What is hyaluronic acid?
Being a natural constituent of connective tissues, hyaluronic acid, by itself, does not produce obvious side effects and does not present particular contraindications for use. The possible side effects associated with its clinical, aesthetic and health use should therefore not be sought in the substance itself, but rather in the way it is administered.
To understand...
Hyaluronic acid is a component of the so-called fundamental substance of the dermis. Precisely, it is a glycosaminoglycan, that is a molecule formed by long unbranched chains of disaccharide units (alternating glycuronic acid and N-acetylglucosamine).
Hyaluronic acid is used in many different areas:
- In aesthetic medicine it is used in the form of injectable filler to correct small skin imperfections such as wrinkles, thin lips, emptied breasts, scarring lesions etc.
- In orthopedics, hyaluronic acid is injected intra-articularly (infiltration) to treat arthrosis
- In the health field, the molecule is used for the preparation of anti-aging supplements to be taken orally
- In the eye area, hyaluronic acid is used for the preparation of eye drops or ophthalmic ointments to promote the healing of the conjunctiva following a trauma
Hyaluronic acid creams
Hyaluronic acid creams are widely used in cosmetics to prevent or improve the common signs of skin aging - such as small expression lines - and to deeply moisturize the epidermis. The creams with hyaluronic acid are indicated to restore the softness and elasticity that the inexorable passage of time has avidly removed from mature skin.
Hyaluronic acid in cosmetics is a safe, non-sensitizing and well tolerated ingredient. In this type of creams, side effects (ie skin reactions) must be sought in the entire composition of the product. Immediately after applying the cream, some people observe an unpleasant reaction of the skin, which can cause redness, itching, inflammation or local swelling. To avoid similar side effects, the advice is to prefer high quality cosmetics, free of sensitizing or allergenic substances, such as perfumes. Hypoallergenic anti-age creams, prepared with hyaluronic acid and safe and effective ingredients (eg coenzyme Q10, vitamin C, vitamin E, lipoic acid and allantoin) reduce the risk of side effects.
Hyaluronic acid by mouth
Currently there is no news of any significant side effects attributable to oral intake of hyaluronic acid. Since this is a natural polymer, a specific integration of hyaluronic acid (at the doses indicated) does not seem to lead to any appreciable side effect.
However, the fact that the oral supplementation of hyaluronic acid is a relatively modern practice limits its knowledge on possible side effects and contraindications. For this reason, it is recommended to use the supplement in full compliance with the indicated dosages and for not excessively long times.
Furthermore, it is advisable to choose oral supplements of hyaluronic acid produced by bacterial fermentation and to discard those of animal origin. Let us briefly recall that until recently this type of supplement was prepared from hyaluronic acid extracted from the crests of the rooster.
Hyaluronic acid for sale online
Online a 100% pure hyaluronic acid serum infused with Vitamin C, Green tea and Jojoba Oil, in a 60 ml bottle is available, which contains a very high concentration of pure hyaluronic acid, vegan and wellness center quality. Odorless, free of impurities and 100% transparent, this innovative product rich in moisture penetrates deeply into the skin's skin layers, providing an instant moisturizing boost of organic extracts and lipids. The patented blend is rich in antioxidants that protect the face from the harmful action of free radicals. Naturally free of additives, parabens, silicones, alcohol, fillers and artificial fragrances, it is also cruelty free, that is never tested on animals.
Available online
As far as the tablet formula is concerned, instead, a natural supplement of hyaluronic acid is available in the format of 60 capsules of 400 mg, packaged in a practical resealable pack with indications in Italian. 100% Vegan and certified by the Vegan Society, it is free of lactose, gluten or artificial additives and free of Magnesium Stearate, an additive found in many supplements. Useful to fight aging and to protect joints, this product helps reduce the signs of age and promotes greater flexibility and joint mobility, revealing a useful support in the presence of osteoporosis and arthritis.
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Infiltrations of hyaluronic acid
The infiltration of hyaluronic acid is the main indication in the treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee and hip. Being an important component of synovial fluid, hyaluronic acid injected in the intra-articular area contributes to:
- lubricate the joint
- protect the cartilage from access of inflammatory cells
- cushion the mechanical stress to which the joint is subjected
Once again, the side effects deriving from the infiltration of hyaluronic acid are relatively modest: when performed in full compliance with the appropriate hygienic-behavioral rules, the administration of this substance intra-articularly does not produce obvious adverse effects. However, it is necessary to underline that an incorrect or clumsy injection can cause pain, redness, swelling and perception of heat in the infiltration site.
Infiltration of hyaluronic acid at the knee can sometimes induce side effects such as: pain circumscribed at the injection site, knee very swollen and spill of synovial fluid into the joint.
Before undergoing such therapies, patients must inform the doctor of any sensitization or allergies to drugs or substances: the excipients used in combination with hyaluronic acid could induce systemic side effects such as hypersensitivity reactions, allergies or, in most cases severe, anaphylactic shock.
Intra-articular infiltrations of hyaluronic acid are not recommended in case of ascertained or presumed viral or bacterial infection.
Hyaluronic acid injections
Hyaluronic acid fillers have taken hold in modern aesthetic medicine to correct or improve some skin imperfections or blemishes. In particular, the injections of hyaluronic acid under the skin are the main indication for smoothing expression lines, filling small scar lesions and giving firmness to thin lips and falling cheekbones.
Similar to the previous cases, the side effects derived from the injections of this type of filler are linked not so much to the molecule itself, but rather to the way in which it is injected.
Each filler injection carries its risks: in most cases, immediately after treatment, the skin reacts giving rise to phenomena such as small bruises, ecchymoses, edema, numbness and bruising. These side effects, although rather mild and easily reversible, can cause significant aesthetic discomfort: we recall, in fact, that in most cases, injections of hyaluronic acid are performed at the level of the face.
In more complex cases, a doctor with little experience could cause serious post-injection trauma, such as in particular persistent redness, nodules, intermittent edema, itching and even abscesses. Although these side effects are rather infrequent, the doctor must always inform the patient about all the risks and dangers he may be exposed to.
Hyaluronic acid injections are contraindicated in patients suffering from severe hypersensitivity to multiple substances (multiple severe allergies).
Eye drops of hyaluronic acid
Ophthalmic ointments and eye drops prepared with hyaluronic acid are reserved for the treatment of all eye diseases characterized by evident dryness (dry eye or dry keratoconjunctivitis) or conjunctival lesions (eg traumatic conjunctivitis). In these cases, hyaluronic acid promotes the healing of the conjunctiva in a relatively short time and, by attenuating the symptoms, keeps the eye hydrated.
No adverse effects have been reported on ophthalmic preparations prepared with hyaluronic acid. The possible related risks must rather be sought in the other ingredients that complete the formulation: it is not rare, in fact, that the preservatives or other excipients used in association with hyaluronic acid cause side effects such as sensitization phenomena or allergic reactions.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
All the various forms of hyaluronic acid injection (whether performed to improve aesthetics or to alleviate the symptoms of osteoarthritis) are strongly contraindicated during pregnancy or breastfeeding. This is because the researchers do not have sufficiently exhaustive data on the side effects that these injections (practiced to the mother) could give to the fetus or newborn who feeds on breast milk.
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