Hyaluronic acid is found in many dry eye treatments – and other skincare and beauty products – but is it actually helpful or just another filler ingredient? Well, you’ll be pleased to know that hyaluronic acid is an ingredient of key importance. Keep reading to learn how.
What is hyaluronic acid good for?
Hyaluronic acid is a slippery, gooey substance produced naturally by the human body that keeps our eyes, skin and joints well lubricated. This helps things to move smoothly within our bodies, which can reduce pain in the case of joint conditions such as arthritis. As well as our joints, it also hydrates our skin, encouraging flexibility and reducing the visibility of wrinkles. Hyaluronic acid can even help our wounds to heal faster and leave fewer scars.[1]
As well as all that, hyaluronic acid is also incredibly good at holding water, so it’s often included in moisturisers and other hydrating skincare products, such as serums, face masks and creams. This is also why it’s a popular ingredient for hydrating eye drops. Hyaluronic acid helps to hold moisture in the tear film, lubricating the eyes and banishing the itchy, uncomfortable feeling of dry eyes.[2]
How to use hyaluronic acid
Because it has beneficial properties that can affect lots of different parts of the body, hyaluronic acid can be used in many different forms. These include:[1]
- Dietary supplements – as pills, powders or gels that can be mixed with water
- Lotions – shampoos, conditioners, ointments, serums, gels, creams or even patches applied to the skin
- Fillers – these are injected under the skin to add volume
- With medicines – hyaluronic acid helps your body to absorb certain medicines
- As an inhaled mist – usually with a nebuliser or inhaler
Hyaluronic acid is also commonly used in eye drops, and particularly those that aim to combat dry eye. Because it can hold so much water, hyaluronic acid is very hydrating, allowing it to restore moisture to the tear film in the eye. This can help to combat dry, itchy sensations. So, how should you use it?[2]
Most dry eye eye drops, such as TheraTears® Dry or Tired Eye Drops, are designed to be used as and when required.[2] When your eyes feel dry and itchy, use the eye drops as directed on the bottle and let the hyaluronic acid rejuvenate and refresh your eyes. All of the eye drops in the TheraTears range contain hyaluronic acid and our Dry or Tired Eye Drops also contain witch hazel to soothe puffiness around your eyes, reducing inflammation.
This type of eye drop can be used at any time of the day, whenever your dry eye syndrome flares up. They’re great to keep in your bag or pocket so you’re always prepared when you’re out and about. But if you often have dry eyes at night rather than in the day, there’s another option that might be better suited to you.
TheraTears® Overnight Eye Drops are designed to be used before you go to bed, restoring and replenishing the moisture in your eyes while you sleep. These drops contain absolutely no preservatives, helping to keep your eyes irritation-free. On top of that, the hyaluronic acid in these eye drops is cross-linked, making it a stronger formula that helps to keep your eyes lubricated for longer.
While it’s important to consider the environmental factors that might be causing your dry eyes, such as excessive screen time, prolonged air conditioning use or simply not getting enough sleep, eye drops that combat the irritation can help you to feel better in the meantime. And if the problem is related to not getting enough sleep, overnight eye drops can help you to rest easier and get that shuteye you’ve been needing. [2] Why not try it today and see how hyaluronic acid eye drops can help you?
Resources:
[1] Papakonstantinou, Eleni et al. “Hyaluronic acid: A key molecule in skin aging.” Dermato-endocrinology vol. 4,3 (2012): 253-8. doi:10.4161/derm.21923 Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3583886/
[2] Hynnekleiv, Leif et al. “Hyaluronic acid in the treatment of dry eye disease.” Acta ophthalmologica vol. 100,8 (2022): 844-860. doi:10.1111/aos.15159 Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9790727/
