Benefits of Hyaluronic Acid
INTRODUCTION
Hyaluronic Acid (Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate, HA) has many benefits and is one of the most interesting ingredients in skin care, specifically. 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 hyaluronic acid supplements.
ARTICLE HIGHLIGHTS
- HA is naturally found in the body, and is responsible for holding moisture and protecting collagen fibers. It plays an important role in joint health as well as safeguarding the skin from sun damage dryness, and degradation.
- Effective methods for receiving the benefits of HA is through dietary supplements as well as topical moisturizers or HA serums. Both methods are shown to boost the amount of HA and collagen in the body, as well as directly in the skin.
- In a dietary supplement, HA is best supplied from vegan sources. When applied topically, choose products which are not combined with alcohols or chemicals.
IS HYALURONIC ACID NATURAL?
Hyaluronic acid is a natural glycosaminoglycan (polysaccharides that are an important component of connective tissue) and can be derived from multiple resources, natural foods, supplements and HA powders. 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, hyaluronic acid supports many important areas of the body, with notable benefit to joints and skin.
HYALURONIC ACID IN THE BODY
5 grams per day
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
Hyaluronic acid benefits soft tissue function, such as joint support, and combating osteoarthritis. Consequently, HA is responsible, in part, for the resilience of cartilage and its ability to resist compression. 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 protective coat around each cell (chondrocyte).
BENEFITS OF HYALURONIC ACID
IMPORTANT FOR THE SKIN
As we age, skin moisture can drop significantly, which makes the skin lose elasticity and expose the signs of aging on the skin. Hyaluronic acid plays 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
Further, one of the most skin damaging elements are UVB rays from the sun. Hyaluronic acid benefits the skin as it protects the skin from UVB rays (and the scavenging reactive oxygen species they generate), which can cause sunspots.
TYPES OF HYALURONIC ACID PRODUCTS
AS A TOPICAL SKIN CREAM OR SKIN SERUM
Unlike collagen, Hyaluronic Acid is able to penetrate the skin’s upper layers to improve and benefit the skin when applied topically.
Hyaluronic acid is a major component of skin, where it benefits tissue repair and protection. When applied in an HA cream or serum, 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.
CAUTION REGARDING HYALURONIC ACID SERUMS AND CREAMS
In choosing an HA serum or cream, there are a couple attributes to look for:
- Hyaluronic Acid from a vegan source is preferred.
- Avoid HA serums that also contain alcohol, parabens, sulfates, or other ingredients that are harmful to the skin.
More often than not, “pure hyaluronic acid” serums contain hidden alcohol or preservatives that counteract the benefits of hyaluronic acid as a topical. Avoid these products.
HYALURONIC ACID AS A SUPPLEMENT
Hyaluronic acid is extremely beneficial as a collagen booster. As an oral supplement, it plays a critical role in the production and protection of collagen, the most abundant protein in the body. Collagen is critical to the skin because it supports skin structure. As body collagen declines, the appearance of wrinkles and discoloration become more visible. Maximizing and protecting collagen levels will keep skin supple. Hyaluronic acid keeps collagen synthesis up, as well as retains skin moisture, which contributes with anti-aging benefits to the skin.
Higher levels of collagen and hyaluronic acid are related to skin that is more 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 whether Hyaluronic Acid is actually directly affecting the outcome, or if it is an indirect effect due to higher blood levels—prompting the body to respond by generating its own supply of hyaluronic acid (proven due to the supplementation).
Hyaluronic acid supplementation is correlated with an increased production and supply of hyaluronic acid in the body.
Related: Benefits of the Hyaluronic Acid Diet
WHERE CAN I GET HYALURONIC ACID?
We recommend the following dietary supplement and moisturizer below. Both contain good amounts of hyaluronic acid and have been shown to increase moisture and collagen content in the skin.
Amino Collagen C with Hyaluronic Acid
Provides 50mg of pure, vegan-sourced HA, plus 5,000 mg of pure hydrolyzed marine collagen protein. A powerful duo to promote skin strength and fullness.
Intense Nutrients Organic Moisturizer
Loaded with hyaluronic acid and super-nutrients, this moisturizer provides the maximum in anti-aging benefits. No harmful ingredients. Made in the USA.