HYALURONIC ACID

HA is a substance that, by its chemical composition, is a polysaccharide consisting of disaccharide units. One molecule may contain from 12 to 25 thousand of these units, which makes modification possible. HA is produced in the bodies of all living organisms. It is a component of nervous, connective, and epithelial tissues. HA is produced by special cells called fibroblasts, while its biodegradation occurs through enzymes known as hyaluronidases. In the body of a person weighing 70 kg, there are approximately 15 grams of HA, and about one-third of this amount is broken down or synthesized daily. At the same time, HA is completely renewed every 4 days.

HA is a substance that, by its chemical composition, is a polysaccharide consisting of disaccharide units. One molecule may contain from 12 to 25 thousand of these units, which makes modification possible. HA is produced in the bodies of all living organisms. It is a component of nervous, connective, and epithelial tissues. HA is produced by special cells called fibroblasts, while its biodegradation occurs through enzymes known as hyaluronidases. In the body of a person weighing 70 kg, there are approximately 15 grams of HA, and about one-third of this amount is broken down or synthesized daily. At the same time, HA is completely renewed every 4 days.

Functions of Hyaluronic Acid in the Skin

• The most important role of HA in the body is its ability to retain water. Since it is a natural gel-forming substance, by binding water in the intercellular spaces, HA increases tissue resistance to compression and provides protection against external influences.
• HA promotes the production of elastin and collagen and also helps maintain them in the proper position, thereby preserving the skin’s firmness and elasticity.
• HA directly affects the processes of cell metabolism and regeneration because it is responsible for the distribution and transport of water in tissues.

Thanks to all of this, HA keeps the skin healthy, smooth, firm, and attractive in appearance.

Fibroblasts that synthesize HA are highly active in a young body. Unfortunately, with age (approximately starting at 25 years old), the production of this polysaccharide slows down under the influence of many unfavorable factors: poor-quality drinking water, chemical environmental pollution, smoking, stress, and the high content of preservatives and artificial colorings in food. Ultraviolet radiation plays an especially destructive role: excessive exposure causes HA synthesis in the skin to stop while increasing the rate of its breakdown. In addition, with age the skin’s water balance becomes impaired because the amount of moisture penetrating the dermis through blood vessels decreases (overall blood circulation in the skin worsens).

All of this leads to the destruction of intercellular connections, slower collagen synthesis, impaired tissue blood supply, and reduced protective and barrier functions. The skin’s elasticity and tone decrease; it becomes thinner, dull, loose, and dehydrated, and wrinkles and folds begin to appear.