Recompartmentalization – from the epidermis to the dermis.

Both changes leave the epidermis depleted in hyaluronic acid resulting in thinning, aging, and decreased moisture in the skin.
Skin Treatment
Hyaluronic acid injection can be used to improve the skin's contour and reduce depressions in the skin due to acne, scars, injury or lines. Immediately or within a few hours after injection the site may be red and swollen. This usually disappears within a week. Another one or two treatments (at least a week apart) may be necessary to achieve the desired correction. Hyaluronic acid implantation is not permanent. Like natural hyaluronic acid, manufactured hyaluronic acid once injected into the skin will gradually break down and be absorbed by the body. In most cases, the hyaluronic acid augmentation usually lasts between 6-9 months. Compared to collagen implants hyaluronic acid appears to have a longer augmentation effect, possibly lasting 2 to 3 times longer than the average collagen implant. To maintain the initial results, repeat hyluronic acid injections or top-up treatments will be necessary. Most people following this protocol have 2 to 3 treatments per year. 7

Alternative Treatments
Alternative treatments which impact the hyaluronic acid in the skin include Retinoids prescribed by physicians which increase the natural synthesis of hyaluronic acid and accelerate the shedding of the skin. Chemical peels remove the top, dry layer(s) of the skin. Facials cleanse the pores and superficially moisturize the skin.

My questions is...Should we be taking hyaluronic acid orally? Should we be using Retinoids to stimulate natural synthesis of hyaluronic acid? I already use Skinceutical Retinoid cream and I have to say it is great. Also, if anyone knows if hyaluronic acid helps Vitamin C serum to absorb better?

Thu Nov 17, 2005 4:28 am

Sorry, can't answer your questions.... But could you please provide a reference for the content of your post? Thank you Smile

free skin care · Thu Nov 17, 2005 12:01 pm

I found the info here:
http://www.discount-vitamins-herbs.net/Hyaluronic-acid.htm

I guess its not a reliable source at all. Maybe its some unvalidated claim health food store made up?

Thu Nov 17, 2005 11:28 pm

Thank you

I just wanted to make sure we have a reference (regardless where it's from) because it was pasted here. Thanks again.

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