How does hyaluronic acid work?
Hyaluronic acid belongs to a type of long, complicated chain-like molecules called polymers. The chain has plenty of spots on it where other chemical compounds (like water, for example) can latch on. That’s why a quarter-teaspoon of hyaluronic acid can hold about one and a half gallons of water, making it the best polymer — natural or artificial — for absorbing water (and a key ingredient in moisturizing products).
Because it has lots of space for other molecules to latch on, hyaluronic acid is great for transporting other molecules throughout your body. It also has the ability to attach itself to cells, which is why targeted delivery of medications using hyaluronic acid is a major topic of study.
Hyaluronic acid’s chain-like structure also means it can act like a scaffold structure, allowing tissues to grow. This is a key step in how wounds heal on your body. Scientists have also found hyaluronic acid in human embryos and are studying what role hyaluronic acid plays in reproduction and development.
Does hyaluronic acid work?
Yes, depending on how it’s used. It’s a versatile molecule and scientists are still finding new and beneficial ways to use it. Right now, it’s most often used for skin, joint and eye health. It’s also the topic of hundreds of scientific studies and trials around the world.
What does hyaluronic acid do for skin?
Long-term use of hyaluronic acid serum on your skin or in a supplement taken by mouth can improve overall skin health. It’s also great for helping improve overall skin flexibility and elasticity (meaning it makes your skin more stretchy and soft).
Is hyaluronic acid good for acne?
Hyaluronic acid is widely used as an ingredient in fillers that repair or conceal scars left behind by acne. There has been some limited research into combinations of hyaluronic acid and other medications to treat acne, but so far, there isn’t much evidence that these are effective.
Is hyaluronic acid safe?
Yes, depending on how it’s used. Over-the-counter hyaluronic acid serums and products applied on your skin (creams, lotions, etc.) or in eye care products are considered safe. Hyaluronic acid supplements taken by mouth are also considered safe (but you should still tell your healthcare provider about them, as you would for any other medication, vitamin or supplement).
Prescription hyaluronic acid products should be taken exactly as instructed by your healthcare provider. Injections of any kind containing hyaluronic acid should only be given by a licensed, qualified medical professional.
When should I talk to my healthcare provider about hyaluronic acid?
You may want to talk to your healthcare provider about hyaluronic acid if you’re interested in using it as a supplement. You may also want to also ask them about treatment options that use hyaluronic acid for the following conditions or purposes:
- Skin health (especially dryness, scarring, stiffness and skin diseases like scleroderma and actinic keratosis).
- Eye health, especially for treating dry eyes.
- Joint health, especially for treating arthritis and soft tissue injuries.
- For wounds that are slow to heal.
- As a treatment option for bladder pain, especially pain caused by interstitial cystitis.
- Respiratory conditions like asthma.
A note from Cleveland Clinic
Hyaluronic acid has many uses and benefits, from boosting skin, eye and joint health to accelerating wound healing. Like any medication or supplement, it’s important to talk to your healthcare provider before incorporating hyaluronic acid into your healthcare regimen.
FAQs
It keeps your skin, eyes and hair hydrated while also cushioning your joints. 50% of your body's hyaluronic acid supply is stored in the skin and can hold around 1,000 times its weight in water. It absorbs and retains water molecules to bind with collagen – resulting in fresher, more supple skin.
What are the negative side effects of hyaluronic acid? ›
The most common adverse effects associated with hyaluronic acid filler are pain, bruising, redness, itching, and swelling. These side effects are self-limited and typically last no more than seven days.
Who should avoid hyaluronic acid? ›
Allergic reaction: If you are allergic to Hyaluronic Acid, you should avoid using products that contain it. Medical conditions: If you're experiencing a medical condition, such as diabetes or a bleeding disease, or if you are pregnant or nursing, you should see a doctor before taking Hyaluronic Acid.
What happens if you use hyaluronic acid every day? ›
"Hyaluronic acid is safe and beneficial to use everyday for maintaining skin hydration," says Dr. Russak. You just need to make sure you're applying it correctly. As a rule, you want to apply your hyaluronic acid product to clean, damp skin, and the lock it in with a moisturizer and face oil.
