Hyaluronic acid is a trending supplement that has many benefits you can experience through its use. Many women (and men) are using it to improve their skin health.
But did you know that a key ingredient in your body’s natural moisturizing system starts to vanish as early as age 20? Hyaluronic acid is a powerhouse molecule that does more than just give your skin a dewy glow.
This remarkable substance, found naturally in your body, can hold an astounding 1,000 times its weight in water. It plays a crucial role in keeping your joints healthy, acting like a built-in shock absorber.
But here’s the catch: as you age, your body’s hyaluronic acid levels start to drop. By the time you hit your fifties, you’ve lost about half of what you had in your youth. This decline can affect both your skin’s appearance and your joint health. That’s where hyaluronic acid supplements come into play.
In this article, we’ll dive deeper and explore why hyaluronic acid supplements are gaining popularity and how they might benefit you.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not meant to treat or diagnose any condition. It is recommended that you speak with your doctor before starting any exercise program, making changes to your nutrition, or adding any new supplements to your regimen.
What is Hyaluronic Acid?
Hyaluronic acid plays an important role in the human body, occurring naturally in the skin, eyes, connective tissues, and joints. This remarkable substance attracts and binds water, promoting elastin and collagen synthesis while protecting skin from free radicals. These properties contribute to a youthful appearance and overall tissue health.
As the body ages, hyaluronic acid production declines, leading to visible signs of aging, like wrinkles and reduced skin elasticity. To avoid these effects, hyaluronic acid can be introduced through various methods.
These include oral supplements, injections, eye drops, and topical applications such as serums and moisturizers. The versatility of hyaluronic acid makes it a valuable component in both medical and cosmetic fields.
Hyaluronic acid supplements offer a range of health benefits for skin, eyes, joints, and more. Studies show oral supplements can improve skin moisture and reduce wrinkles. These capsules avoid potential irritants found in topical forms.
5 Benefits of Hyaluronic Acid Supplements
Below are some of the important benefits of hyaluronic acid supplements:
1. Promotes healthier, firmer, and dewy skin
Hyaluronic acid, a natural skin component, helps retain moisture. As we age and face environmental stressors, our skin’s hyaluronic acid levels decrease. Supplements can replenish this loss, improving skin hydration and appearance.
Research shows that taking 120-240 mg daily for at least a month can significantly boost skin moisture and reduce dryness. This increased hydration may also smooth wrinkles, as several studies suggest.
Topical hyaluronic acid products like serums can also combat wrinkles, redness, and skin inflammation. Whether taken orally or applied directly, hyaluronic acid offers promising benefits for skin health and appearance.
2. Anti-aging benefits
Hyaluronic acid’s anti-aging effects can vary among individuals due to factors like genetics, diet, lifestyle choices, and environmental exposure.
Studies have shown promising results, with some participants experiencing reduced wrinkles and improved skin condition after taking supplements.
One small study found that hyaluronic acid supplements may improve skin elasticity and smoothness in just 2-8 weeks. Another piece of research on face creams containing hyaluronic acid reported increased skin tightness and a 10-20% decrease in wrinkle depth for all participants.
3. Heals wounds
Hyaluronic acid is essential for wound healing in the body. It helps regulate inflammation and stimulate tissue growth.
Research has revealed its potential in wound healing and oral health care.
A study involving 50 people with venous leg ulcers found that gauze treated with hyaluronic acid sped up healing compared to plain gauze. This suggests it may help in wound recovery.
Hyaluronic acid also shows promise in oral health applications. When applied inside the mouth, it may help heal ulcers and reduce pain after dental procedures. These findings highlight hyaluronic acid’s versatility in supporting various aspects of health and healing.
4. Relieves joint pain
Hyaluronic acid plays a crucial role in joint health by lubricating the space between bones. This lubrication helps prevent painful bone-on-bone friction. For people with osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint condition, hyaluronic acid supplements can be particularly beneficial.
Studies show that taking 80-200 mg daily for at least two months can significantly reduce knee pain in osteoarthritis patients, especially those aged 40-70.
While joint injections of hyaluronic acid are also used for pain relief, a large analysis found only minor pain reduction and increased risk of side effects compared to oral supplements.
These findings suggest that oral hyaluronic acid supplements may offer a safer, more effective option for managing joint pain and supporting overall joint health.
5. Muscle repair
Recent research highlights hyaluronic acid’s role in muscle repair. A study revealed its importance in cellular communication during muscle healing.
When muscles are injured, immune cells must first address the damage before stem cells can begin repairs. Hyaluronic acid acts as a crucial signaling molecule in this process. It works like an internal alarm, alerting and activating immune cells to start their healing work.
Author:
Matt Weik, BS, CSCS, CPT, CSN, is the owner of Weik Fitness. He is a globally recognized and prolific writer. With a passion for creating health and fitness content, Matt’s work has been featured on thousands of websites, over 100 magazines, and he has authored over a dozen published books.