In a clinical trial in women aged 45 to 60, 120 mg/day of hyaluronic acid significantly improved dermal hydration and elasticity after 12 weeks compared to the placebo group.
The deterioration of Skin and joints share the progressive loss of collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid in our tissues. These substances not only provide support and elasticity to the skin, but are also essential for maintaining the function of our joints.
Dr. Alfonso Galán – Neolife Medical Team
One of the most promising strategies, with the strongest scientific backing, is oral hyaluronic acid supplementation, both for skin care and for joint health.
As we age, two of the most frequent complaints among men and women are the appearance of wrinkles, loss of firmness and radiance in the skin, and the onset of joint discomfort, stiffness, or even the first signs of osteoarthritis.
Although these processes are natural, they share a structural cause: the gradual decline of collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid in our tissues. These substances not only provide support and elasticity to the skin, but are also essential for maintaining the cushioning function of our joints.
The good news is that today we know we can act from within, with safe and effective interventions that help reverse or slow down these changes.
One of the most promising and best-supported interventions is oral hyaluronic acid supplementation, both for skin care and joint health.
Skin hydration and firmness from within
As we age, the hyaluronic acid (HA) content in our skin decreases dramatically. This contributes to loss of volume, elasticity, and firmness, and to the formation of wrinkles.
Double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical studies have shown that oral hyaluronic acid supplementation:
- Significantly increases dermal hydration (up to +28% in 6–12 weeks)
- Reduces wrinkle depth by 10% to 20%
- Improves skin elasticity and overall texture
- Enhances fibroblast activity, stimulating the production of collagen and elastin
In a clinical trial in women aged 45 to 60, 120 mg/day of hyaluronic acid significantly improved dermal hydration and elasticity after 12 weeks compared to placebo.
Protected joints, restored movement
Hyaluronic acid is also a natural component of synovial fluid and joint cartilage, where it acts as a “natural lubricant.”
In patients with mild to moderate osteoarthritis, multiple clinical trials have shown that oral hyaluronic acid:
- Reduces joint pain (significant improvements on the WOMAC scale of osteoarthritis-related disability)
- Improves mobility and joint function
- Increases collagen and proteoglycan content in cartilage
- Reduces the need for anti-inflammatory medications in chronic joint degeneration
Effective doses used in studies range between 80 and 200 mg daily, with visible improvements in 8–12 weeks.
How does oral hyaluronic acid work?
Although for many years it was thought that hyaluronic acid had to be injected to be effective, we now know that:
- Oral hyaluronic acid is broken down in the intestine into bioactive units.
- These units are absorbed and stimulate CD44 receptors, inducing the synthesis of more endogenous hyaluronic acid and collagen.
- Increases in hyaluronic acid content in the dermis and cartilage have been documented after oral supplementation.
Powerful synergies
At Neolife, we recommend combining hyaluronic acid with other active ingredients that reinforce its action.
This combination has shown greater clinical and functional efficacy in studies than hyaluronic acid alone.
Moreover, as we discussed in another article on our blog, it has a wonderful synergy with Hormone Optimization Therapy.
What do the studies say?
Recent systematic reviews and meta-analyses conclude that:
- Oral hyaluronic acid increases skin hydration and elasticity compared to placebo.
- Reduces joint pain in knee and hand osteoarthritis.
- Improves quality of life and function in active older adults.
- Shows excellent tolerance and safety in the medium and long term.
Conclusion
Science supports the use of oral hyaluronic acid as an effective and safe intervention for:
- Care for your skin from within
- Prevent and improve joint wear
- Maintain functional youth for longer
Just one capsule a day can make a meaningful difference in your skin and joint health.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
(1) Fukui T, et al. The effect of hyaluronic acid ingestion on dry skin: a double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2017;10:267–273.
(2) Kalman DS, et al. Effect of a natural extract of chicken combs with a high content of hyaluronic acid on pain relief and quality of life in subjects with knee osteoarthritis. Nutr J. 2008;7:3.
(3) Oe M, et al. Oral hyaluronan relieves knee pain: A review. 2021;13(1):223.
(4) Sato H, et al. Clinical effects of hyaluronic acid on dry skin. J New Rem Clin. 2002;51:548–556.
(5) DuRaine GD, et al. Evaluation of oral hyaluronan for osteoarthritis symptom relief: A meta-analysis. Int J Rheum Dis. 2020;23(5):560–568.