What is hyaluronic acid and why is it so important?

Imagine a molecule that can hold up to 1000 times more water than it weighs. This is not science fiction, but hyaluronic acid (HA) – one of the most important substances in our body, responsible for skin hydration, joint lubrication, and tissue elasticity. It is a natural polysaccharide belonging to the glycosaminoglycan family, which our body produces itself. The problem is that this production decreases significantly with age.

Hyaluronic acid is not just a buzzword in the beauty industry. About 50% of all hyaluronic acid in the body is found in the skin, the rest in joint fluid, the vitreous humor of the eye, the nervous system, and connective tissue. This means HA is critically important not only for appearance but also for overall body function. A baby’s skin is plump and elastic precisely because of the high amount of hyaluronic acid – and this is the natural standard we can try to maintain as we age.

After the age of 30, natural HA production begins to decline, and by the age of 50, the skin contains less than half of its original amount. This manifests not only in visible signs (dry skin, wrinkles, sagging skin) but also in functional problems – joint stiffness, dry eyes, gum issues. Fortunately, modern hyaluronic acid supplements allow us to replenish HA stores from within, not just temporarily from the surface with a cream.

1. Skin hydration and restoration of elasticity

The skin is the largest organ of our body, and it constantly fights environmental factors – sun, wind, pollution, dry air. Hyaluronic acid is the main ‘manager’ of skin moisture. Imagine that your skin cells are surrounded by tiny water cushions – this is exactly the kind of structure HA molecules create by binding water in the extracellular space. A single HA molecule can hold up to 1000 times more water than it weighs – this is an incredible ability that no other skin component possesses.

When the skin is properly hydrated, it becomes not only softer to the touch but also visually smoother, brighter, more youthful. This is not just a cosmetic effect – well-hydrated skin performs its barrier function better, protects against infections, and regenerates faster. Dehydrated skin, on the other hand, becomes rough, flaky, fine lines form more quickly, and it is more easily damaged.

Scientific studies confirm the effectiveness of oral hyaluronic acid for skin hydration. In one 12-week study with 60 participants taking 120 mg of HA per day, skin moisture levels increased by as much as 26–30% compared to a placebo. Another study showed that after 8 weeks of HA use, skin elasticity improved by 15–20%. This is especially important for people living in dry climates or working in air-conditioned environments, where the skin loses moisture very quickly.

Practical conclusion: if your skin is dry, rough, has lost its glow – hyaluronic acid supplements could be a solution that works much deeper than any cream. They hydrate not only the superficial but also the deep layers of the skin, restoring the natural moisture balance from within.

2. Joint health and pain reduction

Joints are like complex mechanisms that require constant lubrication. Hyaluronic acid is the main component of synovial (joint) fluid – it acts as both a shock absorber and lubricant simultaneously. When there is enough HA in the joints, movements are smooth, painless, and cartilage is protected from friction. When HA levels decrease – joint stiffness, cracking begins, and eventually, osteoarthritis develops.

Osteoarthritis is one of the most common chronic diseases in the world, affecting more than 500 million people. Knee osteoarthritis is particularly prevalent among older adults and athletes. Here, hyaluronic acid has special significance. HA injections into the knees have been used as a standard treatment for decades – this is called viscosupplementation. However, recent studies show that oral HA can also be effective.

In a significant Japanese study with 60 patients suffering from knee osteoarthritis who took 200 mg of HA per day for 12 months, joint pain decreased by 30–40%, and mobility significantly improved. What is particularly impressive is that the effect was similar to some standard arthritis medications, but without their side effects on the digestive system. Oral HA reaches the joints through the bloodstream and accumulates in the synovial fluid, where it performs its shock-absorbing function.

Practical advice: if you feel joint stiffness in the morning, your knees crack when climbing stairs, or it is difficult to stand up after prolonged sitting – hyaluronic acid combined with collagen can be an excellent combination for maintaining joint health, especially for athletes and people over 40.

3. Reduction of wrinkle depth and prevention of aging

Wrinkles are perhaps the most visible sign of aging, and although they are a natural part of life, many would like to delay them at least a little. Hyaluronic acid works here not superficially – it addresses one of the main causes of wrinkle formation: the loss of skin moisture and structural components.

When the skin loses hyaluronic acid (which naturally happens with age), the extracellular matrix – the ‘scaffolding’ holding the skin’s structure – begins to collapse. Collagen and elastin fibers no longer have enough moisture to maintain their structure, so the skin becomes saggy, and wrinkles form. Oral hyaluronic acid slows this process in two ways: by directly hydrating the tissues and by stimulating fibroblasts – the cells responsible for producing new collagen and elastin.

