Hyaluronic acid is an ingredient that anyone interested in skin health has likely heard of at least once. Did you know there are differences in the quality of hyaluronic acid that we commonly apply and ingest? In this guide, we'll cover everything you need to know about ingestible hyaluronic acid for those looking to maintain hydrated skin, including its benefits, how to identify high-quality hyaluronic acid, and precautions to consider when consuming it!
Reviewed by: Ownist Product Development Researcher
1. What is Hyaluronic Acid?
Hyaluronic acid is a natural substance found in your skin, eyes, and joints. It's a type of long carbohydrate that holds onto water, making it great for keeping these parts of your body moist and lubricated.
Why is Hyaluronic Acid Important?
- Moisture: Hyaluronic acid can absorb up to 1,000 times its weight in water, which is why it's often called a 'moisture reservoir.' It helps keep your skin hydrated.
- Aging: As you get older, your body's natural hyaluronic acid levels drop, which can make your skin drier. Many people use hyaluronic acid supplements to help keep their skin moist and to slow down the effects of aging.
2. Primary Benefits of Hyaluronic Acid Supplements
Skin Benefits of Hyaluronic Acid Supplements (Link)
- Moisture: About half of the hyaluronic acid in your body is in your skin, helping it stay hydrated.
- Improvements: Studies suggest that taking 100-200 mg of hyaluronic acid daily for 2-8 weeks can boost skin moisture, and improve skin tone, thickness, and density.
Other Benefits of Hyaluronic Acid Supplements (Link)
- Joints: Hyaluronic acid helps keep joints lubricated, which can ease joint pain.
- Eyes: It's great at retaining moisture, which can help treat dry eyes.
3. How to Distinguish Good Hyaluronic Acid
Choosing High-Quality Hyaluronic Acid
- Purity: Look for products labeled as "100% pure hyaluronic acid" to ensure you're getting a high-quality product.
- Molecular Weight: The size of the hyaluronic acid molecules matters. For the best effect on your skin, choose a product with a molecular weight between 50 and 1,000 kDa. The ideal size is around 130 kDa.
4. Precautions When Taking Hyaluronic Acid
Since hyaluronic acid is naturally produced in the body, it rarely causes side effects due to its biocompatibility.
However, it's recommended to consult a healthcare provider before taking hyaluronic acid supplements if you have conditions like diabetes, bleeding disorders, cancer, or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.