We often shout about the beauty benefits of collagen, but there are other compounds that are vitally important for the health of our hair/skin/nails. Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a substance naturally produced by the body, mostly found in the skin, connective tissues, and eyes and is key for healthy, glowing skin. Hyaluronic acid is a natural polysaccharide which is important in the network of fibres that support the surface layers of skin, it is a glycosaminoglycan which is one of the compounds in our skin that assists in binding water (1).
Half the HA in the body is found in the skin where it binds to water to help retain moisture (2), it holds up to 1,000 times its weight in water, helping our skin to stay hydrated and plump. As well as this it is also important for wound healing; when there is damage, we find increased concentrations of hyaluronic acid in the skin to support repair. It regulates inflammation levels and signals the body to build more blood vessels in the damaged area to support healing (3). You may have also come across HA as beneficial aid for joint health, it helps to lubricate the space between the bones, ensuring they are less likely to grind against each other and cause pain, helping to keep our joints supple, and keep us active and mobile.
Hyaluronic Acid for Skin Health Like collagen, the aging process and our exposure to UV rays, smoke, pollution, and other environmental factors can decrease the amount of hyaluronic acid in the skin. Aging causes a decrease in the production of sex hormones, and particularly oestrogen/progesterone post menopause, resulting in collagen degradation, dryness, loss of elasticity, and wrinkling of skin.
As we age our hyaluronic acid levels begin to decrease causing a loss of skin moisture and increased signs of ageing of the skin. Studies have shown the benefits of hyaluronic acid supplementation for skin health, it has been shown to curb premature wrinkling, increase skin hydration and smoothness, boost skin elasticity, promote firm skin tone, and enhance collagen synthesis making it an essential beauty supplement.
Research suggests that oral hyaluronic acid supplementation inhibits skin wrinkles and improves skin condition, with skin lustre and suppleness significantly improving after 12 weeks (4). Another study found that ingested hyaluronic acid increased skin moisture and improved treatment outcomes for patients with dry skin. Ingested HA contributes to increased synthesis of HA and promotes cell proliferation in fibroblasts, which are the cells that make collagen (5). When skin is hydrated it feels soft, plump, and looks more radiant, as well as reducing lines and wrinkles. If you want to maintain a youthful glow add HA into your anti-ageing skincare routine, it works for any skin type and is a beauty essential during winter time when skin can become very dehydrated battling all the elements inside and out.
Collagen And Hyaluronic Acid Combining collagen with hyaluronic acid is an anti-aging dream team. The two work better together for plumping, smoothing, and hydrating skin. Hyaluronic acid also helps to stimulate our own collagen production, so the two work hand to hand to keep skin young and healthy. Look and feel your best at all stages of life with targeted support for skin, hair, and nails with our Primal Goddess blend.
We add a range of antioxidant rich berries, and key beauty nutrients including hyaluronic acid to the collagen to create a full spectrum beauty product for glowing skin, healthy hair, and strong nails. These nutrients work synergistically with the collagen and each other to help us glow from the inside out. References 1: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3583892/ 2: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3583886/ 3: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26978861/. 4: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28761365/ 5: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25014997/