Hyaluronic Acid Can Help With Anti-Aging, Skin Wellness & Health
Two factors that are crucial to maintain healthy, youthful-looking skin include dermal hydration and antioxidant protection. As we age, our skin begins to “dry out” due to a decrease in natural oil production and moisture-retention.
The damage caused by the sun's rays, along with environmental pollution contributes to the development of free radicals. Although our bodies and skin have multiple innate mechanisms to defend against free-radical damage, this process becomes less efficient as we age.
Clinical studies indicate that free radicals contribute to age-related illnesses and to the aging process itself. Antioxidants can play a vital role by helping to reduce, neutralize and eliminate the production of free radicals.
Hyaluronic acid (HA) is one of the skin's most important components for hydration and moisture retention. The nature of HA's molecular structure makes it ideal for attracting and holding water. Nearly 50% of the body's HA is found in the dermis, in the spaces between cells (extracellular matrix). HA along with derma tan sulfate, serves to maintain the water balance in the dermis and adds support for other dermal elements like collagen and elastin.
HA is also highly concentrated at a site of injury (trauma or surgery) to enhance the ability of healing cells to reach an injured area. As we age, our ability to produce sufficient levels of HA diminishes and as a result, the skin becomes drier and more vulnerable to damage.
HA is the same material that is used in popular injectable fillers such as Restylane® and Hylaform®. Topical administration and oral supplementation with hyaluronic acid along with antioxidants helps to replenish diminishing stores of these important dermal nutrients and optimizes the management of aging skin.
