You've heard of hyaluronic acid as an active ingredient in everything from lotion to serum, but did you know that it's also a substance that occurs naturally in our bodies, especially in our eyes, joints, and skin?
We're breaking down the details behind hyaluronic acid, plus sharing six benefits of incorporating hyaluronic acid into your routine.
What Is Hyaluronic Acid?
Hyaluronic acid is a group of sugar molecules that are found in the body's connective tissues and work to cushion and lubricate the surrounding areas.
Over time these natural stores of hyaluronic acid in your body decrease with age which and lead to increases in dryness or joint pain. By adding hyaluronic acid to your routine you can help rebuild the depleted sources.
Hyaluronic acid can in the form of oral supplements, topical creams, serums, or even injections.
Benefits of Hyaluronic Acid
1. Hydrates & Smoothes Skin
Hyaluronic acid can increase your skin's moisture. A 2014 study found that 120–240 milligrams (mg) per day for at least 1 month has been shown to significantly increase skin moisture and reduce dry skin in adults.
When applied topically, another 2014 study involving female participants applying hyaluronic acid as a lotion, serum, and cream found an increase in skin hydration of up to 96% after 8 weeks of use across the different types.
Hydrated skin also reduces the appearance of wrinkles and enhances skin firmness and elasticity, giving the illusion of smoother skin.
2. Helps Heal Wounds
Hyaluronic acid plays a key role in wound healing by helping in the tissue regeneration process.
Hyaluronic acid helps wounds heal faster by regulating inflammation levels and signaling the body to build more blood vessels in the damaged area.
It can even help reduce gum disease, speed up recovery after tooth surgery, and eliminate mouth ulcers, according to a 2016 review.
3. Helps Treat Vaginal Dryness
Besides combatting dryness for the skin, hyaluronic acid can also increase moisture and reduce vaginal dryness, all while keeping your microbiome and pH levels normal!
At Kindra we aim to provide hormone-free options for relief, that's why we use hyaluronic acid as an ingredient in our Daily Vaginal Lotion and V Relief Serum.
A 2021 study published in The Journal of Sexual Medicine found that hyaluronic acid achieves similar results to hormonal treatments in correcting tissue shrinkage, vaginal pH, difficult or painful intercourse, and cell growth.
The Daily Vaginal Lotion is formulated with niacinamide, vitamin E, coconut oil, and hyaluronic acid and is best for those experiencing mild to moderate dryness. 95% of women reported meaningful improvements with as little as two uses.
The Daily Vaginal Lotion
Our V Relief Serum has a slightly thinner consistency and is best for those experiencing severe dryness or feelings or itching, burning, or stinging when wiping or applying products. Formulated with a clinically-studied biomimetic peptide, hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, and coconut oil, V Relief Serum supports intimate skin hydration and nourishment.
V Relief Serum
4. Alleviates Joint Pain
Hyaluronic acid can be found in our joints naturally. When our joints are well-lubricated bones are less likely to grind against each other and cause pain.
Taking 80–200 mg daily for at least 2 months has been shown to significantly reduce knee pain in people with osteoarthritis, especially those between the ages of 40 and 70 years old.
A 2017 study found that combining hyaluronic and with other medications such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or corticosteroids, can increase how effectively these treatments work.
5. Soothes Dry Eyes
The eyes contain high concentrations of hyaluronic acid and since hyaluronic acid is great at retaining moisture it's often used to treat dry eyes.
A 2019 study found that taking a combination of oral and topical hyaluronic acid eased symptoms of dry eye in participants. Another study found that eye drops containing 0.2–0.4% hyaluronic acid have been shown to reduce dry eye symptoms and improve eye health.
6. Reduces Acid Reflex Symptoms
Hyaluronic acid may also help reduce acid reflux symptoms. A 2017 trial found that hyaluronic acid supplements taken with acid suppression helped decrease reflux symptoms 60% more than taking acid-reducing medication alone.
Types of Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic acid can be found in multiple forms.
- Oral
- Topical
- Injections
Summary
Overall, hyaluronic acid is a great ingredient for a variety of conditions, especially those related to skin and joint health.
