Supplementation with hyaluronic acid improves the luster of skin and reduces wrinkles says new research from Japan, with the authors going on to say that hyaluronic acid should be used as a method to maintain healthy skin.
The skin contains roughly 50% of the body's hyaluronic acid
Hyaluronic acid is a glycosaminoglycan, which is polysaccharide (basically a large sugar) and is a component in every connective tissue in our body.
The skin contains roughly 50% of the body's hyaluronic acid (HA) - it is one of the major components of our extracellular matrix (the framework in which our skin cells sit) and it also has an important role in retaining moisture - in fact one molecule alone can hold up to 1000 times its own weight in water!
Degradation of hyaluronic acid along with collagen thought to be the cause of wrinkles
As we age our body's natural production of hyaluronic acid slows down, it is the degradation of HA along with collagen that is thought to be the cause of wrinkles.
The Japanese trial included 60 adults, men and women aged between 22 and 59 who were randomly assigned to receive either a placebo or a hyaluronic acid formulation using one of two varieties. One had a higher molecular weight of hyaluronic acid than the other.
Analysis of the skin indicated that the HA groups showed a better level of wrinkle area and wrinkle volume ratio compared to the placebo. Additional information about skin luster indicated that both HA groups increased more than the placebo group after 12 weeks.
Lead author of the study, which was published in the Nutrition Journal, concluded:
"The reduction of HA in the skin by intrinsic and extrinsic factors such as aging and ultraviolet radiation, smoking and air pollutants induce dryness in the skin. However, daily HA supplements can moisturise the skin because the metabolites of HA increases the skin moisture content by having an effect on the skin cells. Thus, consuming HA affects skin cell and improves dry skin physiologically."
This review shows that consuming HA moisturises the skin and employing HA as a dietary supplement makes the skin healthy. We believe that countries worldwide will benefit from this review and consume HA to alleviate dry skin."
A healthy balanced diet is the best way to consume all the nutrients we need. Sometimes however this isn't possible and then supplements can help. This article isn't intended to replace medical advice. Please consult your healthcare professional before trying any supplements or herbal medicines.