Hyaluronic acid has never ceased to amaze scientists since 1934, when it was discovered in the vitreous body of the eye and finally synthesised in 1964. This glycosaminoglycan – mucopolysaccharide is an indispensable part of the connective tissue, the main component of all layers of the skin, both surface cells and the extracellular matrix. Given that this simplest of all glycosaminoglycans is the only one that does not bind to proteins, it is highly hygroscopic – it can contain up to 1,000 times more water than its own weight. Today we know that without good hydration, there is no healthy and elastic skin, nor are there well-lubricated joints. In short, lack of water accelerates ageing at all levels.
Modern times are characterised by a fierce struggle to remain young for as long as possible, to the extent that it sometimes has grotesque consequences. But, we have to admit, all fashion trends from ancient times to the present day will always be surpassed by a healthy look. The very fact that health is attractive in any shape and form tells us clearly what we need to work on. Health requires a holistic approach and persistent care. It is precisely hyaluronic acid that can help us make our beauty shine through health. Today, it is an indispensable component not only of skin care products, but also of products that keep our joints healthy, in treatments for skin injuries and eye surgery.
HYALURONIC ACID AND THE SKIN
Hyaluronic acid is present throughout our body – 50 percent of it is present in our skin. A person who weighs 70 kilos has 15 grams of hyaluronic acid; it is short-lived – it lasts less than a day – and therefore must be renewed daily. The specific properties of hyaluronic acid have the power not only to restore fullness and suppleness to the skin, but also to heal it – it promotes the healing of acute wounds, quickly and efficiently, without contraindications. How does hyaluronic acid work? It has been proven to promote the expression of inflammatory cytokines, thereby stimulating angiogenesis and activation of keratinocytes and fibroblasts, which is very important in the tissue granulation phase during the recovery process. Our body naturally sends hyaluronic acid to a skin injury, which binds to fibrinogen and thus contributes to the creation of a protective gelatinous layer within which immune cells that prevent infections can freely circulate. It directly contributes to tissue regeneration, whether it is to do with injuries, surgical cuts, burns or dermabrasion.
Our skin deteriorates due to the inevitable ageing process; however, it is believed that it deteriorates even more due to the influence of the harmful effects of UV rays – as much as 80 per cent of damage to face skin is caused by the sun’s rays. This so-called “photoaging” does not only lead to drying of the skin, but also to increased pigmentation, which manifests itself on the skin in the form of freckles and spots. Hormones can be another culprit for the sagging and sallow appearance of the skin. Hormonal changes in perimenopause in women are also visible on the face, so at the end of the 40’s the skin begins to sag rapidly and wrinkles deepen. Since hyaluronic acid can increase skin hydration by as much as 55 percent, it is an excellent fighter against photoaging; it is well tolerated, even by the most sensitive skin.
So, when it comes to beautiful skin, hyaluronic acid has no equal, which is why today it is a common ingredient found in anti-ageing care products. This ubiquitous polymer in our body is biochemically complex because it interacts differently with cell receptors depending on its molecular weight. How hyaluronic acid will stabilise and contribute to the hydration of the extracellular matrix depends on these receptors. For example, it has been observed that the interaction of the hyaluronic acid matrix and its cellular receptor glycoprotein CD44 results in an improved cellular response, which involves stabilisation of hyaluronic acid and increased hydration in the extracellular matrix. On the face, it produces the effect of a face-lift, gives the skin elasticity and smoothness, and it also leads to the disappearance of fine wrinkles and the softening of deep wrinkles. In addition to the aesthetic effect, quick and deep hydration provides optimal health to the epidermis and creates a barrier that prevents infections.
Today, it is possible to harness the best of hyaluronic acid in laboratories. This is how PrincipHYAL® Cube3 was born, a full-spectrum biotechnological sodium hyaluronate fraction that achieves full effect in just half an hour. Penetrating deep into the skin, it helps build the matrix, so it gives the skin an instant lift and full hydration, resulting in a firmer, smoother and healthier look. Tired skin gets energy, and wrinkles are reduced. Today, this completely safe and highly effective biotechnological achievement is part of the top-quality Devi cosmetics of Herba Svet.
CAN WE DRINK IT?
But that is not all. We do not just have to apply hyaluronic acid to the skin and under the skin. Research has proven that hyaluronic acid can be taken through supplements, which also promotes its synthesis in fibroblasts, and can be injected directly into the joints to improve the synovial fluid that lubricates it.
People suffering from osteoarthritis know how painful this degenerative joint disease is and how much it impairs their quality of life. Osteoarthritis is common in the elderly; in addition to pain, it causes swelling and a feeling of stiffness, which is a consequence of insufficient lubrication of the joints. Each joint functions thanks to the synovial fluid that lubricates the cartilage, and when there is not enough of it, the cartilage wears out and deteriorates. After scientists had conducted research into possible applications of hyaluronic acid, they realised that – as it is an integral part of the synovial fluid – the solution is to inject it into joints. By monitoring patients, it was concluded that it is enough to inject hyaluronic acid into the knee of those who suffer from osteoarthritis once a year to facilitate movement and relieve pain. All this is achieved completely naturally and safely, with an effect that lasts for as long as a year.
In addition to being given in injections, hyaluronic acid can also be administered orally; in this application the effect will be much wider: while it increases the volume of synovial fluid, its effect will also be noticeable on our skin. As prevention is better than cure, we do not need to wait for our cartilage to fail before we react. This kind of preventative treatment is available from the Herba Svet laboratory: Glutathione Hyaluronic is a preparation that contains glutathione and other amino acids, as well as biotin and liposomal vitamin C, alongside hyaluronic acid. All these ingredients work synergistically to contribute to the creation and renewal of collagen, which results in healthy bones, cartilage and skin. Glutathione Hyaluronic is especially useful for people with degenerative changes in the joints, such as osteoarthritis; it can also be safely used by anyone wishing to prevent such disorders, or to simply contribute to their general health. Regular use of the product contributes to the renewal of the extracellular matrix, which gives visible results already after eight weeks of use; after 12 weeks of use, the skin is visibly more elastic, softer and more supple and wrinkles are reduced.
With Glutathione Hyaluronic and Devi cosmetics, we can look after our health in a natural way, which is already visible at first glance. No surgery, no injections and no pain – because health is definitely very attractive.
