How To Most Effectively Hydrate Skin With Oral Hyaluronic Acid*

Skin is a complex, dynamic organ made up of many different components that have to work together to function in good health. To name a few, there's the role of the skin microbiome, acid mantle, lipid layer, elastin, and collagen.

Now, when we talk about premature skin aging—collagen tends to get the most attention. For good reason: The structural protein is what gives our skin lift, hold, and that firm appearance. Its loss—which comes naturally with time and from exposure to UV damage and stressors—is one of the main drivers of fine lines, loss of volume, and sagging. Elastin tends to get runner-up, as it's what helps our skin snap back into place with ease and helps our skin appear bouncy. 

But then there's hyaluronic acid. If you stay up on skin care, you've probably heard of it. The natural humectant is a famous serum and lotion active that helps your skin bind and hold on to water. And if you really stay informed on skin health, you may also know that it's naturally occurring in your body and skin as well. 

Hyaluronic acid, also known as HA or glycosaminoglycan, is a compound created by the human body that serves several important functions. It is the key molecule involved in skin moisture1, and its decline plays a huge role in the skin's aging process.* Hyaluronic acid works by1 drawing in water and holding it—up to 1,000 times its weight, making it an incredibly effective and hardworking molecule.*

Now 50% of the body's total HA is in the skin1, but it's also present in every tissue and fluid in the body (and has other high concentrations in the joints and eyes). In the skin, it's primarily found in the epidermis1 (outermost layer that acts as a shield) and the subcutaneous layer (the innermost layer that absorbs damage and provides structure to the skin). 

This is important because it helps us understand how the molecule nurtures our overall appearance. In the outermost layer, HA attracts and holds on to water—this function is what provides a dewy, supple, and hydrated appearance to the skin's surface.* (This is also why people use topical HA!) Now for the innermost layer, this is what helps skin stay plump, as the lubricating molecule can provide a bit of cushion to the subcutaneous layer.*  

Recently, companies have started adding the ingredient to their supplements. Oral forms of HA have also been shown to support skin hydration3 and appearance.* The available evidence suggests that oral HA supplements are absorbed in the digestive tract and then migrate to the tissues4 that are most in need of more HA.* 

But if you really want to help your skin's reserves of HA, it’s best to take the supplement alongside other skin bioactives, such as collagen peptides and antioxidants. Since collagen production decreases with age as well—and provides the structural component—this can help bolster the skin's appearance when the two naturally occurring molecules work together.