In one 8-week study, women taking 120 mg of HA per day noticed a reduction in wrinkle depth by an average of 18–28%, especially around the eyes and lips. Another 12-month study showed that long-term HA use can not only reduce the depth of existing wrinkles but also slow the formation of new ones. This is especially important because prevention is always easier than correction.

It is important to emphasize that hyaluronic acid is not a magical elixir of youth – it acts as a biological supporter of skin structure. The best results are achieved when HA is combined with vitamin C (which is also essential for collagen synthesis), a healthy diet, adequate water intake, and sun protection. However, among all supplements intended for the skin, hyaluronic acid stands out because its effect is direct and well-documented.

4. Promoter of wound healing and skin regeneration

Hyaluronic acid plays a critical role in the wound healing process, and this is one of its most underappreciated functions. When the skin is damaged – whether it is a cut, scratch, burn, or surgical incision – HA concentration at the injury site dramatically increases within the first 24–48 hours. This is not a coincidence – it is the body’s way of initiating the healing process.

HA works in wound healing through several essential mechanisms. First, it creates a moist environment that is optimal for cell migration and proliferation – dry wounds heal significantly slower. Second, HA regulates the inflammatory response, preventing it from becoming too intense, which could damage healthy tissues. Third, it stimulates the formation of new blood vessels (angiogenesis), which is necessary for supplying nutrients and oxygen to the healing wound. Fourth, HA modulates collagen production so that the scar is as less visible as possible.

Clinical studies confirm these mechanisms. In one study with patients suffering from chronic non-healing ulcers, HA-containing dressings accelerated healing by an average of 30–40% compared to standard dressings. Even more interestingly, oral hyaluronic acid can also improve wound healing at a systemic level, especially in people with chronic diseases characterized by delayed healing (diabetes, venous insufficiency).

Practical conclusion: if your skin heals slowly, you have a tendency towards scarring, or you suffer from diseases that slow regeneration – hyaluronic acid supplements can be a valuable addition to your health strategy. This is also relevant after surgical operations or injuries when you want to accelerate healing and reduce scar formation.

5. Strengthening hair and nails from within

Hair and nails are like our body’s ‘report card’ on internal health status. When the body lacks moisture and nutrients, it is precisely the hair (becoming dry, brittle, falling out) and nails (brittle, peeling) that show it first. Hyaluronic acid works here not by directly nourishing the hair, but by creating an optimal, hydrated environment for hair follicles and the nail matrix.

The scalp is the ‘soil’ for hair, and its condition directly determines hair quality. A dry, dehydrated scalp cannot maintain healthy hair follicles – hair becomes weak, thin, brittle. Hyaluronic acid helps maintain the optimal moisture balance of the scalp, and well-hydrated skin better absorbs other nutrients necessary for hair growth – biotin, zinc, iron.

Nails, like hair, are made of keratin – a structural protein that requires moisture to form. When the nail matrix (the growth zone under the cuticle) is dehydrated, nails grow slower, become brittle, and split. Hyaluronic acid helps retain moisture in the nail matrix, ensuring healthier and faster nail growth. Although there are no direct large-scale studies in this area, dermatologists and trichologists are increasingly recommending HA to patients with brittle nails and thin hair.

Practical advice: if your hair has lost its shine, is breaking, and your nails are constantly splitting – hyaluronic acid together with biotin and collagen forms a powerful ‘beauty trio’. This is one of the few ways to improve the condition of hair and nails not from the outside, but from within – by affecting the growth zone itself.

6. Eye health and moisture maintenance

The vitreous humor of the eye – the gel-like, transparent mass filling the eyeball – is composed of 98% water, with the remaining 2% consisting precisely of hyaluronic acid and collagen fibers. HA is the structural basis of the vitreous humor, giving it that unique, gel-like consistency that holds the retina in place and maintains the eye’s shape. Without hyaluronic acid, the vitreous humor would simply collapse.

With age, the HA in the vitreous humor begins to break down, which can cause several problems. First, posterior vitreous detachment – a condition where the vitreous humor separates from the retina, causing ‘floaters’ and an increased risk of retinal detachment. Second, reduced HA levels contribute to dry eye syndrome – a very common condition, especially among people who spend a lot of time in front of screens.

Hyaluronic acid has been used for many years in eye drops to hydrate dry eyes, and in ophthalmic surgeries (e.g., cataracts), HA is a standard tool for protecting eye tissues. However, recent studies show that oral HA can also have a positive effect on eye health. One 2022 study showed that taking oral HA (200 mg per day) for 12 weeks reduced dry eye symptoms by 20–25%, and tear film stability improved.

Practical conclusion: if you experience dry eyes, irritation, a ‘gritty’ feeling, especially after long computer work – hyaluronic acid supplements could be unexpectedly effective help, working not only on the eye’s surface but also on deeper structures.

