Still greet your most hydrated, summer skin.
In this article, we explore hyaluronic acid, hyaluronic acid supplements, and ways to truly lubricate your skin from the inside out.
What is hyaluronic acid?
Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a skincare superstar for so many serum, moisturizers and sunscreens that hydrate and nourish the skin topically. Compounds occur naturally in the body and keep the skin supple and healthy, but when used from the inside it can cause even greater shock (and do more).
“Hyaluronic acid hydrate and skin plumpness help to heal by moving, regenerating, reducing inflammation and promoting new vascular layers,” says Jennifer Nicole Biankini, MS, RD, IFNCP, RYT. “It naturally increases during injuries and repairs, and is key for healthy, shiny, elastic skin.”
How to hydrate the skin from inside with hyaluronic acid
When taken through foods and supplements, hyaluronic acid can extend beyond the benefits of topical skin care, ultimately supporting deep and lasting hydration that supports your overall health. “Consuming hyaluronic acid-rich foods and supplements replenishes and supports the body’s HA production and enhances skin moisture from within,” confirms Biankini. Additionally, Jenna Volpe, RDN, LD, and CLT say these foods and supplements can also enhance the effectiveness of collagen by binding moisture to the collagen in the skin.
However, there is only one problem. Finding foods rich in HA is not as easy as it looks. “The best food source for hyaluronic acid is bone soup, which is made by boiling the bones and joints of animals in warm water over a long period of time,” says Volpe. “This process is generally effective in extracting ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and certain amino acids (protein building blocks) from bone joints.” In addition to bone soup, Bianchini says foods that support the production of HA and slow down the body’s failure include foods rich in citrus, soy products and magnesium.
Citrus foods, especially oranges, contain naringenin, which helps prevent HA breakdowns in the body. Soy products such as tofu, soybeans and tempeh have phytoestrogens that increase skin HA. And, according to both Bianchini and Volpe, magnesium-rich foods (avocados, nuts, sweet potatoes, dark leafy greens) “may help boost the natural production of hyaluronic acid,” says Volpe.
Benefits of hyaluronic acid supplements
Hyaluronic acid supplements are a great way to hydrate your skin from the inside, as HA is not readily available in the foods we eat. “They help to increase hydration, improve skin elasticity and support tissue repair,” says Biankini. “Ha has the unique ability to hold water and support it within a frame like a structure. Therefore, it helps to keep the skin smooth, supple and elastic.”
Taking hyaluronic acid supplements such as ham nutritional nutritional glow gummies can also help support important skin functions that support the overall appearance and health of the skin. Also, as an added bonus, the consistent use of hyaluronic acid supplements can minimize the appearance of thin lines “by helping the skin retain moisture more effectively.”
FAQ
Is hyaluronic acid good for your health?
Hydration is key to overall health, and in addition to supporting the skin, hyaluronic acid helps keep your eyes and joints healthy. This compound can also lubricate the body’s connective tissue (skin, fascia) and play an important role in their proper functioning. Additionally, HA supports wound healing by promoting blood flow and reducing inflammation. Several studies have shown that it can even help bone strength by supporting bone development and regeneration.
Is it safe to take hyaluronic acid?
“Hyaluronic acid is thought to be safe for more people and side effects are rare,” says Biankini. That said, there are a few things that are worth considering before adding HA supplements to your wellness (and beauty) regimen. “HA plays a role in cell growth and regeneration, so anyone with a cancer or a history of it should check with their doctor before taking it,” adds Biankini. Hyaluronic acid is also glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), and Volpe can cause symptoms of especially small intestinal bacteria over-breeding (SIBO) or highly deformed GUT.
Is hyaluronic acid okay to take as a supplement?
In addition to sipping bone soup and adding foods to support HA production, replenishing hyaluronic acid is an easy way to boost your efforts. “Many studies have found that taking hyaluronic acid (from foods and supplements) is effective in soothing the skin from within,” says Volpe. She says HA supplements attract water and “help bind skin cells in a way that promotes young and healthy skin.” Some studies also confirm that taking HA supplements orally can significantly reduce wrinkles.
Hyaluronic Acid Supplements and Skin Care Takeout
When you’re ready to hydrate from the inside, try the Ham Nutrition Grogumi. These gummy supplements are made with both hyaluronic acid and vitamin C, which supports skin hydration and collagen production, giving you a more supple and shiny complexion with reduced thin lines.
