Hyaluronic acid (HA) stands as a vital component for maintaining smooth, radiant skin and optimal hydration. While it has gained widespread recognition as a topical serum for addressing skin concerns, this powerful compound can also be taken in capsule form to support various bodily functions.
Hyaluronic acid occurs naturally throughout our body as a clear substance found in skin, eyes, and connective tissues. As we age, our body’s hyaluronic acid levels begin declining naturally. Due to this gradual decrease, supplementing with external forms becomes essential. Taking it in capsule form is recommended to maintain the optimal benefits for skin health and overall physical wellness.
Below, we’ll explore what hyaluronic acid is, its health benefits, proper usage guidelines, and our top picks for the best hyaluronic acid supplements.
What Is Hyaluronic Acid?
Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a sugar compound naturally present throughout our body, with particularly high concentrations in our skin. Its primary function involves maintaining skin hydration and preserving that coveted healthy glow. One crucial role hyaluronic acid performs is not only holding moisture in our skin and joints, but also preventing that same moisture from evaporating. Essentially, hyaluronic acid works to maintain adequate moisture levels in our skin and joints.
Since hyaluronic acid levels naturally decline with age, supplementing through external sources becomes crucial for maintaining its beneficial effects on our health.
Hyaluronic Acid Supplement Benefits
Hyaluronic acid is most commonly used for treating and managing osteoarthritis, also known as “wear-and-tear arthritis”. Research demonstrates that oral supplements can provide similar benefits to hyaluronic acid injections or topical serums.
While best known for treating osteoarthritis, hyaluronic acid offers numerous additional health benefits beyond joint care. Here are several key advantages you can experience with adequate hyaluronic acid intake.
1) Hyaluronic Acid Can Promote Healthier Skin
One of hyaluronic acid’s primary benefits is its ability to promote supple, healthier, and radiant skin. As mentioned earlier, our body naturally produces hyaluronic acid specifically for this function—maintaining a youthful appearance.
Hyaluronic acid in your skin binds water to retain maximum moisture while simultaneously preventing that moisture from evaporating, providing dual-action protection.
Since well-hydrated skin reduces the appearance of wrinkles, hyaluronic acid naturally helps diminish signs of aging. It’s particularly beneficial for people struggling with dry skin due to its exceptional moisturizing properties.
Beyond natural aging, several factors can deplete or damage your hyaluronic acid levels. Tobacco smoking, pollution exposure, and ultraviolet radiation all contribute to hyaluronic acid degradation. Maintaining healthy habits and minimizing pollution exposure is crucial, while sunscreen provides essential protection against harmful UV rays.
2) Hyaluronic Acid Helps With Joint Pain
Beyond skin health, hyaluronic acid is found in our joints, specifically in the spaces between bones, where it provides essential lubrication to prevent painful bone-on-bone friction.
If you suffer from osteoarthritis—a degenerative joint disease caused by wear and tear over time—hyaluronic acid can provide significant relief for this specific condition.
3) Hyaluronic Acid Can Speed Up Healing
Did you know that hyaluronic acid plays a crucial role in wound healing beyond just moisturizing your skin?
Since it naturally occurs in our skin, hyaluronic acid becomes essential for wound repair. Its concentration actually increases when skin is damaged and requires healing. Hyaluronic acid regulates inflammation levels at wound sites and signals your body to build additional blood vessels in the area for faster recovery.
Through this same mechanism, hyaluronic acid proves beneficial for treating gum disease and accelerating healing after major dental surgery.
4) Hyaluronic Acid Can Help Relieve Dry Eyes And Eye Discomfort
Approximately 1 in 7 older adults suffer from dry eyes due to reduced tear production or rapid tear evaporation. Given hyaluronic acid’s exceptional water retention properties, it naturally serves as an effective treatment for dry eyes and related discomfort.
Eye drops containing 0.2-0.4% hyaluronic acid have been shown to reduce eye dryness while improving overall eye health. Contact lenses are now modified to include slow-release hyaluronic acid, providing continuous moisturizing benefits and preventing dryness.
While hyaluronic acid effectively treats dry eyes, ongoing research continues to uncover additional benefits for eye health.
5) Hyaluronic Acid Can Help Preserve Bone Strength
Recent animal studies have investigated hyaluronic acid supplements’ effects on bone health with promising results.
Two studies demonstrated that hyaluronic acid supplements helped slow bone loss rates in rats with osteopenia.
