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Hyaluronic Acid

Yuzuri Hara is a small village in Japan with a very big bragging right: over 10% of the population is aged 85 or older. That is nearly ten times the number of people reaching that age or beyond in the United States, which has caused researchers to focus on this tiny village in search of the secret. The common factor to the residents of Yuzuri Hara seems to be a starchy local vegetable that is very high in something known as Hyaluronic Acid, also known as Hyaluron or HA for short.

Medical experts and health professionals have been using Hyaluronic Acid for years to help treat patients with bad or damaged joints. This is because Hyaluronic Acid is naturally found in the body, where it is used as a lubricant. In fact, the human eye is nearly 80% Hyaluronic Acid, and it is essential for lubrication and protecting the eye against trauma and impact. For joint problems, doctors will inject a solution of Hyaluronic Acid directly into the joint; the treatment typically lasts for 6 months to a year before another injection is needed.

However, when researchers learned about the unusual longevity and relative absence of age-related ailments (like diabetes, cancer or even Alzheimer's) in the residents of Yuzuri Hara, they began searching for the possible link and discovered Hyaluronic Acid to be the most probable source of the longevity. Subsequent studies have revealed that in over 50% of the cases, research participants report smoother skin and even improved eyesight after taking Hyaluronic Acid supplements.

Hyaluronic Acid is actually very plentiful in the body when we are first born, but its levels start to decrease throughout the aging process starting around 18-20 years of age. After the age of 40, levels of Hyaluronic Acid begin to drop off dramatically and researchers believe this is a large part of the reason why the signs of aging begin to become so evident at this point.

In addition to the eye and joints, Hyaluronic Acid is also commonly found in the deep layers of skin known as the dermis. Hyaluronic Acid helps keep the skin smooth and supple; in addition to its amazing lubrication properties, Hyaluronic Acid is also essential for water retention. In fact, Hyaluronic Acid can hold up to 1,000 times its own weight in water, making it easier for the skin to retain moisture and remain soft and supple.

Finally, Hyaluronic Acid has also been shown to support the foundation and maintenance of collagen. This important connective tissue also degrades with time. As a result of collagen degradation, the skin loses its tone and elasticity with time and causes the formation of fine lines and wrinkles. Hyaluronic Acid helps repair and regenerate the collagen and thus helps slow the signs of aging.

So, is Hyaluronic Acid the secret ingredient to the ultimate anti-aging remedy? Well, many researchers along with many of the premiere health and beauty companies think so; it is being used in some of the top anti-aging products on the market. While the precise mechanism still remains elusive, there is no doubt that Hyaluronic Acid helps slow the natural aging process and can help people look younger and more vibrant.

Enriched with vitamin B5, Hydrating B5 Gel by SkinCeuticals helps to moisturize and smooth the skin for a refined texture and brighter complexion.

Exuviance Evening Restorative Complex is a poly-hydroxy acid night cream that is rich in botanical extracts and antioxidants. Taking advantage of the skin's nightly repair cycle, this cream eliminates stress in the skin while hydrating to diminish the appearance of signs of aging.

In addition to the collagen-forming properties of Hyaluronic Acid Age-Defying Marine Collagen Cream by Pevonia Botanica contains natural marine collagen fibers that bond with the bodies natural collagen to enhance its production. This silky cream minimizes fine lines and age spots formed by UV sun exposure.

The delicate skin around the eyes is thinner than most skin, which is why signs of aging often appear in this area first. MD Forte Skin Rejuvenation Eye Cream is a gentle, pH-balanced cream that helps prevent and reverse signs of aging with a blend of Hyaluronic Acid, Glycolic Acid, Retinol and antioxidants.

Perhaps humans have yet to truly isolate the secret behind the aging process, but there is no question that Hyaluronic Acid and those products made with this amazing substance are part of that secret and do in fact slow the extrinsic and intrinsic aging processes significantly.

Article posted 3/19/2007.

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Age-Defying Marine Collagen Cream by Pevonia Botanica $69.50

Hydrating B5 Gel by SkinCeuticals $65.00

Evening Restorative Complex by Exuviance $40.00