2011/7/26

Most of us are familiar with the terms collagen and elastin. But do you know the functions of hyaluronic acid? Unbeknownst to many of us, this acid actually completes the trinity in promoting young looking skin.

Hyaluronic acid or HA is a type of glycosaminoglycan. This is a skin substance that fastens to elastin and collagen proteins in order to form a cartilage. Without this important acid, cartilages cannot be produced. As you know, cartilages are important in cushioning joints and making mobility a lot easier. Moreover, it helps enhance the supply of synovial fluid. This fluid acts as a lubricant to joints. HA treatments are given to many osteoporosis and rheumatoid arthritis sufferers. This is given through injection.

In the functions of the dermis, it helps prevent damages to collagen fibers. Collagen tends to get damaged because of UV rays. This acid can help reduce collagen fiber damages, thereby prolonging the healthy structure of collagen. In doing so, you can enjoy young looking skin for a longer period of time.

Unfortunately for us, our body produces certain enzymes that break down hyaluronic acid. These enzymes inadvertently eat up HA. As a result, the healthy levels of HA dwindle. Experts found out that people with low levels of HA are more susceptible to the appearance of premature wrinkles and fine lines. The dermis also tends to sag faster without the help of this acid.

Although there are a lot of HA fillers that can augment this missing acid in your body, you can do a lot of things to maintain healthy levels of HA. You can try eating more sea weeds.

In Japan, Japanese women use a sea kelp called Wakame as a facial mask. It has shown remarkable benefits in slowing down the progress of dermis aging. Studies have shown that this sea kelp can actually get rid of the harmful enzymes that attack HA. Moreover, Japanese people are also fond of eating this sea weed. They usually include it in making sushi.