Spotlight on Hyaluronic Acid
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Hyaluronic acid (HA) is found naturally in your skin, as well as in the fluid that lubricates and cushions joints. But by the time you hit 50, you’re left with only half the HA that you had in high school. The result? Stiff, painful joints and dry, sagging skin that is more vulnerable to damage. HA attracts and holds water, which plumps up the skin so that fine lines and wrinkles are less visible. For joints, HA has been shown in studies to reduce pain and improve function in people with osteoarthritis.
You can benefit from HA in topical and supplement forms. Here are a few products to try.
Cogent Solutions Group Baxyl Hyaluronan
This liquid form of HA contains MHB3 Hyaluronan, a proprietary hyaluronan biopolymer. High concentrations of hyaluronan are found in synovial fluid and cartilage, and this formulation has been shown in studies to promote healthy cartilage and enhance joint function. It’s also vegan.
Nature’s Way Hydraplenish plus MSM
Whether you want to soften and smooth your skin or ease joint pain, this supplement can help. It’s a blend of HA, collagen, chondroitin sulfate, and MSM, which also supports hair, skin, nail, and joint health. One online reviewer said Hydraplenish not only reduced knee pain, but it also relieved her chapped lips.
Hyalogic HylaVision
Almost 95% of the eyeball’s fluid is made up of HA. But as you age and HA production decreases, you can experience dry eyes as a result. HylaVision is designed to cushion and lubricate delicate eye components. Hyaluronic acid is combined with nutrients essential for healthy vision: zeaxanthin, lutein, zinc, and vitamins A, C, and E.
MyChelle Dermaceuticals Ultra Hyaluronic Hydrating Serum
This silky serum just feels good going on skin. It works in a few ways to improve skin: natural hydrators, including hyaluronic acid and rosehip seed extract, quench, smooth, and plump dry, sensitive skin. Use before applying moisturizer.
GOOD SKIN FROM WITHIN
While popular injectable “fillers” such as Juvederm and Restylane can significantly enhance your levels of HA, taking an oral HA supplement can boost your skin’s moisture content. One study by researchers at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, also found that along with hydrating and firming skin, HA stimulates the creation of collagen.