You may have spotted the ingredient Hyaluronic Acid in some of your favorite beauty products such as facial serums, liquid supplements, and sheet masks, just to name a few. Or maybe you’ve heard it come up in the latest conversations in your favorite group of mom friends.
So what exactly is hyaluronic acid, how can you benefit from it, and where can you get the best, most bioavailable form?
According to WebMD, Hyaluronic Acid is something naturally occurring in your body – specifically your eyes, skin, and joints. The main purpose of hyaluronic acid is to hold onto moisture and keep tissues and joints lubricated. Scientists can also make hyaluronic acid in a lab using bacteria.
Whether synthetic or naturally derived, this supplement is well known for its skin benefits. Hyuralonic Acid (HA) can reduce fine lines and wrinkles, speed up wound healing, support joint function, and help alleviate dry skin just to name a few.
Many people take it as a liquid supplement – which is its most bioavailable form (the form your body can most readily use and absorb). You may also use it as a powder, topical serum, eye drops, or injection but best results are with a liquid supplement.
A supplement called Modere Liquid BioCell is our favorite form of hyaluronic acid. Modere Liquid Biocell is clinically shown to replenish hyaluronic acid and other vital nutrients and has been awarded 7 U.S. and international patents and multiple industry awards. It’s also been featured on NBC, Good Morning America, and Fox News.
Here are ten more scientifically-backed benefits of taking hyaluronic acid.
1. Promotes healthy, supple skin
As we said earlier, hyaluronic acid is naturally occurring in the skin. However, over time, these natural levels begin to deplete. As a result, our skin naturally begins to age, and environmental toxins such as ultraviolet radiation from the sun, smoking, and air pollution can make aging happen faster. Taking this supplement in a liquid form can reverse this process, removing years from your skin.
2. Relieve joint pain
Hyaluronic acid (HA) is naturally found in your joints, and its purpose is to keep them well-lubricated and functioning correctly. Unfortunately, over time natural levels of HA diminish, leading to joint pain and osteoarthritis.
Taking 80–200 mg daily for at least 60-days has shown to significantly reduce knee pain in people with osteoarthritis. Our favorite is Liquid Biocell Sport – which is specifically designed to include other ingredients which aid and support in joint health.
3. May speed up wound healing
Hyaluronic acid also plays a crucial role in wound healing. It’s naturally present in the skin and comes to the rescue to repair damaged skin. It helps wounds heal faster by regulating inflammation levels and signaling the body to build more blood vessels in the damaged area. According to Healthline, inflammation refers to your body’s process of fighting against things that harm it, such as infections, injuries, and toxins, in an attempt to heal itself. When something damages your cells, your body releases chemicals that trigger a response from your immune system.
4. Longer nails, hair, and eyelashes
Hyaluronic acid combines with elastin fibers to form a matrix with collagen—strengthening and reinforcing nail structure, elasticity, and decreasing brittleness. It also helps hydrate and protect the skin surrounding the cuticle, enhancing its barrier function and protecting against dryness and cracking.
Dry hair can easily break and is prone to thinning. In addition, you have to worry about fragile, brittle, and lackluster lashes if you do not use eyelash conditioners. Hyaluronic acid comes to the rescue! HA encourages stronger, longer, and fuller eyelashes with a combination of hydrating properties and nourishing peptides.
5. Preserve strong bones
Hyaluronic acid may be just what you need to keep your bones strong well into your golden years. Test-tube studies reveal that high doses increase the activity of osteoblasts, the cells responsible for building new bone tissue. Thus, while its effects on human bone health have not yet been studied, early animal and test-tube studies are promising.
6. Soothe acid reflux
When acid reflux occurs, stomach contents regurgitate into the throat, causing pain and damage to the esophagus lining. Hyaluronic acid may speed up the recovery process while soothing the damaged lining of the esophagus.
7. Relieve Dry eyes and discomfort
Roughly 1 out of 7 older adults suffer from dry eye symptoms due to reduced tear production or tears evaporating too quickly. Hyaluronic acid is often used to treat dry eyes because it’s excellent at retaining moisture.
8. May reduce sagging skin
Cellulite is just superficial fat that’s pressed up against the skin and held firmly in place by fibrous bands, leading to a lumpy appearance. Hyaluronic acid can add moisture, plump, and therefore firm the skin. When used in conjunction with collagen in a form such as Modere Biocell, the skin will visibly be lifted.
9. Slow the aging process
Hyaluronic acid reduces the enzyme that makes your skin age. It can drastically decrease the depth of wrinkles while promoting skin firmness and elasticity by 40-55%, according to recent studies.
SIDE EFFECTS
People using hyaluronic acid generally report very few side effects, if any. This may be because the body produces it naturally, which means little risk of allergic reaction.
One 2012 study involved participants taking HA as an oral supplement for 12 months. They reported zero side effects.
Injections
Injections may be a risk, primarily due to the injection itself, not the hyaluronic acid. Adverse effects may include bruising, pain, flushed skin, swelling, and itching.
SUMMARY
To recap, using hyaluronic acid supplements or topical products can help you maintain a youthful appearance. In addition, it can also help treat some medical conditions.
As always, consult a healthcare professional before taking supplements and read all labels and packaging.
SOURCES
WebMD
PubMed
MedicalNewsToday
