Sodium Hyaluronate Vs Hyaluronic Acid: Understanding the Differences

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By Danjella Dusanic

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Sodium hyaluronate and hyaluronic acid are two substances that are naturally present in the human body. These substances play a crucial role in maintaining hydration levels in the skin and connective tissues. While both sodium hyaluronate and hyaluronic acid have similar functions, they differ in their molecular size, effectiveness at penetrating the skin’s surface, and ability to reduce inflammation.

Hyaluronic acid is a larger molecule than sodium hyaluronate, which makes it less effective at penetrating the skin’s surface. On the other hand, sodium hyaluronate has a smaller molecular size, making it more effective at hydrating the skin and reducing inflammation.

Both sodium hyaluronate and hyaluronic acid have been shown to aid in wound healing by promoting tissue regeneration. However, their effectiveness depends on the amounts used and method of application.

Hydration

One of the most important functions of sodium hyaluronate and hyaluronic acid is maintaining hydration levels in the skin and connective tissues. These substances can hold up to 1000 times their weight in water, making them essential for keeping our skin moisturized.

Wound Healing

Sodium hyaluronate and hyaluronic acid have also been shown to promote wound healing by aiding tissue regeneration. When applied topically or injected into wounds, these substances can help speed up healing time by promoting cell growth.

Connective Tissues

In addition to their role in maintaining hydration levels in the skin, sodium hyaluronate and hyaluronic acid also play an important role in connective tissues such as cartilage. They help keep these tissues lubricated, reducing friction between joints and preventing damage from wear-and-tear.

Inflammation

Sodium hyaluronate has been found to be particularly effective at reducing inflammation due to its ability to penetrate the skin’s surface. It can help soothe irritated skin and reduce redness caused by inflammation.

Amounts

The effectiveness of sodium hyaluronate and hyaluronic acid depends on the amounts used. Too little may not provide enough hydration or promote tissue regeneration, while too much can lead to irritation or other unwanted side effects.

Molecular Size

As mentioned earlier, the molecular size of sodium hyaluronate and hyaluronic acid affects their effectiveness at penetrating the skin’s surface. Sodium hyaluronate has a smaller molecular size.

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What Is Hyaluronic Acid?

Hyaluronic acid, often abbreviated as HA, is a sugar molecule that naturally occurs in the body. It is found in high concentrations in the skin, eyes, and joint fluid. This essential molecule plays an important role in maintaining healthy skin and joints. In this section, we will discuss what hyaluronic acid is and how it works.

Hyaluronic acid is a glycosaminoglycan (GAG), which is a type of carbohydrate molecule that contains amino acids. It is produced by fibroblast cells in the body and can be found in high concentrations in connective tissues like cartilage, synovial fluid, and skin tissue. Hyaluronic acid has a unique ability to attract and retain water molecules due to its structure. One gram of hyaluronic acid can hold up to six liters of water!

How Does Hyaluronic Acid Work?

One of the main functions of hyaluronic acid is hydration. When applied topically or injected into the skin, it attracts moisture from the air or deeper layers of the skin to hydrate and plump up the skin cells. This helps to reduce fine lines and wrinkles caused by dryness.

Hydrolyzed HA

Hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid is a smaller molecule size compared to regular hyaluronic acid molecules. Due to their smaller size, they can penetrate deeper into the skin layers for better efficacy than traditional HA products.

Hyaluronic Acid Serum & Gels

Hyaluronic acid serum and gels are popular skincare products that contain high concentrations of hyaluronic acid for intense hydration benefits. These products work by delivering concentrated doses of HA directly into the skin layers for maximum absorption.

Osteoarthritis & Tissue Regeneration

In addition to its cosmetic benefits, hyaluronic acid has been used medically to treat osteoarthritis. It can be injected into the joints to help lubricate and cushion them, reducing pain and inflammation. Hyaluronic acid is also being studied for its potential in tissue regeneration (TZR). Researchers are exploring how it could be used to regenerate damaged tissues like cartilage and bone.

What Is Sodium Hyaluronate?

