Hyaluronic acid food supplement: the benefits

Hyaluronic acid is naturally present in our bodies as a molecule found in high concentrations in our tissues. It is a component of connective tissue, the tissue whose role is to support and protect the other tissues of our body, such as skin, bones, cartilage, muscles and the vitreous humour of the eye. It is one of the components of the synovial fluid in our joints and cartilage, making the cartilage more supple and lubricating our joints. It connects tissues, joints, tendons and hyaline cartilage. It also acts as a anti-inflammatory.

Hyaluronic acid is an important component of skin health, considered to be the ultimate anti-ageing molecule. It is an essential building-block of the dermis and, to a lesser extent, the epidermis, and a major component of the extracellular matrix, playing a part in skin health by preventing water from escaping. Consequently, it is an excellent natural moisturiser.

The skin is 50% water. Hyaluronic acid plays an essential role in maintaining the structure of the different layers of the skin; thanks to its viscoelastic properties and its ability to absorb water like a real sponge, hyaluronic acid provides optimal hydration. The result is plumper skin and a fresher complexion. Wrinkles and fine lines fade, and people with dry skin quickly regain the comfort of hydrated skin when they take hyaluronic acid.

Hyaluronic acid also helps relieve acne. Acne can be caused by increased production of sebum, an oily substance secreted by our sebaceous glands. This sebum can clog our skin pores and cause acne. Hyaluronic acid, in addition to its ability to retain water, helps to regulate sebum production and therefore prevent acne. Some people also suffer from a deterioration in their skin barrier, which means they are no longer sufficiently protected against UV rays or other environmental factors. Their skin may then suffer from excessive dryness or acne. Taking hyaluronic acid improves the skin barrier's function by preventing water loss. Essential oils can also help combat acne.

Hyaluronic acid helps to maintain the skin's elasticity and suppleness, making it ideal for mature skin. This acid, which can absorb up to 1000 times its weight in water, stimulates collagen synthesis.

What's more, hyaluronic acid plays a very important role in many of our body's processes, such as the immune response, the inflammatory response, hydration and protection of tissues, as well as injury recovery. Because of its high water content and ability to bind skin and water, hyaluronic acid is widely used to accelerate and optimise healing after injuries or burns. To find out more, read the guides: how to treat burns with essential oils? and natural anti-inflammatories.

It is also an integral part of the architecture of our joints, acting as a 'shock absorber' for our movements.

Hyaluronic acid is very sensitive to enzymes and free radicals, and we know that around 1/3 of our body's hyaluronic acid is produced and broken down every day. As we age, our skin tends to dry out, sometimes losing its firmness and becoming more fragile as the synthesis and quality of hyaluronic acid diminishes. We then see the first wrinkles appear, and the skin begins to slacken. The role of the viscoelastic hyaluronic acid is to rehydrate our skin and absorb water. In this way, it fills the spaces between cells, smooths out wrinkles and helps to restore plumped-up skin and a fresh complexion. Find out more skincare tips in our anti-ageing article.

Hyaluronic acid also promotes healing and soothes fragile skin or skin weakened by wounds or burns thanks to its strong hydrating and anti-inflammatory effects. To find out more about the benefits of hyaluronic acid on the face, read our dedicated guide.

Hyaluronic acid is a compound in the synovial fluid that keeps our joints mobile and supple. Supplementation with hyaluronic acid has been shown to significantly reduce pain caused by osteoarthritis for example, and relieves stiffness in the joints. Its effectiveness in treating osteoarthritis of the knee is well established. Hyaluronic acid allows joints to glide and makes cartilage more elastic.

Hyaluronic acid, naturally present in our bodies, wakes up stem cells to repair damaged muscles. The journal Science has published a study conducted by the Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine at the University of Ottawa, revealing a novel form of cellular communication between muscle stem cells and immune cells, enabled by hyaluronic acid acting on damaged muscle fibres. Hyaluronic acid is the key molecule that manages this cellular interaction and its coordination. When muscles are damaged, the stem cells produce and coat themselves with hyaluronic acid, causing the muscle stem cells to awaken and repair the fibres, following the cleansing action of the immune cells.

Hyaluronic acid is a component of the vitreous humour of the eye; it was first discovered in a bull's eye. Through its viscous and moisturising effects, hyaluronic acid lubricates the eye. The age-related reduction in our production of hyaluronic acid leads to dry, watery eyes. Your doctor or pharmacist may recommend a hyaluronic acid-based eye drop, as well as supplements with hyaluronic acid capsules.

Our Aroma-Zone Amazing Skin Hyaluronic Acid food supplement comes in a bottle of 60 capsules. Hyaluronic acid comes from the bio-fermentation of Bacillus Subtilis bacteria on cereals. The compound is sodium hyaluronate, or hyaluronic acid. Each capsule contains 150 mg of sodium hyaluronate. The naturally-occurring hyaluronic acid is enclosed in vegan capsules, with no additives. Our product is made in France.

Hyaluronic acid-based food supplements obtained by natural fermentation are considered safe. Very few side effects have been reported following treatment with food supplements.

There are a few rare side effects when hyaluronic acid is administered in injectable form, either in dermatology to fill in wrinkles, or in rheumatology by infiltration for osteoarthritis of the knee, for example. These side effects may include redness, pain, itching, swelling or bruising.

Hyaluronic acid helps maintain the integrity and volume of various tissues in our bodies. Aroma-Zone's hyaluronic acid capsule supplement works from the inside out, helping us to replenish our stores of hyaluronic acid to maintain optimal hydration and slow down skin ageing.