Hyaluronic acid and skin?
Hyaluronic acid plays a vital role in connective tissues such as the skin. The dermis of the skin comprises a network of collagen fibers within an interstitial substance composed largely of hyaluronic acid. The elastic properties of hyaluronic acid offer resistance to compression, so that the skin protects underlying structures against damage. At the same time, the non-Newtonian properties of hyaluronic acid allow the collagen fibers to move easily through the interstitial substance. This lubrication by hyaluronic acid allows the skin to accommodate the changes in shape and volume that occur when the underlying bones and joints move. The hyaluronic acid gel in the skin also inhibits movement of foreign particles, such as bacteria. This makes an important contribution to the skins defensive function as a barrier to infection. The barrier also affects the free passage of other exogenous material, such as some drugs. This is the reason why some subcutaneous injections and drugs in creams