Sodium Hyaluronate: The Skin-Boosting Ingredient You Need

Sodium hyaluronate is the sodium salt form of hyaluronic acid, a natural substance found in our skin that helps retain moisture and keep it looking plump and youthful. The difference between sodium hyaluronate and hyaluronic acid lies in their molecular weight. Sodium hyaluronate has a smaller molecular weight compared to hyaluronic acid, making it easier to penetrate the skin and deliver its benefits deep into the layers of your skin.

Improved Skin Hydration

One of the main reasons why sodium hyaluronate is commonly used in skincare products is due to its ability to retain moisture and improve skin hydration. When applied topically, it forms a film on the surface of your skin that helps lock in moisture, keeping your skin hydrated throughout the day. This makes it an excellent ingredient for those with dry or dehydrated skin.

Reduced Appearance of Fine Lines and Wrinkles

Another benefit of sodium hyaluronate is its ability to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by plumping up the skin. As we age, our natural production of hyaluronic acid decreases, leading to loss of volume and elasticity in our skin. By using skincare products containing sodium hyaluronate, you can help replenish some of that lost volume, resulting in smoother-looking skin with fewer visible signs of aging.

Safe for Use in Cosmetics

Sodium hyaluronate is considered safe for use in cosmetics and skincare products. It’s non-toxic, non-irritating, and doesn’t cause any adverse reactions when applied topically. However, if you have sensitive or allergy-prone skin, it’s always a good idea to do a patch test before using any new product containing this ingredient.

Enhanced Benefits with Combination Ingredients

Sodium hyaluronate is often used in combination with other ingredients to enhance its benefits. For example, it’s commonly found in serums and moisturizers that also contain vitamin C, which can help brighten the skin and improve its overall texture. It’s also frequently combined with other humectants like glycerin or urea to provide even more hydration to the skin.

Differences Between Sodium Hyaluronate and Hyaluronic Acid

Smaller Molecular Weight and Better Penetration: Sodium Hyaluronate

Sodium hyaluronate is a salt form of hyaluronic acid, which means it has a smaller molecular weight than hyaluronic acid. This allows it to penetrate the skin more easily and deeply hydrate from within. It is often used in skincare products for its ability to improve the skin’s texture, reduce fine lines and wrinkles, and provide long-lasting hydration. Sodium hyaluronate can hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water, making it an excellent ingredient for plumping up the skin.

For instance, a study conducted by The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology found that topical application of sodium hyaluronate significantly improved the hydration levels of dry skin. Another study published in The Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology showed that sodium hyaluronate could also help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes.

Larger Molecular Weight and Surface Plumping: Hyaluronic Acid

Hyaluronic acid has a larger molecular weight than sodium hyaluronate, making it more effective at hydrating and plumping up the surface layers of the skin. It is commonly used in dermal fillers to add volume to areas such as cheeks, lips, chin or under-eye area.

Moreover, according to a study published in The Journal of Drugs in Dermatology on Juvederm Volbella XC (a dermal filler containing hyaluronic acid), patients reported significant improvement in lip fullness after treatment with this product. Another study published by JAMA Facial Plastic Surgery found that using a combination therapy consisting of injectable fillers with different types of hyaluronic acids led to better results compared to using just one type.

Which One Is Better?

Both sodium hyaluronate and hyaluronic acid offer unique benefits for the skin, making it difficult to say which one is better. It ultimately depends on what you are looking for in a product. If you want to deeply hydrate your skin and improve its texture, then sodium hyaluronate is an excellent choice. However, if you want to add volume to certain areas of your face or plump up fine lines and wrinkles, then hyaluronic acid may be a better option.

Skin Care Benefits of Sodium Hyaluronate

Deeper Hydration with Sodium Hyaluronate

Sodium hyaluronate is a skincare ingredient that has been gaining popularity in recent years, and for good reason. This smaller molecule of hyaluronic acid is able to penetrate deeper into the skin, providing more hydration than traditional hyaluronic acid. Its ability to hydrate the skin from within makes it a powerful tool in any skincare routine.

When used regularly, products containing sodium hyaluronate have been shown to improve skin elasticity and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. As we age, our skin loses its natural ability to retain moisture, leading to dryness and wrinkles. By using products with sodium hyaluronate, we can help replenish this lost moisture and promote a more youthful complexion.

