We have strong evidence from human clinical trials that hyaluronic acid supplements can reverse skin wrinkles by up to 18%. However, two significant controversies surround this supplement, which I'll address in this post. We will cover what hyaluronic acid is, how it works, the evidence for its effectiveness in reducing skin wrinkles, and whether it's safe to use. But first, there has been a monumental shift in the research on this supplement that you need to know about to avoid getting ripped off.
What is Hyaluronic Acid?
Hyaluronic acid is found in every connective tissue and organ, including the skin, joint fluid, blood vessels, brain, cartilage, and heart valves. Essentially, hyaluronic acid is the backbone of our connective tissue, holding everything together. The skin contains the largest quantity of hyaluronic acid in the body, with about 50% of the total body hyaluronic acid present in the skin. Unfortunately, the quantity of hyaluronic acid in the skin gradually decreases with age. For example, a 75-year-old person only has about one-quarter of the amount of hyaluronic acid in their skin compared to a 19-year-old.
The Mechanism and Benefits of Hyaluronic Acid
Imagine your skin as a firm mattress. When you are young, it's full of support and bounce thanks to the high levels of hyaluronic acid. As you age, it is like the mattress losing some of its springs, becoming less supportive and more prone to wrinkles. Reintroducing hyaluronic acid is like adding new springs, restoring some of that original support.
The Controversy of Absorption
The first controversy is whether the body can actually absorb hyaluronic acid supplements. This topic gained new insights after a 2023 paper was published. In the 2000s and early 2010s, animal experiments demonstrated that hyaluronic acid supplements could be absorbed and distributed to the skin, bones, and joint fluids. These studies used radiolabeled hyaluronic acid to show that the supplements are indeed absorbed and retained in those tissues for prolonged periods.
However, the 2023 study has upended that conclusion. It used the latest labeling technology to explore exactly how hyaluronic acid is or isn't absorbed. The study found that high molecular weight hyaluronic acid is broken down by the stomach into middle molecular weight. Without gut bacteria, none of the hyaluronic acid is absorbed. In a normal gut, the gut bacteria completely break down the middleweight hyaluronic acid from the stomach into short oligosaccharides or sugars and short-chain fatty acid metabolites, which are then absorbed. So, absorbing hyaluronic acid is like dismantling a Lego structure; the digestive system breaks down the long hyaluronic acid chains into shorter pieces, which can then be absorbed and utilized by the body.
Evidence for Reversing Skin Wrinkles
Despite the absorption challenges, multiple randomized clinical trials show that hyaluronic acid supplements can reduce skin wrinkles. In 2001, a small trial suggested that hyaluronic acid decreased wrinkle depth compared to a placebo. Similar results were found in a 2007 study and again in 2017. The 2017 study involved 60 people, and the analysis showed a clear difference between the group taking hyaluronic acid supplements and the placebo.
The 2017 study also compared different molecular weight hyaluronic acid supplements. As expected from the 2023 absorption study, there was no difference between the higher versus lower molecular weight versions; both groups had similar improvements in skin wrinkle depth compared to the placebo. Remember, hyaluronic acid supplements are broken down by the gut bacteria into sugars and metabolites, which are then absorbed.
Additional studies support these findings. A 2021 randomized clinical trial of 40 people and another study published in the European Journal of Dermatology demonstrated that hyaluronic acid supplements can significantly reduce skin wrinkles. A larger 2023 study of 129 people again showed skin improvements from hyaluronic acid supplements.
Safety Concerns
The second controversy involves the safety of hyaluronic acid supplements. Some people may experience a bit of tummy upset, but the primary safety concern discussed on social media is cancer. In single-cell studies, when hyaluronic acid is given to cancer cells, it appears to accelerate cancer growth. However, when hyaluronic acid supplements are given to mice with cancer, there is no difference, supporting the safety of orally administered hyaluronic acid.
Conclusion
Hyaluronic acid supplements show promising results in reducing skin wrinkles, supported by multiple clinical trials. However, the absorption process and potential safety concerns must be considered. While hyaluronic acid skin serums are useful as moisturizers, their effectiveness in reversing other signs of skin aging remains unconvincing. For those looking to improve their skin health, understanding the latest research and choosing the right type of supplement is crucial.
Stay informed and make educated decisions about your health and skincare routine. Thank you for reading, and don't forget to check out more on this topic in future posts.
For those interested in trying hyaluronic acid supplements, consider Doctor's Best Hyaluronic Acid with Chondroitin Sulfate, Featuring BioCell Collagen. This supplement supports joint health and youthful skin. It's Non-GMO, gluten-free, soy-free, and contains 180 veggie caps per pack.
Key Features:
- Supports healthy joint structure and youthful skin
- Contains a patented composition of naturally occurring hydrolyzed collagen type II, chondroitin sulfate, and hyaluronic acid
- Clinically proven to help maintain joint shock absorption and cushioning
- Helps maintain youthful skin by enhancing the structure and volume of the skin by promoting connective tissues
- Non-GMO and Gluten Free
For more details and to purchase, visit the product page on Amazon.
(Note: If you make a purchase using the link provided, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your support!)