Our skin loses hyaluronic acid already in our youth, from the age of 30 this is mostly visible - the skin becomes thinner and drier and gets the first wrinkles.
Hyaluronic acid, sometimes just called "hyaluron", is a substance produced naturally in the body that has the unique ability to bind enormous amounts of water. The gel-like substance is found in many body compartments - not least in the connective tissue of the skin, where it provides moisture, elasticity and resilience. In the course of ageing, the body's own hyaluronic acid production decreases - this manifests itself in the skin gradually losing moisture, volume and elasticity.
Hyaluronic acid (also known as hyaluron) is a favorite in the cosmetics industry. Many day creams, night creams, facial masks, etc. rely on this tried-and-tested active moisturizing ingredient. It is now also included as an ingredient in nutritional supplements. But is it any different from the hyaluronic acid used in cosmetics? And can our bodies even utilize orally ingested hyaluronic acid? Studies from recent years clarify the issue.
Hyaluronic acid is a substance that occurs naturally in the human body. It is mostly found in the skin, connective tissue, joint fluid, vertebral disks and eyeballs. Hyaluronic acid functions as an essential factor in human vitality because it has the special property of binding a lot of water compared to its mass.
From a chemical perspective, hyaluronic acid comes in various forms. Different qualities of this care substance are available on the market: Low molecular hyaluronic acid has a longer-term effect and is stored in the connective tissue. Its molecules are smaller and can therefore penetrate into the skin more deeply. The anti-wrinkle effect lasts longer.High molecular hyaluronic acid, in contrast, cannot penetrate as deeply into the skin. The most it can do is form a film of moisture on the outer layer of the skin that releases moisture and improves elasticity. Fine lines and wrinkles appear smoother and plumper.
Chinatsu Kawada and his research team have investigated this question. His study shows that both low and high molecular hyaluronic acids are absorbed and dispersed in connective tissue; intestinal bacteria break up the molecules of the high molecular hyalonic acid into smaller pieces. In conclusion, hyaluronic acid can also be effectively supplied to the body in the form of nutritional supplements.
