Hyaluronic Acid: are you really still only using it for wrinkles?
Hyaluronic acid has now become part of our common vocabulary as a fundamental element of any respectable skincare routine. But what makes it so special and popular, and above all, why does everyone seem to be absolutely obsessed with it?
A closer look at hyaluronic acid
Used as a base in many creams, masks, and serums, as well as having endless pharmaceutical applications, we find it in products like eye drops, vocal cord sprays, and creams for repairing connective tissues. But it can also be taken orally, through supplements of various forms and compositions.
There are different types of hyaluronic acid, and what differentiates them is their molecular weight. High molecular weight hyaluronic acid acts on the surface, creating an invisible film that hydrates and protects the skin. In contrast, low molecular weight hyaluronic acid is able to act more deeply, reaching the deeper layers and stimulating the production of new collagen.
A bit of biology
From a biological point of view, the hyaluronic acid molecule is a sugar and is naturally produced by our body to keep tissues hydrated and soft. This means that hyaluronic acid is already a natural part of our body's tissues. It is the component responsible for the hydration of connective tissue that protects, supports, and above all nourishes other tissues, thanks to its extraordinary ability to retain and transmit hydration.
What you might not have known is that 1 gram of hyaluronic acid is equivalent to 3 liters of water: each of its molecules can bind many water molecules, multiplying its weight up to 1000 times. This characteristic alone explains the extraordinary moisturizing capacity of this ingredient, which, when it comes into action, regenerates the skin and promotes the healing of lesions and small wounds.
Although hyaluronic acid is naturally produced by our body, its production is not always regular. With advancing age, its level decreases, pushing us to search for new ways and tricks to replenish it. Wherever there is a loss of tone or a wrinkle appears, hyaluronic acid can come to our aid. But would you have ever thought of using it on your vulva and vagina too?
Treating dryness
As we know, the loss of tone and hydration does not only affect the skin of the face, which we dedicate most of our attention to. The vulva and vagina are not immune to dryness and aging, and just like the rest of the body, they need to be rehydrated. And even if the result "down there" is not visible to everyone, it certainly is to the most important person, which is you.
When it can be truly useful
There are some cases more than others where hyaluronic acid can prove to be a true friend.
Menopause
With the onset of menopause, it is not uncommon to suffer from vaginal dryness or vulvar atrophy. In this delicate phase of life, what can happen at the vaginal level is that the tissues thin out and become more fragile and sensitive to friction, with a negative impact on the quality of sexual life and pleasure during intercourse. In these cases, rehydrating the skin of the vaginal canal is essential.
Chronic diseases
Hyaluronic acid can also be an excellent helper if we have been diagnosed with - or suspect - vulvodynia, a little-known condition that causes severe pain and sharp aches. In these cases, hyaluronic acid supplementation could be ideal for alleviating pain and dryness, and helping us regain serenity with our body.
Oncological therapies
Another instance where hyaluronic acid for vaginal dryness is highly appreciated and useful is in oncological patients, as oncological therapies are incompatible with the administration of estrogens - the number one allies of vaginal lubrication. During chemotherapy, estrogens also tend to decrease, causing dryness and itching. Where hormonal therapies do not reach, hyaluronic acid can truly be a precious ally.
Postpartum or post-operation
Finally, thanks to its great ability to repair connective tissue, a hyaluronic acid-based product can help treat painful scars or lesions, for example, those after childbirth or an operation, restoring the skin to its normal healthy state.
Alone or in combination with other treatments
Today's market offers solutions of different impact and extent to resolve vaginal dryness. One of these is biostimulation, which consists of a series of injections of hyaluronic acid and other substances capable of toning the tissues of the vulva and vagina.
Alternatively, there are also vaginal laser treatments: these are non-invasive and painless in-office sessions that help counteract vaginal atrophy and the consequent dryness. Both treatments improve tissue trophism without the need for hormones, and are effective from the first session. Furthermore, they can be combined with products for continuous use, such as Intymate Hyaluronic Acid Intimate Moisturizing Gel. If you prefer a solution to apply independently and in complete privacy, or simply want to integrate a more structured treatment, this is the product for you.
Intymate supports you with information and tools for conscious intimate well-being. If you believe you need professional help, do not underestimate the importance of a visit with a gynecologist who can answer all your questions.
You can find many other insights on personal and intimate well-being here on the site: happy exploring!
