Hydrate your skin from within
Hyaluronic acid (HA) variously called “Nature’s Moisturiser” or “Fountain of Youth” is found throughout the body as it forms part of the structural tissue that holds tissues together. HA is a fundamental component of the extracellular matrix, which occupies the areas between cells.
Almost half (7.5 grams) of HA in the body is located in the collagen of skin, acting as a moisture retaining gel. It is also found in most tissues in the body including the heart, eyes (vitreous humour), joints (synovial fluid), tendons and ligaments. Scientific studies have shown that HA improves skin and tissue hydration; works as a free radical scavenger; and stimulates the production of collagen in the skin. HA itself has a short lifespan and the body must be produce it each day to maintain the levels necessary for the repair and regeneration of tissues lost through wear and tear.
HA is continuously synthesised in the body by a class of membrane enzymes called hyaluronan synthases which lengthen HA by repeatedly adding glucuronic acid and N-acetylglucosamine to the nascent polysaccharide molecule. In the reverse process, HA is broken down by enzymes called hyaluronidases into oligosaccharides and very low molecular weight HA which exhibit pro-angiogenic properties (forming new blood vessels), which is important in the tissue healing process.
HA is a common ingredient in many skin care products especially those that claim to make the skin look younger and banish wrinkles. In 2003 the FDA approved the use of HA injections for filling soft tissue defects such as facial wrinkles. These injections, which have become very popular, temporarily smooth wrinkles by adding volume under the skin. These effects may typically last 4-6 months.
The unique viscous nature of HA and the fact that it does not stimulate immune or allergic responses and is extremely well tolerated in the body has led to its use in a number of clinical applications including the treatment of osteoarthritis and associated joint problems (Puhl W et al Ann.Rheum Dis 56(7);637-40); as a surgical aid in eye surgery (Miller D et al “A comprehensive guide to its use in Ophthalmic Surgery”. J Wiley NY 1983); as an essential stimulator of the healing process and tissue regeneration in burns and surgical wounds (J Chem/G Abatangelo,Wound Repair and Regeneration,1999,7:79-89
HA supplements in tablet or capsule form have been available for some time but the quality of the HA varies enormously. Some tablets have low grade HA and poor absorption in the gut and most gelatine capsules have gelatine of animal origin which, since CJD, consumers want to avoid.
A major breakthrough has been the development of a liquid formulation of HA which is rapidly absorbed in the gut and can appear in the body in less than sixty minutes (J. Agric. Food Chem.2008, 56, 10582-10593)
PUREHA has been led & created by science so introduce it into your beauty regime today and begin the fight against ageing skin.
