Hyaluronic acid is a very important part of your overall health, but before you supplement your diet with it, you should understand all that it can do.
What is Hyaluronic Acid?
Hyaluronic acid is a nonsulfated molecule found widely throughout the body in the extracellular matrix, as well as in connective and neural tissues, among many other areas of the body. This molecule provides a great deal of protection to our cells, as well as joints and other areas of the body, often functioning as a shock absorber for wear and tear. There is also a lot of hyaluronic acid in the body – roughly 15 grams at any given time – and the body is able to quickly produce more of it every day. Also known as hyaluronan, this molecule has become the subject of a great deal of research and attention in recent years, due to its potential effects on the skin. While this molecule is already found in high quantities in dermal cells, the further application of this acid on the skin is one of the most popular new approaches to skin care. [1]
Although your body does produce enough hyaluronic acid in most cases, you can also acquire this molecule from certain foods, including root vegetables, soy products, and leafy greens, as well as soups, stews, and broths that are made with animal bones or connective tissue. There are also supplements of hyaluronic acid that have grown in popularity in recent years.
Hyaluronic acid is a natural substance that is often used as a supplement or serum. Photo Credit: Shutterstock
Hyaluronic Acid Benefits
The most notable benefits of hyaluronic acid include the following:
- Improving skin health
- Anti-aging
- Faster healing
- Lubricating the eyes
- Reducing inflammation
Let us discuss them in detail below.
Skin Care
The moisture-retaining properties of this acid, along with its powerful antioxidant effects, can help to clear up any irritation and dry skin or inflammation you may be experiencing. This is why acne sufferers so commonly use this substance to manage their symptoms. [2]
Anti-aging
The ability of this acid to neutralize free radicals means that it can help to counter certain signs of aging, including wrinkles, blemishes and age spots. These properties are largely why we’re seeing the boom in popularity for hyaluronan today. [3]
Wound Healing
Studies have found that this molecule is able to improve wound healing and speeds the process, while also minimizing the appearance of scars. [4]
Dry Eyes
As a natural lubricating substance within the body, having enough of this acid in your system means that you can eliminate symptoms of dry eyes, which can prevent undue inflammation or oxidative stress in that vital system. [5]
Joint Pain
Applying hyaluronic acid to your aching joints will warm them up, induce circulation, and absorb into the skin at precisely the right place to soothe pain and inflammation. [6]
How to Use Hyaluronic Acid?
Along with the many benefits of hyaluronic acid, there are also quite a few different ways to apply or use it.
- If you want to use this substance for your skin, using 2-3 drops on your fingertips, gently rub the liquid on the patch of inflamed or irritated skin.
- Using this substance around the eyes should be done with caution – a few drops rubbed under the eyes and on any wrinkles should be enough.
- Joint pain may require 4-5 drops of the acid, thoroughly rubbed in to ensure absorption and best results.
As with any new remedy, it is best to start with a small amount, once per day, and see how your body reacts to it.
Also, speak with your doctor before adding hyaluronic acid supplements to your diet. In most cases, the recommendation for use of this supplement does not exceed more than 200 milligrams twice per day. Some people also receive injections of this acid, upon recommendation from their doctor. [7]
Hyaluronic Acid Side Effects
There are very few side effects of using hyaluronic acid, but some of the more notable ones include the following:
- Muscle pain
- Topical inflammation
- Increase your chances of cancer [8] [9] [10]
- Severe allergic reactions on the skin
- Complications with pregnant and nursing women
Overuse of the oil can cause allergic reactions on the skin, but most negative side effects emerge for those who have injections. Muscle pain and blistering near the site of the injection can occur. Speak to your doctor if you experience these or any other serious side effects, such as difficulty breathing.
