The Powerful Properties of Hyaluronic Acid

admin | August 25, 2015 | Dietary Health Supplement

Through the years, many people have been searching for the true fountain of youth. In their journey of finding the key to ageless beauty, some have resorted to various natural and surgical cosmetic procedures. One of which is the use of hyaluronic acid.

Hyaluronic acid is a type of carbohydrate which is produced by the body to serve as a component in making the skin hydrated and elastic. It also makes the ligaments, tendons, and cartilages smooth and viscous. Hyaluronic acid supplements are now available in the market and do not require prescription. It is usually affordable and low risk.

Benefits of Hyaluronic Acid

The body naturally produces its own regenerative and healing substance. This certain substance is called hyaluronic acid. Some benefits of hyaluronic acid are relieving joint pain from arthritis and moisturizing the skin. Hyaluronic acid is responsible for keeping the skin looking plump and moisturized. It also acts as a supplement for healthy connective tissues such as tendons, ligaments and cartilages. Hyaluronic acid can also help in the prompt healing of wounds and in preventing scars.

As the body ages, the production of hyaluronic acid in the skin could diminish. That is why the outer surface of chronologically-aged skin may look sallow and wrinkled. Skin aging is caused by the lessened amount of moisture and collagen in the skin. This would cause the skin to lose its elasticity.

Keeping a healthy vision is also one of the important benefits of hyaluronic acid. Supplementing with hyaluronic acid helps in preventing detached retina. It also helps reverse the signs and symptoms of macular degeneration.

Hyaluronic Acid for Joints

Arthritis is a common disorder which can cause mild to severe joint pain. It is a common condition that causes swelling, stiffness and pain on the joints. It causes a person to become physically disabled. The decreased amount of collagen and hyaluronic acid in the body contributes in worsening arthritic joint pain.

It is a good thing that the use of injected hyaluronic acid for joints had been approved by the government. Injected hyaluronic acid helps people with arthritis in alleviating pain, absorbing shock and relieving pressure on the joints. However, injected hyaluronic acid may require a series of weekly appointments to the doctor. It can also cause aches and a little possibility of developing an infection of the joint. It can also be a little expensive.

Oral hyaluronic acid is a good treatment for arthritis because unlike naproxen, it does not cause stomach ulcers. Furthermore, it will not increase the risk for kidney disorder, heart attack and stroke. A daily dose of 200 mg hyaluronic acid capsule can help people with arthritis to regenerate their cartilage. It is also more convenient and less costly compared to injected hyaluronic acid.

Hyaluronic Acid in Skin Care

Supplementing with hyaluronic acid for about four months can bring about dramatic results in improving both intrinsically and extrinsically aged skin. Many cosmetic and wellness brands have been recently using hyaluronic acid in skin care products. Topical creams, lotions, serums and make up contain derivatives of hyaluronic acid. It is because of its effective skin moisturizing and firming benefits. Hyaluronic acid can act as a sponge which can absorb as much as a thousand times more moisture than its weight. It eventually results in reducing wrinkles and fine lines on the skin.

Hyaluronic acid can also help in hastening the healing of wounds and in improving the appearance of scars. It can effectively erase old and new acne scars. But it would need a little patience to see visible results. It could take around three months to heal acne scars.

Hyaluronic acid fillers can also be applied directly into the dermal layer of the skin thru injection. It is considered to be safe because hyaluronic acid is a natural substance and it would not cause allergic reactions.

Hyaluronic Acid Supplements for Skin

Naturally, the body produces around three grams of hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid triggers the production of the protein collagen. Collagen is crucial in keeping the skin firm and the joints well-lubricated. But as it ages, the production of hyaluronic acid may drastically decrease. It is the time when supplementation of hyaluronic acid may be greatly beneficial.

There are various types and brands of hyaluronic acid supplements for skin. You can also find some skin creams and lotions with a percentage of hyaluronic acid. It has become a popular ingredient in anti-aging skin care brands because of its powerful moisturizing properties.

Hyaluronic acid can also be taken orally. The recommended dosage of hyaluronic acid supplementation is 200 mg each day.

Natural Sources of Hyaluronic Acid

Hyaluronic acid, also known as sodium hyaluronate or hyaluronan is produced by the body to lubricate and moisturize the joints and skin. Hyaluronic acid can also be derived from food supplements and other natural sources.

It is not hard to find natural sources of hyaluronic acid. It is because hyaluronic acid is naturally made by the body. Increased estrogen levels in the body may trigger the production of hyaluronic acid. Moreover, the consumption of soy-derived foods may also serve the same purpose.

Root crops and green leafy vegetables contain hyaluronic acid. It is best derived from foods which are made from animal skin, bones and cartilages. Consumption of red wine may also encourage the body system to produce more hyaluronic acid.

Choosing the Best Hyaluronic Acid Supplement

There are various sources of hyaluronic acid supplements. But the most effective and pharmaceutical grade hyaluronic acid is the one which is obtained from avian cartilage. It has a high percentage of hyaluronic acid and it resembles the body’s natural hyaluronic acid. Research had shown that the extract from avian cartilage triggers the synovial cells to produce more hyaluronic acid than others.

Hyaluronic acid can be truly beneficial to the body and it is good that it is readily available. Thorough research can help in finding out which product is best and most effective for a certain health concern. It could either be the oral, topical or injected type. The best type may only depend upon the patient’s preference or whatever is the most suitable treatment for the certain health condition.