Anti-Aging Benefits of Hyaluronic Acid

Skin aging is a multifactorial process that takes place both internally and externally. In the world of science, the internal processes that affect skin aging consist of metabolic and cellular stressors that are more or less part of the natural aging process. External stressors involve daily exposure to environmental toxins, UV-radiation, air pollution, and other factors that we have a greater deal of control over.

When the skin is healthy and youthful, it is resilient. This has a lot to do with its high moisture or water content. Everything from the internal stress of aging to external factors can contribute to the loss of moisture, which results in aged skin. The key molecule responsible for maintaining skin moisture is hyaluronic acid.

What is Hyaluronic Acid?

Hyaluronic acid is a naturally-occurring substance in skin tissue, which is largely responsible and known for its ability to attract and hold up to six times its weight in moisture. This is good news for the skin because hydrated skin means healthy, supple and soft looking skin.

In layman's terms, hyaluronic acid works to keep all aspects of the skin structure intact, stable, protected, and constantly renewed.

How Hyaluronic Acid Helps Dry, Dehydrated Skin

As mentioned, one of the key biomarkers of skin aging is the loss of skin moisture. The key molecule involved in regulating optimal skin moisture is the glycosaminoglycan we call hyaluronic acid. It belongs to the extracellular skin matrix, which lies between cells providing a constructive framework for the skin matrix. 1

Additionally, it provides hydration, lubrication, a space-filling capacity, as well as the framework through which skin cells migrate. As a protective substance, hyaluronic acid is known to increase in production during tissue injury to promote wound healing, tissue repair, and the activation of anti-inflammatory cells. It also provides the framework for blood vessel formation, skin cell migration, and normal collagen production.

Needless to say, hyaluronic acid is an important substance in normal skin function that deficient may lead to skin dehydration, and increased susceptibility to injury and aging. 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

Hyaluronic Acid's Anti-Aging Benefits

Increased skin moisture, suppleness, and softness
More elastic skin
Improved collagen production
More youthful and stronger skin

Skin Anti-Aging with Hyaluronic Acid

As always, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. One of the more effective ways to optimize skin health via hyaluronic acid is to prevent its breakdown in the first place. One of the major reasons hyaluronic acid levels drop is because of stress. Both estrogen and glucocorticoids like cortisol (which have a feedback loop with one another) are known to contribute to aged skin specifically by decreasing hyaluronic acid levels.

Estrogen actually increases the production of the enzyme Hyaluronidases, which breaks down hyaluronic acid. Cortisol and other glucocorticoids are known to decrease hyaluronic acid synthesis and have been found to be elevated in atrophic, aged skin.

This means keeping both estrogen and cortisol levels in check should be a primary goal for anyone interested in preserving the youthfulness of their skin. We recommend using Revitalize daily, which contains adaptogens like ashwagandha and schizandra that are both clinically proven to reduce cortisol levels. In addition to that, regular (but non-intense) exercise, daily sun exposure, the avoidance of alcohol and other estrogenic substances, plenty of sleep and a generally positive outlook are all ways to help keep stress at bay.

In addition to these tips, you can always use a topical hyaluronic acid supplement, which is known to increase skin hydration and improve the appearance of wrinkles. This is one of the many reasons we feature hyaluronic acid in our Night Cream.

In Conclusion

There are many factors involved in skin aging, and the best anti-aging protocol would take the dominant ones into account. That is why here at Alitura we recommend a minimal stress lifestyle, accompanied by good nutrition and supplemented with nutrient-dense, non-toxic skincare hygiene.