Hyaluronic acid (HA) is one of the main elements of the extracellular matrix (ECM): a matrix that creates spaces between cells and acts as a scaffold to all living cells. It is the ECM that determines how our tissues look and work.1-3
When it comes to HA, size matters.2
High molecular weight HA (HMW-HA) is the most beneficial for skin as it is able to bind larger amounts of water. 1
HMW-HA therefore provides good lubrication, hydration, and space-filling properties for tissues, important characteristics for injectables and skin products.2,3
On the other hand, if the molecular weight of HA is too low, it may cause inflammation.2
Hyaluronic acid plays a critical role in skin health by stimulating the production of cells called fibroblasts.2,5 Fibroblasts are in turn responsible for producing collagen and elastin.5 Thus hyaluronic acid provides desired levels of hydration and elasticity while keeping the skin firm and supple.4 It also acts as an antioxidant, protecting our cells from damage and therefore allowing the ECM to function correctly (for example, in wound healing).6
- Robert L. Hyaluronan, a truly "youthful" polysaccharide. Its medical applications. Pathol Biol (Paris). 2015 Feb;63(1):32-4.
- Papakonstantinou E, Roth M, Karakiulakis G. Hyaluronic acid: A key molecule in skin aging. Dermatoendocrinol. 2012 Jul 1;4(3):253-8.
- Valachová K, Volpi N, Stern R, Soltes L. Hyaluronan in Medical Practice. Curr Med Chem. 2016;23(31):3607-3617.
- Olejnik, A., Goscianska, J. and Nowak, I. Significance of hyaluronic acid in cosmetic industry and aesthetic medicine. Chemik 66, 129–135 (2012).
- Stern R, Asari AA, Sugahara KN. Hyaluronan fragments: an information-rich system. Eur J Cell Biol. 2006 Aug;85(8):699-715.
- Mendoza G, Prieto JG, Real R, et al. Antioxidant profile of hyaluronan: physico-chemical features and its role in pathologies. Mini Rev Med Chem. 2009 Nov 1;9(13):1479-88.