What are the health benefits of taking hyaluronic acid? ›
The evidence suggests that hyaluronic acid helps with soft tissue growth, prompts your body to make more collagen and elastin, keeps your skin moisturized, prevents tightness, boosts elasticity, and reduces scarring.
What to avoid when using hyaluronic acid? ›
3 Hyaluronic Acid Mistakes To Avoid For Happy, Hydrated Skin
- You're not applying hyaluronic acid to damp skin. It's easy to forget this rule but it's so! ...
- You're not applying hyaluronic acid in the right order. ...
- You're not following hyaluronic acid with an oil and/or moisturiser.
Patients with a LSM 17-75kPa had significantly higher risks of death, liver-related death, and complications to cirrhosis if their hyaluronic acid measurement was more than or equal to 200ng/mL at baseline, with hazard ratios of 3.25 (95% CI 1.48–7.25), 7.7 (95% CI 2.32–28), and 3.2 (95% CI 1.35–7.39), respectively.
Is hyaluronic acid bad for kidney? ›
These data suggest that the synthesis of HA contributes to the development of skin and kidney damage in lupus-prone mice and its inhibition controls disease progression.
Does hyaluronic acid affect blood pressure? ›
Other reported side effects include: Pain. Fatigue. Increased blood pressure.
What does too much hyaluronic acid do to your face? ›
As I mentioned, Hyaluronic Acid draws its moisture from the atmosphere or environment, but when it can't find an external source, it instead collects the moisture already in your skin to draw further down, leading to increased dryness, especially at the surface level.
If you have dehydrated skin, use hyaluronic acid serum both in the morning and at night. In the morning, it might help hydrate your skin and prepare it for the day ahead. At night, it might help repair and rejuvenate your skin while you sleep. Be sure to follow up with a moisturizer to lock in the hydration.
Can too much hyaluronic acid be bad? ›
Can You Overuse Hyaluronic Acid? No, it is advised not to overuse HA. It is a humectant (draws moisture from the environment); excess HA in skincare can cause retention of more hydration than needed. Research suggested that overuse of HA can cause redness and inflammation.
When is the best time to put on hyaluronic acid? ›
When should you use hyaluronic acid? You can use hyaluronic acid as often as you like, both morning and night. If your hyaluronic is in serum form (which most are), apply it to damp skin after cleansing/toning and before moisturising.
What hyaluronic acid is best? ›
Best Overall: La Roche-Posay Hyalu-B5 Serum
Margarita Lolis, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and Mohs surgeon, points to the two different types of hyaluronic acid present in the serum—one high molecular weight, one low—which ensure deep hydration and moisture within the skin.
How long does it take for hyaluronic acid to work? ›
Hyaluronic acid is absorbed quickly, but it will take a while before you see results. “Hyaluronic acid is quickly absorbed into the skin within minutes but can take up to eight weeks or longer for visible results in the form of improved skin elasticity and increased hydration,” Cosmetic dermatologist Dr.
Does hyaluronic acid remove dark spots? ›
Will Hyaluronic Acid help get rid of dark spots? "Unfortunately, Hyaluronic Acid does not prevent or brighten hyperpigmentation spots on the skin," says Hannah. "HA focuses more on hydrating and adding water/moisture to your skin. This helps plump, firm and smooth your skin.
Can hyaluronic acid cause kidney problems? ›
Hyaluronic acid (HA), a component of the extracellular matrix, is the ligand for CD44 and has been implicated in the pathogenesis of kidney inflammation in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), but its direct role and mechanism of action have not been studied.
What happens to your skin if you use too much hyaluronic acid? ›
As I mentioned, Hyaluronic Acid draws its moisture from the atmosphere or environment, but when it can't find an external source, it instead collects the moisture already in your skin to draw further down, leading to increased dryness, especially at the surface level.
Can your skin react badly to hyaluronic acid? ›
Some people may experience skin irritation, redness, or itchiness after using hyaluronic acid products. This is usually a mild reaction that can be resolved by discontinuing the product.
