Benefits of Hyaluronic Acid
Benefits of Hyaluronic Acid
Introduction
Hyaluronic Acid (Hyaluronic Acid or Sodium Hyaluronate) has many benefits and is one of the most interesting ingredients in skin care. Naturally found in the body, hyaluronic acid secures moisture and creates fullness—youthful skin naturally abounds with hyaluronic acid. In skin care, you can find hyaluronic acid creams, serums, injectables (aka: Restylane), and HA supplements.
Hyaluronic acid is a glycosaminoglycan (polysaccharides that are an important component of connective tissue). HA is distributed widely throughout connective, neural, and epithelial tissue. It is of the chief components of the extra-cellular matrix (the tissue that provides structural support to cells). In short, HA supports many important areas of the body, including beauty and skin.
How Much Hyaluronic Acid Is In The Body?
Interestingly, the average human has approximately 15 grams of hyaluronan (hyaluronic acid) in the body, one-third of which is "turned over" (degraded and synthesized) every day.
Functions of Hyaluronic Acid
As one of the chief components of the extra-cellular matrix, Hyaluronan is an important component of articular cartilage1, where it is present as a coat around each cell (chondrocyte). Hyaluronan is responsible, in part, for the resilience of cartilage (its resistance to compression). Thus, its presence is important for soft tissue function, such as in joint support or in fighting osteoarthritis.
2 organic moisturizers containing effective levels of hyaluronic acid for topical use.
Benefits of Hyaluronic Acid and Skin Care
As a Topical
Hyaluronic Acid is also a major component of skin, where it is involved in tissue repair. Topically applied, hyaluronic acid forms an air permeable layer and penetrates into the dermis, thus boosting the elasticity and hydration of the skin. The protective barrier on the skin locks in moisture, which gives the skin a youthful appearance. As we age, skin moisture can drop significantly, which creates aging like effects on skin appearance as it loses its elasticity. Thus hyaluronic acid can play a critical role in skin health with its unique ability to hold in moisture (1000 ml of water per gram of hyaluronic acid).
Hyaluronic acid is also a “smart nutrient” as it can adjust its moisture absorption rate based on the humidity—relative to the season and the climate.
Benefits of Hyaluronic Acid and UVB Sun Protection
One of the most skin damaging elements are UVB rays from the sun. Hyaluronic acid also protects the skin from UVB rays (and the scavenging reactive oxygen species they generate), which can cause sunspots.
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Benefits of Hyaluronic Acid as an Oral Supplement
Hyaluronic acid plays a critical role in the production of collagen, the most abundant protein in the body. Collagen’s main function is to sustain tendons, skin and cartilage. It provides integrity, firmness and elasticity to their structures. Maximizing collagen levels will keep skin supple. Because of this, maintaining body levels of hyaluronic acid is not only desirable for keeping moisture levels up, but also to keep collagen synthesis up, helping to provide an anti-aging effect on skin, as it remains supple and resistant to wrinkles and fine lines.
Effectiveness of oral Hyaluronic Acid supplementation has been somewhat controversial. There have been studies2,3 showing hyaluronic acid to be extremely effective with oral supplementation. Theories abound on if the Hyaluronic Acid is actually directly affecting the outcome, or if it is an indirect effect due to higher blood levels (proven due to the supplementation), serving as the raw material for the body to draw upon to increase extra-cellular hyaluronic levels.
The Bottom Line
Hyaluronic Acid supplementation was directly correlated to measured increases in skin moisture. Microscopic skin surface analysis shows increased skin smoothness, and amelioration of wrinkles. Elavonne's Amino Collagen C with Hyaluronic Acid provides 50mg of pure hyaluronic acid plus 5,000 mg of fish peptide collagen—an advanced anti-aging supplement for improved hair, skin, and nails.
Based on our knowledge of the function of hyaluronic acid and mechanisms (and the growing research), it looks like hyaluronic acid will remain one of the most exciting and interesting nutrients for natural skin care for the foreseeable future.
1. Articular cartilage is the smooth, white tissue that covers the ends of bones where they come together to form joints.
2. Sato T, Sakamato O, Odanaka W, Yoshida K, and Urishibata, O: Clinical Effects of dietary hyaluronic acid on dry,rough skin. J. Aesthetic Dermatology Vol. 12 109-120, 2002
3. Kajimoto O, Odanaka W, Sakamoto W, Yoshida K, Takahashi T.: Clinical Effects of Hyaluronic acid diet for dry skin. J. New Rem & Clin: 90-102, 2001.