Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a naturally occurring sugar molecule found in high concentrations within your skin. It plays an important role in hydrating your skin and helps keep your complexion looking plump, supple, and smooth. As you age, your body produces less hyaluronic acid, which can contribute to dryness and visible signs of aging. Using hyaluronic acid skincare products can help replenish hydration and support the skin’s natural moisture balance.
Understanding Hyaluronic Acid
Research shows that hyaluronic acid can hold several times its weight in water, making it an excellent hydrator for all skin types. While hyaluronic acid draws in and retains moisture, combining it with lipids like ceramides helps lock that hydration in. The primary function of hyaluronic acid is to provide moisture to the skin, eyes, and joints. Hyaluronic acid benefits may include smoother skin texture, anti-aging effects, and soothing of dry eyes.
Hyaluronic acid is a sugar that occurs naturally in the body, including the skin, eyes, and joints. It plays a crucial role in skin moisture. As people age, the moisture in their skin decreases, so some people choose to take supplemental hyaluronic acid. This could be in the form of oral supplements, topical creams, serums, or even injections.
Hyaluronic acid belongs to a type of long, complicated chain-like molecules called polymers. The chain has plenty of spots on it where other chemical compounds (like water, for example) can latch on. That’s why a quarter-teaspoon of hyaluronic acid can hold about one and a half gallons of water, making it the best polymer - natural or artificial - for absorbing water and a key ingredient in moisturizing products. Because it has lots of space for other molecules to latch on, hyaluronic acid is great for transporting other molecules throughout your body. It also has the ability to attach itself to cells, which is why targeted delivery of medications using hyaluronic acid is a major topic of study. Hyaluronic acid’s chain-like structure also means it can act like a scaffold structure, allowing tissues to grow. This is a key step in how wounds heal on your body. Scientists have also found hyaluronic acid in human embryos and are studying what role hyaluronic acid plays in reproduction and development.
Key Benefits of Hyaluronic Acid for the Face
Enhanced Skin Hydration
Many people use hyaluronic acid to hydrate their skin. People can take hyaluronic acid as a supplement, or they can apply it topically as a cream. Hyaluronic acid can increase skin moisture and improve the quality of life for those with dry skin. One 2014 study involved female participants applying topical hyaluronic acid as a lotion, serum, and cream. The study results demonstrated an increase of skin hydration of up to 96% after 8 weeks of use across the different types.
When applied topically, some age-defying benefits include: plumping, smoothing, firming and even significantly reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Of course, because everyone has hyaluronic acid in their bodies, incorporating it in your skincare regimen is practically foolproof for all skin types, but especially those with dry, dehydrated skin.
Anti-Aging Effects
Around 50% of the body’s total hyaluronic acid is present in the skin. Changes in this amount, possibly due to UV exposure, can lead to the formation of wrinkles. Hyaluronic acid can significantly decrease the depth of wrinkles and enhance skin firmness and elasticity. One 2014 study involved women applying hyaluronic acid topically, twice daily, for 8 weeks. The study reported up to a 40% decrease in the depth of wrinkles and an up to 55% increase in skin firmness and elasticity compared with participants who did not apply the acid.
For this reason, while hyaluronic acid’s ultra-hydrating benefits have an unmatched ability to fend off dryness and flakiness, hyaluronic acid has also proven to have a noticeable anti-aging effect on the skin.
Improved Skin Texture and Elasticity
When a person experiences changes in their skin, it can have an adverse psychosocial impact. This can occur during the aging process. An older study found that hyaluronic acid can help reduce the roughness of a person’s skin and increase skin elasticity.
Beyond Skincare: Other Applications of Hyaluronic Acid
Wound Healing
Hyaluronic acid helps the skin maintain moisture and helps the tissue regeneration process involved in healing wounds. One 2016 study suggested that applying hyaluronic acid to the skin to heal wounds can help relieve inflammation and regulate tissue repair.
Joint Health
A person can receive injections into the joints to help lubricate them. One 2017 review involved different treatment combinations for people with osteoarthritis who experience joint pain and inflammation. The study showed that combining hyaluronic acid with medications used for treating these symptoms, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or corticosteroids, can increase how effectively these treatments work.
Eczema Management
Hyaluronic acid can help to improve the symptoms of mild to moderate eczema. Participants in a 2011 study found that hyaluronic acid in a foam form was more pleasant to use and improved their eczema more than a ceramide-containing emulsion cream.