Another study showed that high doses of hyaluronic acid increased osteoblast activity—cells responsible for building new bone tissue.
While the effects on human bone health remain unclear, these animal research results show promise for potential human applications.
How To Take Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic acid supplements are readily available at drugstores, health shops, and health food stores. You can also purchase them online. Most forms don’t require a prescription, though injectable hyaluronic acid does. Most supplements come in tablet or capsule form, though liquid formulations are also available.
No universal dosage standard currently exists. While 200mg is often recommended, some doctors suggest 1,000mg daily. However, higher dosages don’t necessarily translate to greater effectiveness.
Does Hyaluronic Acid Really Work?
Yes, when taken correctly under proper circumstances, hyaluronic acid delivers results. As a natural moisturizer for skin and lubricant for bones and joints, it can provide considerable help depending on your specific health concerns.
Is Hyaluronic Acid Right For You?
If you need to rejuvenate and moisturize your skin, or require help lubricating your bones and joints, hyaluronic acid can be an excellent solution.
Hyaluronic acid is safe for most people when taken appropriately under proper circumstances. Following the correct dosage should ensure safe usage.
Best Hyaluronic Acid Supplements
Doctor’s Best Hyaluronic Acid with Chondroitin Sulfate ($28) – Doctor’s Best provides quality supplements at affordable prices. The only caution with this version is that it’s not recommended for those with acid reflux issues.
1MD MoveMD
1MD MoveMD stands as one of our top hyaluronic acid picks. 1MD is a well-established supplement company with an extensive product line including 1MD Complete Probiotics Platinum, 1MD KrillMD, 1MD BalanceMD, and many more. MoveMD represents their approach to fast-acting joint pain relief, featuring powerful ingredients like ApresFlex Boswellia Serrata for joint health and antioxidant Zanthin Natural Astaxanthin. Benefits include reduced joint pain, increased mobility and flexibility, and diminished oxidative damage.
GET UP TO 22% OFF 1MD MOVEMDReserveage Collagen Booster with Hyaluronic Acid
Reserveage combines hyaluronic acid with collagen to deliver an exceptional supplement for nail, hair, and joint health. While pricier than the Doctor’s Best option, the added collagen provides significant value.
GET THE BEST PRICE ON RESERVEAGE COLLAGEN BOOSTERVitauthority Multi Collagen Protein
Vitauthority Multi Collagen Protein is a powdered supplement combining collagen and hyaluronic acid. This supplement contains 50 mg of Hyaluronic Acid and 7.8 g of a multi-source collagen complex. The collagen within this formula is sourced from four different food groups: hydrolyzed bovine collagen peptides, hydrolyzed fish collagen peptides, chicken bone broth collagen concentrate, and eggshell membrane collagen. It provides benefits such as smoothing wrinkles, strengthening tendons and joints, promoting hair and nail health, and reducing inflammation.
GET THE BEST PRICE ON VITAUTHORITY MULTI COLLAGEN PROTEINGlucosamine Hyaluronic acid chondroitin MSM Supplement
This hyaluronic supplement is both vegan and vegetarian friendly. While one of the more affordable options available, it maintains excellent quality. The only drawback is requiring three daily doses compared to once-daily alternatives.
GET THE BEST PRICE ON GLUCOSAMINE HYALURONIC ACID CHONDROITIN MSMPure Hyaluronic Acid Serum from Cosmedica Skincare
This product specifically targets the anti-aging and anti-wrinkle benefits of hyaluronic supplements. This natural and organic serum offers numerous skincare benefits, making it an excellent choice for consumers focused solely on improving skin quality and moisture.
GET THE BEST PRICE ON PURE HYALURONIC ACID SERUMCan I Stack Hyaluronic Acid Supplements With Anything?
Hyaluronic acid is a relatively mild supplement that pairs well with virtually any other supplement. The only precaution involves breastfeeding mothers seeking medical advice before injections.
Hyaluronic Acid Alternatives
Many consumers use hyaluronic acid specifically for skin benefits and anti-aging advantages. While various serums provide similar effects, hyaluronic acid has demonstrated the most significant impact. Several skin supplements are available on the market, such as Vitality Skin Envy, which can serve as skincare alternatives.
If you’re considering adding hyaluronic acid supplements to your regimen, now is an excellent time to try them. Hyaluronic acid is a relatively safe and easy supplement to test that offers multiple benefits. Should you experience any adverse symptoms after starting hyaluronic acid, contact a medical professional immediately.