7. Support for gum and oral health

Gums are one of the few tissues in the body that naturally regenerate very quickly – complete renewal of the gum epithelium occurs within 7–14 days. This process requires intense cell division and migration, and hyaluronic acid plays an essential role as a cellular ‘highway’ and environmental hydrator.

HA is found abundantly in gum tissue, both in the epithelium and connective tissue. It maintains tissue elasticity, helps cells migrate to the necessary places, and regulates the inflammatory response. When HA levels in the gums decrease (due to age, smoking, poor diet, or certain diseases), gums become more sensitive, bleed more easily, and the risk of periodontitis increases.

Clinical studies in dentistry show impressive results. HA-containing mouthwashes and gels significantly improve gum condition after dental surgery, reduce inflammation, and accelerate healing. In one study with patients suffering from chronic periodontitis, HA gel applications reduced gum bleeding by 40–50% within 4 weeks. Although most studies have been conducted with topically applied HA, the oral form can also contribute to systemic oral health support, especially when combined with proper oral hygiene.

Practical conclusion: if your gums bleed easily when brushing, are sensitive, or you have a tendency towards periodontal disease – hyaluronic acid can be a valuable addition to your oral health routine, working on regeneration and inflammation control from within.

How to take hyaluronic acid correctly?

For hyaluronic acid to truly deliver results, it is important to know a few essential rules. Here is what is worth knowing before starting to take it.

Dosage. The standard recommended HA dose depends on your goal. For skin hydration and beauty maintenance, 70–120 mg per day is usually sufficient. For joint health, a higher dose is recommended – 150–200 mg per day. Beginners do not need a special gradual dose increase, as HA is very well tolerated, but starting with a lower dose never hurts – this allows your body to adapt and you can observe how you react.

Which form to choose. When choosing a hyaluronic acid supplement, pay attention to the molecular weight. Low molecular weight (hydrolyzed) HA is better absorbed by the body – it enters the bloodstream more easily and reaches target tissues. High molecular weight HA may be less effective in oral form. Some high-quality supplements use a combination of several molecular weights of HA to achieve optimal effects in different tissues.

When to take it. Hyaluronic acid can be taken at any time of day, but it is recommended to do so with a glass of water during or after a meal. Water is essential for HA function – after all, its main job is to bind water! There are no strict requirements regarding the time of intake, but some people notice better results when taking it in the morning so that the skin is hydrated throughout the day.

Duration. The effect of HA is cumulative. The first results for skin hydration may be noticeable after 2–4 weeks, but significant changes (reduction in wrinkles, improvement in joint condition) are usually noticeable after 8–12 weeks of regular use. This is not a supplement for ‘the weekend before a party’ – consistency is the key to success. Long-term studies show that the best results are achieved by taking HA for 6–12 months without breaks.

Combining with other supplements. Hyaluronic acid combines well with other supplements intended for beauty and health. Ideal ‘beauty combination’: HA + collagen + vitamin C. Collagen provides structure to the skin, HA provides moisture, and vitamin C is essential for collagen synthesis. For joints: HA + glucosamine + chondroitin. This combination works synergistically, restoring joint cartilage and synovial fluid. For hair and nails: HA + biotin + zinc – hydration plus building materials.

Possible side effects. Hyaluronic acid is one of the safest dietary supplements on the market because it is a substance naturally found in the body. Side effects are extremely rare – most often limited to mild digestive discomfort in sensitive individuals. Contraindications: although HA is safe, if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, have cancer, or are taking blood-thinning medications, it is recommended to consult a doctor before starting any supplements, including hyaluronic acid.

Hyaluronic acid products at StayStrong.lt

StayStrong.lt offers high-quality hyaluronic acid supplements – choose the one that suits you best:

Summary: 7 reasons to start taking hyaluronic acid today

1. Skin hydration – one HA molecule holds up to 1000× more water, hydrating the skin from within and restoring its elasticity.
2. Joint protection – acts as a joint lubricant and shock absorber, reduces pain and stiffness, especially in osteoarthritis.
3. Wrinkle reduction – stimulates fibroblasts, improves collagen and elastin production, reduces the depth of existing wrinkles and slows the formation of new ones.
4. Wound healing – creates an optimal moist environment for regeneration, regulates inflammation, and reduces scar formation.
5. Hair and nail strengthening – hydrates the scalp and nail matrix, promotes healthier hair growth and stronger nails.
6. Eye health – supports the structure of the vitreous humor, reduces dry eye symptoms and ‘floaters’.
7. Oral health – improves gum regeneration, reduces bleeding and inflammation, maintains oral tissue elasticity.