Oral Health
One 2016 systematic review suggested that topical hyaluronic acid may play a pivotal role in the postoperative care of people undergoing dental procedures. Hyaluronic acid can help heal wounds. It can also have positive impacts on people with gum disease and mouth ulcers.
Digestive Health
One 2017 trial found that hyaluronic acid supplements taken with acid suppression helped to improve symptoms of people with non-erosive reflux disease, a type of GERD.
Eye Care
The eyes contain high concentrations of hyaluronic acid. Therefore, eye drops containing hyaluronic acid can help to treat symptoms of dry eyes. A 2019 study found that taking a combination of oral and topical hyaluronic acid eased symptoms of dry eye in participants.
Vaginal Dryness Relief
Vaginal dryness often affects females following menopause. It can affect a person’s quality of life. One 2016 study found that a combination of hyaluronic acid cream and an estrogen cream helped to alleviate symptoms of vaginal dryness. Researchers also noted that hyaluronic acid was the more effective of the two. So people who cannot use hormonal treatment, such as estrogen cream, could use hyaluronic acid alone to help ease symptoms.
Painful Bladder Syndrome
There is some evidence that introducing hyaluronic acid into the bladder through a catheter may help alleviate some of the symptoms of painful bladder syndrome. However, there is no evidence to indicate whether oral supplements would produce enough hyaluronic acid in the bladder to have any impact.
How to Use Hyaluronic Acid and How Often
How often a person can use hyaluronic acid will depend on the type. Typically, a person can use skincare products that contain hyaluronic acid twice a day, but it is essential to read the instructions as products will vary.
To reap the full benefits of a hyaluronic acid serum, it is recommended to apply it to clean, damp skin up to twice a day. Applying it to damp skin is crucial because hyaluronic acid binds to and retains water; when applied to dry skin, it can pull moisture from the skin, causing transepidermal water loss. Applying hyaluronic acid to damp skin allows the ingredient to absorb and retain excess water. Once fully absorbed, follow with a moisturizer and the rest of your skincare routine.
Types of Hyaluronic Acid Products
Oral Supplements
Hyaluronic acid tablets have shown efficacy for treating several issues, including: skin hydration and wrinkle reduction, and joint pain. People should speak to their doctor or another healthcare professional before using any form of supplements, as they may interact with other medications.
Topical Products
Topical hyaluronic acid can come in the following forms: creams, lotions, serums, and foams. When choosing which hyaluronic acid products to incorporate into your skincare regimen, it’s important to keep in mind that not all hyaluronic acid is created equal. The hyaluronic acid in serums and moisturizers often comes in different forms or molecular weights. The smaller the molecule, the deeper the ingredient can penetrate to reach lower layers of the skin (the dermis), while the larger molecules hydrate closer to the surface (the epidermis). Consider incorporating products formulated with multiple forms of hyaluronic acid to achieve optimal results, as both molecular weights are important for reaping the full benefits.
Injections
Because the body produces hyaluronic acid naturally, the chances of a person having an allergic reaction are low. Therefore, hyaluronic acid in injection form can have a range of uses, including medical and cosmetic purposes. A cosmetic purpose for hyaluronic acid is fillers, including facial and lip fillers. A dermatologist injects hyaluronic acid into the lips to give them a plumper appearance.
Safety and Side Effects
People using hyaluronic acid regularly generally report very few side effects. This is probably because the body produces hyaluronic acid naturally, which means there is little risk of allergic reactions. One 2012 study involved participants taking oral hyaluronic acid for 12 months, and they reported zero side effects.
Injections of any kind containing hyaluronic acid should only be given by a licensed, qualified medical professional. Adverse effects from injections may include: pain, bruising, flushed skin, itching, and swelling. These effects tend to be due to the injection itself rather than the hyaluronic acid.
Over-the-counter hyaluronic acid serums and products applied on your skin (creams, lotions, etc.) or in eye care products are considered safe. Hyaluronic acid supplements taken by mouth are also considered safe, but it's advisable to inform your healthcare provider about them, as you would for any other medication, vitamin, or supplement. Prescription hyaluronic acid products should be taken exactly as instructed by your healthcare provider.
Pregnancy or Breastfeeding
People receiving an injection of hyaluronic acid should talk with their healthcare provider if they plan on becoming pregnant or are breastfeeding. There is currently not enough evidence to indicate the impact on a fetus or newborn.
When to Consult a Healthcare Provider
You may want to talk to your healthcare provider about hyaluronic acid if you’re interested in using it as a supplement.
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