Hyaluronic acid is the key substance when it comes to fighting skin aging. Creams, supplements and treatments based on hyaluronic acid are offered practically everywhere, in shops, supermarkets and beauty centers, to counteract wrinkles and dry, toneless skin. So let's see what science says about the cosmetic properties of hyaluronic acid. We will then also see what are the best and safest ways to replenish your skin with hyaluronic acid.
Hyaluronic acid, properties in cosmetics
Hyaluronic acid is naturally present in our body. It is found, for example, in the eye, where it maintains the shape of the vitreous humor, in the joints, where it facilitates movement, and, precisely, in the skin, where it preserves hydration. Hyaluronic acid tends to decrease with age and other factors such as cigarette smoking, ultraviolet radiation and air pollution (Kawada et al, Nutr J, 2014). Limiting the discussion to the skin, from this consideration we understand the importance of supplying the skin tissues with hyaluronic acid, using, for example, cosmetics containing this substance. Cosmetics containing hyaluronic acid are, in fact, anti-aging and have the purpose of preserving and improving the vitality and tone of the skin (Ratajczak et al, J Cosmet Dermatol, 2022). Not only that, hyaluronic acid helps to make the skin softer, brighter, smoother and more hydrated, since hyaluronic acid retains water and provides hydration to the tissues (Yasin et al, Front Bioeng Biotechnol, 2022). This substance acts as a skin rejuvenator and helps reduce wrinkles (Lierova et al, Pharmaceutics, 2022). Hyaluronic acid also helps in case of dermatitis, irritations and wounds, since it helps to repair the skin barrier, stimulates the healing and regeneration processes of the skin and is anti-inflammatory and antibacterial (Draelos et al, J Cosmet Dermatol, 2011 - Pirnazar et al, J Periodontol, 1999 - Litwiniuk et al, Wounds, 2016). Hyaluronic acid is suitable for all skin types as it is non-allergenic and non-irritating (Yasin et al, Front Bioeng Biotechnol, 2022).
Hyaluronic acid in cosmetics
You can find various creams and serums containing hyaluronic acid on the market. There is also the possibility of DIY, buying hyaluronic acid, possibly already in solution since the powder needs to be hydrated and this can be a difficult process. Hyaluronic acid in solution, if indicated on the label, can be used pure on the skin or added to cosmetics during preparation.
Hyaluronic acid beyond cosmetics
The best way to give hyaluronic acid to the skin is certainly the topical application. Instead, other methods, such as supplements and injections, should be avoided. Based on very recent scientific studies, in fact, it seems that supplements based on hyaluronic acid, acting from within, could even be harmful and feed some forms of cancer in predisposed people (Kim et al, eLife, 2021). While injections can increase the risk of inflammation and irritation, mostly associated with the operation of injecting the substance and not with the substance itself (Lafaille et al, J Cutan Aesthet Surg, 2010).
Hyaluronic acid and nutrition
Diet can also help maintain levels of hyaluronic acid in skin tissues. Some foods contain flavonoids, such as hesperidin, rutin, myricetin, genistein and naringenin which inhibit the action of the enzyme hyaluronidase, which degrades hyaluronic acid (Jung et al, Arch Plast Surg, 2020 –Li et al, Spectrochim Acta A Mol Biomol Spectrosc, 2021). Therefore, the effect of these foods is to counteract the loss of hyaluronic acid. And what are these foods? Definitely oranges, but also tangerines with their peel, tea, apples, buckwheat and soy. Then, magnesium is also important since it stimulates the production of hyaluronic acid in the skin tissues (Marunaka et al, Int J Mol Sci, 2022). Magnesium is present in abundance in almonds, bananas, black beans, broccoli, brown rice and whole grains, flaxseed, green leafy vegetables, nuts and oilseeds, oats and tofu.
