Tag: moisture

Hyaluronic Acid – What is it?

Today’s post is about hyaluronic acid. That ingredient that every skin care company is sprucing about in the media.

In this post we will look at what it actually is and is it worthy of all the media hype.

What is hyaluronic acid or HA?

HA is a humectant — a substance that retains moisture — and it is capable of binding over one thousand times its weight in water. It is actually a substance that occurs naturally in the body where its primary function is to trap water inside tissue cells as well as lubricate the joints. The skin contains about half of the hyaluronic acid in the body. The HA binds to water molecules, which helps keep the skin hydrated and supple.

It also plays a crucial role in wound healing by controlling inflammation and redirecting blood flow to damaged tissue.

Hyaluronic acid levels in the body decrease as people age. This contributes to the physical signs of aging, such as the appearance of wrinkles, and to age-related conditions, including osteoarthritis.

Different uses and benefits

The most talked about use for HA is anti-aging and the skin. However, it is also used in some eye drops to help with dry eye symptoms. It has been found to assist with wound healing when used topically.

Hyaluronic acid injections are also used to treat osteoarthritis.

Research has also found that hyaluronic acid supplements may help reduce symptoms of acid reflux.

As a skin moisturiser, there are a variety of serums, creams and lotions which contain HA.

Studies have found that HA comes in different molecular sizes. The larger molecules, are the best at binding water and offering hydration, cannot penetrate into the skin. When applied topically (to the skin), these molecules sit on top of the skin. This will only Improve hydration at the very surface.

Much smaller molecules can penetrate deeper into the skin; however, these molecules bind less water. For a product to provide maximum surface hydration, it needs to contain HA molecules in a variety of sizes.

HA is also used in dermal fillers, many of which are composed of HA in an injectable gel form. HA fillers add volume by physically filling the area where they are placed, as well as by drawing water to enhance the filling effect. Hyaluronic fillers, can last anywhere from six months to 2 years before being gradually metabolised by the body, depending on their specific chemical makeup.

So, Hyaluronic acid is a really versatile substance and may be the solution you are looking for. As always, it is recommended to seek advice from your chosen health professional.

We hope you found this information interesting,

Till the next post,

Live clean n prosper

Sources: Harvard Health Publishing – Nation Library of Medicine – Web MD

A condition called ‘Dry Eyes’

[Today’s post is about an eye condition called Dry Eyes.

Recently I was talking to a work colleague about this condition. It is a condition that I have also experienced.

For me it presented as really watery eyes in the morning, so much so that it looked like I was crying. When I spoke to the Optometrist I thought it really weird that the condition was called “Dry Eyes” because they were far from dry.

At the time I did a little research to learn more about the condition. It wasn’t until recently that I thought that others would also be interested in what I learned.

So, as most of us are aware, the tears provide moisture and lubrication to help you see and to keep the eyes comfortable.

What’s in a tear?

Tears are a mix of water, oils, mucus and 1500 different special proteins and antibodies that protect the eyes and keep infection at bay. All these ingredients come from special glands around the eye.

So, what is the condition ‘Dry Eyes’?

The condition ‘Dry eyes’ occurs when your tears aren’t able to provide adequate lubrication for your eyes. Tears can be inadequate for many reasons.

What Causes it?

Sometimes, there’s a lack of balance in your tear-flow system. Items such as your air conditioner, heater, or other things around you could dry out your tear film. Other common causes include:

  • Certain medical conditions that affect your ability to make tears, including diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, thyroid disorders and vitamin A deficiency
  • Side effects of certain medications including antihistamines and decongestants.
  • The natural ageing process, especially menopause
  • Laser eye surgery, though symptoms of dry eyes related to this procedure are usually temporary
  • Tear gland damage from inflammation
  • Or increased tear evaporation, which may be caused by; Wind, smoke or dry air, Blinking less often, for example, while reading, driving or watching a screen, or an imbalance in tear composition
There are several different symptoms.

For some it creates a scratchy sensation or the feeling that something is in the eye.

Sometimes, dry eyes create too many tears. This confusing condition is called reflex tearing. It happens because the lack of moisture irritates your eye. It sends a distress signal through your nervous system for more lubrication. Your body sends a flood of tears to try to make up for the dryness.

Other symptoms include stinging or burning, discharge, pain, and redness in the eye. People with dry eye may also feel as if their eyelids are heavy and may experience blurred vision.   

 How Are Dry Eyes Treated?

There are a number of options. Mild dry eye symptoms may be treated with over-the-counter medications such as artificial tears, gels, and ointments. Many types of drops are available over the counter. No one product works for everyone, so you might have to try a few to figure out the one that’s right for you.

There are also environmental and lifestyle changes you can make. Changes like reducing screen time and taking periodic eye breaks may help. Closing the eyes for a few minutes, or blinking repeatedly for a few seconds, may help to replenish tears and spread them more evenly across the eyes.

(Sources  – www.nei.nih.gov, www.webmd.com, www.mayoclinic.org)

I hope that you also found this information helpful. If you find you have ‘dry eye’ symptoms, it’s best to ask your eye care professional what to do. My own condition improved after just a couple of weeks using an over-the-counter eye drops.

Till the next post,

Live clean n Prosper