Update on Low-Molecular Weight Hyaluronic Acid in Dermatology: A Scoping Review

Introduction: Hyaluronan, or hyaluronic acid (HA), is a naturally occurring glycosaminoglycan present in the skin, joints, and eyes that provides hydration, lubrication, protection, and other important benefits. HA in dermatology is commonly discussed in the context of its anti-ageing properties. H...

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Main Authors: Stephanie Waggett, Elliott Lyles, Todd Schlesinger
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: European Medical Journal 2024-11-01
Series:European Medical Journal Dermatology
Online Access:https://www.emjreviews.com/dermatology/article/update-on-low-molecular-weight-hyaluronic-acid-in-dermatology-a-scoping-review-j030124/
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author Stephanie Waggett
Elliott Lyles
Todd Schlesinger
author_facet Stephanie Waggett
Elliott Lyles
Todd Schlesinger
author_sort Stephanie Waggett
collection DOAJ
description Introduction: Hyaluronan, or hyaluronic acid (HA), is a naturally occurring glycosaminoglycan present in the skin, joints, and eyes that provides hydration, lubrication, protection, and other important benefits. HA in dermatology is commonly discussed in the context of its anti-ageing properties. However, both pre-clinical and clinical studies have shown numerous applications of HA, low-molecular-weight (LMW) HA, and hybrid LMW/high-molecular-weight HA in dermatology. LMW-HA exhibits antioxidant, anti-tumour, and angiogenic properties, and given its size, an ability to fully penetrate the skin. Aims: The purpose of this review was to explore the current science and utility of LMW-HA in clinical dermatology and provide an update on its use. Methods: A PubMed search from 2003–2023 on LMW-HA was conducted to evaluate LMW-HA’s utility in clinical dermatology. Results: Identified applications of LMW-HA in medical dermatology included treatment of acute and chronic wounds, rosacea, scars, and seborrhoeic dermatitis. Cosmetic applications of LMW and hybrid HA included treatment of skin ageing, enlarged pores, and skin laxity, as well as enhancement of skin hydration. Topical LMW-HA administration promoted healing after cosmetic procedures, chemical peels, and ingrown toenail surgery. Studies of topical and oral LMW-HA demonstrated adequate safety, and newer techniques of administration, such as needleless jet injection, are available. Conclusion: Exploration and understanding of the properties and benefits of LMW-HA are key to translating its usage in the clinical setting. Basic scientists and dermatologists have achieved substantial progress over the past two decades, and several applications of LMW-HA in dermatology were identified. Additional advantages of LMW-HA are worth exploring.
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spelling doaj-art-0f5b4a63925247f8b03873b633f0a8922025-02-05T16:06:04ZengEuropean Medical JournalEuropean Medical Journal Dermatology2054-62112024-11-0113414610.33590/emjdermatol/CCHB4701Update on Low-Molecular Weight Hyaluronic Acid in Dermatology: A Scoping ReviewStephanie Waggett0Elliott Lyles1Todd Schlesinger2Medical University of South CarolinaMedical University of South CarolinaClinical Research Center of the Carolinas Introduction: Hyaluronan, or hyaluronic acid (HA), is a naturally occurring glycosaminoglycan present in the skin, joints, and eyes that provides hydration, lubrication, protection, and other important benefits. HA in dermatology is commonly discussed in the context of its anti-ageing properties. However, both pre-clinical and clinical studies have shown numerous applications of HA, low-molecular-weight (LMW) HA, and hybrid LMW/high-molecular-weight HA in dermatology. LMW-HA exhibits antioxidant, anti-tumour, and angiogenic properties, and given its size, an ability to fully penetrate the skin. Aims: The purpose of this review was to explore the current science and utility of LMW-HA in clinical dermatology and provide an update on its use. Methods: A PubMed search from 2003–2023 on LMW-HA was conducted to evaluate LMW-HA’s utility in clinical dermatology. Results: Identified applications of LMW-HA in medical dermatology included treatment of acute and chronic wounds, rosacea, scars, and seborrhoeic dermatitis. Cosmetic applications of LMW and hybrid HA included treatment of skin ageing, enlarged pores, and skin laxity, as well as enhancement of skin hydration. Topical LMW-HA administration promoted healing after cosmetic procedures, chemical peels, and ingrown toenail surgery. Studies of topical and oral LMW-HA demonstrated adequate safety, and newer techniques of administration, such as needleless jet injection, are available. Conclusion: Exploration and understanding of the properties and benefits of LMW-HA are key to translating its usage in the clinical setting. Basic scientists and dermatologists have achieved substantial progress over the past two decades, and several applications of LMW-HA in dermatology were identified. Additional advantages of LMW-HA are worth exploring.https://www.emjreviews.com/dermatology/article/update-on-low-molecular-weight-hyaluronic-acid-in-dermatology-a-scoping-review-j030124/
spellingShingle Stephanie Waggett
Elliott Lyles
Todd Schlesinger
Update on Low-Molecular Weight Hyaluronic Acid in Dermatology: A Scoping Review
European Medical Journal Dermatology
title Update on Low-Molecular Weight Hyaluronic Acid in Dermatology: A Scoping Review
title_full Update on Low-Molecular Weight Hyaluronic Acid in Dermatology: A Scoping Review
title_fullStr Update on Low-Molecular Weight Hyaluronic Acid in Dermatology: A Scoping Review
title_full_unstemmed Update on Low-Molecular Weight Hyaluronic Acid in Dermatology: A Scoping Review
title_short Update on Low-Molecular Weight Hyaluronic Acid in Dermatology: A Scoping Review
title_sort update on low molecular weight hyaluronic acid in dermatology a scoping review
url https://www.emjreviews.com/dermatology/article/update-on-low-molecular-weight-hyaluronic-acid-in-dermatology-a-scoping-review-j030124/
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