Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a common ingredient in skincare products that helps to hydrate the skin. However, depending on its size and interacting receptors, HA can offer other excellent benefits to the skin, especially for sensitive skin, skin damaged by acne or invasive procedures, or skin needing recovery after cosmetic treatments, etc.

1. Unique Molecular Structure of Hyaluronic Acid

Hyaluronic acid (HA) was first discovered in 1934 from bovine eye extracts, but its molecular structure was not determined until 1951 by two scientists, Karl Meyer and John Palmer.

Accordingly, Hyaluronic acid is a glycosaminoglycan polymer, with each unit consisting of two molecules: β-1,4 - D-glucuronic acid and β-1,3 -N-acetyl-D-glucosamine. This "multi-armed network" structure allows Hyaluronic acid to capture large amounts of water molecules, explaining its excellent moisture-absorbing ability.

HA is found in various tissues throughout the body, including skin, eyeballs, joint fluid, and even within cells. It is estimated that a person weighing 70 kg has about 15 g of HA, of which more than half is concentrated in the skin. This information confirms the important role of HA in the body's vital activities, especially in skin structure.

2. Role of HA in Skin Structure

Studies have been conducted and reported that HA binds to the cell membrane through three main receptors, including: (1) CD44 - a membrane glycoprotein; (2) RHAMM - hyronate-mediated motility receptor; (3) ICAM-1 - intercellular adhesion molecule 1.

Corresponding to each receptor, Hyaluronic acid undertakes different functions in the vital activities of cells, acting as a cell signaling transducer (leading to differentiation, proliferation) and necessary for various vital activities of the body such as a conductor, balancing hydration, and the ability to fight free radicals.

The image above shows the interaction of HA with the CD44 receptor (a receptor involved in hemostasis and collagen production)

2.1 As a component of skin structure

HA is one of the two main components of the extracellular matrix, produced by specialized cells in the dermis. It acts as a messenger for cell proliferation and differentiation processes, and also plays a role in attracting and hydrating epidermal cells.

Reduced production of Hyaluronic acid is one of the main causes of accelerated skin aging, leading to dry, dull skin and wrinkle formation.

2.2 Hydration

We all know that HA can carry 1000 times its molecular weight in water, but how does it do this?

Firstly, HA forms networks that trap and hold water molecules. By natural tendency, these water molecules attract and capture surrounding water molecules, and so the number 1000 is established.

2.3 Antioxidant

The reducing property of the amide group in the molecular structure of β-1,3 -N-acetyl-D-glucosamine within each HA unit allows it to react with oxidizing agents, protecting the skin from damage caused by these agents.

2.4 Improves signs of aging, fills wrinkles

HA is also used in anti-aging and wrinkle-reducing products due to its ability to signal tissue regeneration, improve moisture, stimulate collagen production, and rejuvenate the skin.

According to research results published in the Article in German in 2016, conducted on 20 women with periocular wrinkles for 3 months. After treatment with topical HA cream therapy, they observed a significant improvement in skin elasticity and firmness by 13-30%, a significant reduction in wrinkle depth by 10-20%, and improved hydration levels in all treated patients.

3. Hyaluronic Acid in Healing and Recovery of Skin Damage

The skin acts as a protective barrier for the body, making it susceptible to physical damage. Additionally, acne and invasive cosmetic procedures can also lead to skin lesions.

At this point, the wound healing mechanism is activated, and HA is essential for this process. Increased hyaluronic acid concentrations at damaged skin sites have been recorded, providing a basis for scientists to hypothesize and conduct research on its role in wound healing.

The wound healing process goes through 4 stages including (1) Hemostasis; (2) Inflammatory stage; (3) Proliferative stage; (4) Remodeling stage.

Hyaluronic acid increases factors necessary for wound healing

Research results show that intermediate catabolites of HA increase the expression of receptors and factors that play an important role in wound healing.

HA2 significantly increased the expression of TGF-β1 (a growth factor necessary for wound healing (p <0.05), CD44 (p <0.005) and collagen I (p <0.05). HA1000 was associated with significantly higher levels of CD44 (p <0.005), RHAMM (p <0.005), collagen III (p <0.05) and collagen I (p <0.05).

Hyaluronic acid increases collagen deposition during tissue regeneration

Studies have also demonstrated a significant change (greater than 25%) in the increase of collagen III in wounds treated with HA250 compared to control wounds.

Hyaluronic acid limits the expression of excessive inflammatory responses

After blood clotting in the wound healing process comes an inflammatory reaction with classic manifestations: swelling, heat, redness, pain. Although essential for wound healing, if uncontrolled, these manifestations can affect aesthetics, psychology, and daily life.

Through interaction with the CD44 receptor, HA controls the amount of leukocytes migrating to the injury site, allowing a sufficient amount for the wound healing process while limiting excessive inflammatory reactions, reducing swelling, and improving the aesthetic appearance of the damaged skin area.

4. Supplementing HA for the skin

Therefore, it would be a mistake if people only perceive HA as a moisturizing ingredient in skincare products and choose to use it only when experiencing dry skin issues. In fact, a deficiency of HA in the skin is one of the main causes of aging symptoms such as wrinkles, hyperpigmentation spots, and dry, dull skin.

Therefore, it is advisable to establish a habit of supplementing HA daily for the skin as early as possible to ensure the skin remains smooth, bright, and healthy, and to slow down the aging process.

oh!oh! HA & Proteoglycans Amber Serum (with 3.1% Hyaluronic Acid & 5% Proteoglycans Complex) (30ml) - Intensive Moisturizing, Restoring & Rejuvenating Serum

Breakthrough formula with 3.1% multi-molecular weight Hyaluronic Acid combined with 5% Proteoglycans Complex

To apply and optimize the effects of HA on the skin, oh!oh! chose to incorporate 3.1% multi-molecular weight Hyaluronic Acid to deliver optimal moisture to multiple skin layers, provide long-lasting hydration, and enhance the skin's water-retention ability. Combined with 5% Proteoglycans Complex, it helps create a cushioning structure under the skin, prevents signs of aging, and maintains firm, smooth, and elastic skin texture.

Scientifically formulated ingredient list provides all the necessary nutrients for the skin

• 3.1% Multi-molecular weight Hyaluronic Acid: balances skin moisture, improves dryness and dullness, and limits the appearance of aging signs.

• 5% Proteoglycans Complex: replenishes deficient Proteoglycans in the epidermal structure, enhances skin hydration, and maintains healthy skin.

• Niacinamide (vitamin B3): an active ingredient with brightening effects, balancing skin tone, anti-inflammatory, and reducing skin irritation.

• Comfrey (Allantoin): an ingredient extracted from comfrey leaves and roots that helps soothe skin and reduce redness and irritation.

• Ceramide NP: maintains strong connections between skin cells, forming a protective layer to prevent moisture loss and simultaneously help fight skin damage caused by environmental factors.

• Amino Acid Complex: prevents and improves wrinkles by reducing Collagen degradation and promoting dead skin cell exfoliation

• Peptide Complex: helps stimulate the production of Collagen, Elastin, and Glycosaminoglycans in the skin, repairs damaged DNA cells, stimulates the skin cells' self-repair mechanism, and prevents premature aging

The product has a rich yet gentle serum texture that is easily absorbed by the skin, leaving it feeling smooth and refreshed after use.

See detailed product information here

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