Scientists have claimed that the benefits of a 'miracle' wrinkle-reducing ingredient found in many popular skin care products may be exaggerated.
It was previously claimed that the ingredient hyaluronic acid, which absorbs moisture to form gels, can hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water.
But, although it improves skin hydration, a new study shows that hyaluronic acid traps less water than previously advertised.
The team of Scott Borchers and Michael Boring, from the University of California, Riverside, measured the molecular binding properties of hyaluronic acid and water in a solution of “1 gram of hyaluronic acid versus 1,000 grams of water.”
The researchers said: “No experimental evidence has been found of any special ability of hyaluronic acid to bind water at the claimed level (a thousand times its weight). The origin of the fallacy of binding water at this level can be traced back to ancient literature that misunderstood the meaning of binding, compared to other physical properties.” Like hydrodynamics.
Oliver Jones, of RMIT University in Melbourne, Australia, told New Scientist that although most chemists already suspect these claims are exaggerated, it is useful to correct the information for customers.
Previous studies have found that the amount of water that hyaluronic acid can trap is closer to 20 or 30 times its weight.
It should be noted that hyaluronic acid is naturally present in the body, as it helps retain moisture in the skin and eyes and lubricate the joints. It also plays a vital role in wound healing by controlling inflammation and redirecting blood flow to damaged tissue.
Hyaluronic acid levels decrease with age, and this may contribute to wrinkles and conditions such as osteoporosis.
Wonderful!
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