Soothing Irritated Skin

In addition to its hydrating properties, sodium hyaluronate can also help soothe and calm irritated skin. For those with sensitive or acne-prone skin, this ingredient can be especially beneficial. It helps to reduce inflammation and redness while providing much-needed hydration.

One study found that topical application of sodium hyaluronate helped improve symptoms associated with atopic dermatitis, such as itching and dryness. Another study showed that it was effective in reducing redness caused by UVB radiation exposure.

Safe for Topical Use

Another benefit of sodium hyaluronate is that it is naturally found in the body, making it safe for topical use. Unlike some other skincare ingredients that may cause adverse reactions or irritation, sodium hyaluronate is generally well-tolerated by all skin types.

Enhancing Other Skincare Ingredients

Sodium hyaluronate is often used in conjunction with other skincare ingredients such as vitamin C or retinol to enhance their effectiveness. When combined with vitamin C, for example, it can help brighten the complexion and fade dark spots. And when paired with retinol, it can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles even further.

Long-Term Improvements

Finally, regular use of products containing sodium hyaluronate can lead to long-term improvements in skin texture, tone, and overall health. By providing consistent hydration and promoting collagen production, this ingredient can help keep skin looking healthy and youthful for years to come.

Skin Care Benefits of Hyaluronic Acid

Improving Skin Health with Hyaluronic Acid

Skin health is a crucial aspect of overall well-being. With the abundance of skincare products available in the market, it can be challenging to find the right one that suits your skin type and addresses your specific skin concerns. However, one ingredient that has gained popularity in recent years for its skin benefits is hyaluronic acid.

Improving Skin Hydration

Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance in the human body that helps to maintain skin health by retaining moisture. As we age, our skin loses its ability to retain moisture, leading to dryness and dullness. By using skincare products containing hyaluronic acid, you can improve your skin’s hydration levels and achieve a more radiant complexion.

The lightweight consistency of hyaluronic acid allows it to penetrate deeply into the skin layers, providing long-lasting hydration without feeling heavy or greasy on the skin. This makes it an ideal ingredient for people with oily or combination skin who are looking for a non-comedogenic moisturizer.

Reducing Fine Lines and Wrinkles

One of the most significant signs of aging is fine lines and wrinkles. Hyaluronic acid can help reduce their appearance by plumping up the skin from within. When applied topically, hyaluronic acid binds water molecules together, creating a cushion-like effect that smooths out fine lines and wrinkles.

In addition to its topical benefits, studies have shown that oral supplementation with hyaluronic acid can also improve wrinkle depth and elasticity in aging individuals.

Promoting Youthful Complexion

A youthful complexion is characterized by smooth texture, even tone, and radiance. The use of hyaluronic acid in skincare products can promote these qualities by improving overall skin health. By hydrating the skin from within and reducing fine lines and wrinkles, hyaluronic acid can help you achieve a more youthful-looking complexion.

Suitable for All Skin Types

Hyaluronic acid is suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin. It is a gentle ingredient that does not cause irritation or inflammation, making it an excellent choice for people with reactive skin.

In fact, hyaluronic acid can even help soothe and calm irritated skin by providing much-needed hydration. If you have sensitive skin, look for skincare products that contain a low concentration of hyaluronic acid to avoid any potential adverse reactions.

Potential Side Effects of Sodium Hyaluronate

Sodium hyaluronate is a commonly used dermal filler that is injected into the skin to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, and other signs of aging. While it is generally considered safe and effective, there are potential side effects that patients should be aware of before undergoing treatment.

Redness, Itching, or Swelling at Injection Site

One common side effect of sodium hyaluronate injections is redness, itching, or swelling at the injection site. This typically resolves on its own within a few days and can be managed with ice packs or over-the-counter pain relievers if necessary.

Allergic Reactions

In rare cases, sodium hyaluronate may cause an allergic reaction that can lead to difficulty breathing or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat. Patients who experience these symptoms should seek medical attention immediately.

Lumps or Bumps Under the Skin

Another potential side effect of sodium hyaluronate injections is the formation of lumps or bumps under the skin. This can occur if the product is injected improperly or if too much is injected in one area. In some cases, these lumps may need to be surgically removed.

Temporary Stiffness or Pain

Some patients may experience temporary stiffness or pain in the treated area after receiving sodium hyaluronate injections. This usually resolves on its own within a few days but can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers if necessary.

Not Suitable for Everyone

Finally, it’s important to note that sodium hyaluronate should not be used by people with a history of severe allergies or bleeding disorders. Pregnant women and individuals under 18 years old should not undergo this type of treatment.

Potential Side Effects of Hyaluronic Acid

Symptoms of Potential Side Effects of Hyaluronic Acid

Redness, swelling, and pain at the injection site are common symptoms that people may experience after hyaluronic acid injections. These symptoms usually disappear within a few days, but in some cases, they can last for several weeks. If you experience these symptoms for an extended period or if they become severe, contact your doctor immediately.

In rare cases, hyaluronic acid injections may lead to infection or allergic reactions. Symptoms of infection include fever, redness, warmth, and tenderness at the injection site. Allergic reactions may cause itching, hives, swelling of the face and throat, and difficulty breathing. If you experience any of these symptoms after receiving hyaluronic acid injections, seek medical attention right away.

Hyaluronic acid supplements may also cause side effects in some people. Headaches are a common complaint among those taking hyaluronic acid supplements. Dizziness and nausea are other possible side effects that some people may encounter when taking these supplements.

High doses of hyaluronic acid supplements may increase the risk of bleeding in people with bleeding disorders such as hemophilia or von Willebrand disease. If you have a history of bleeding disorders or take blood thinners regularly, consult your doctor before taking hyaluronic acid supplements.

Hyaluronic acid supplements may interact with certain medications such as blood thinners and chemotherapy drugs. Therefore it’s crucial to inform your doctor about any medication that you’re currently taking before starting to use hyaluronic acid supplements.

People who have had cancer in the past should consult their doctor before using hyaluronic acid supplements since there is not enough research on its safety for this population group.

Can You Use Sodium Hyaluronate and Hyaluronic Acid Together?

Similar Benefits of Both Ingredients

Sodium hyaluronate and hyaluronic acid are both popular ingredients in skincare products. They are known for their hydrating properties, helping to plump the skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. While they have slightly different molecular sizes, they offer similar benefits to the skin.

Deeper Penetration with Sodium Hyaluronate

One key difference between sodium hyaluronate and hyaluronic acid is their molecular size. Sodium hyaluronate has a smaller molecular size than hyaluronic acid, allowing it to penetrate deeper into the skin. This can make it more effective at providing hydration to the deeper layers of the skin.

Surface Hydration with Hyaluronic Acid

On the other hand, hyaluronic acid has a larger molecular size than sodium hyaluronate. This makes it better suited for surface hydration, as it sits on top of the skin and helps to lock in moisture. When used together with sodium hyaluronate, you can get a more comprehensive approach to hydration that targets both deep layers of the skin and surface hydration.

Introduce New Products Slowly

If you’re interested in using both sodium hyaluronate and hyaluronic acid in your skincare routine, it’s important to patch test new products first. Introducing too many new products at once can lead to irritation or adverse reactions, so it’s best to start slowly. You might try incorporating one new product at a time and waiting a few days before adding another.

Sodium Hyaluronate Vs Hyaluronic Acid

Credit: pleijsalon.com

Conclusion

Sodium hyaluronate and hyaluronic acid are both substances that occur naturally in the body. They both have the ability to attract and retain water, which makes them useful in the treatment of dry skin and other conditions. Sodium hyaluronate is a smaller molecule than hyaluronic acid, so it can penetrate the skin more deeply.

It is also more stable, so it is less likely to break down in the body. Sodium hyaluronate is often used in skincare products because it is thought to be more effective than hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid occurs naturally in all mammals, including humans.

It is found in high concentrations in the joints, skin, and eyes. Hyaluronic acid plays an important role in joint health by cushioning and lubricating the joints. It also helps keep the skin hydrated and youthful-looking by binding water to collagen fibers.

While sodium hyaluronate and hyaluronic acid are both beneficial for the skin, sodium hyaluronate may be better suited for use in skincare products due to its greater stability and ability to penetrate deeper into the skin.

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