Hyaluronic acid (HA) can support your joints, skin, eyes, hair and more, but if you're new to it, the range of products can feel overwhelming. This simple guide will help you work out where to start and how to get the most from HA.
Start with the basics
Hyaluronic acid is a molecule your body makes naturally, and it's one of the best hydrators in nature, able to hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water. It was first discovered in 1934 by Columbia University scientists Karl Meyer and John Palmer, and since then it has become one of the most widely used ingredients in health and beauty. Your body uses HA to cushion your joints, keep your eyes hydrated, and help your skin stay plump and supple. The catch is that production slows as we age, and by 50 we may have only about half the HA we had in our 20s. If you'd like to understand the science first, read Breaking Down the Hyaluronic Acid Molecule.
Decide where you want support
The easiest way to choose an HA product is to think about which part of your body you'd most like to support. If you want to keep your joints feeling comfortable and moving freely, an oral supplement like Synthovial SEVEN® or the HA Gummy is a good place to start.* If your main concern is skin that feels dry or looks dull, a topical serum like Pure HA Serum works right where you apply it. For your eyes, HylaVision™ is a supplement that helps maintain normal eye function, and our eye care range includes HA eye drops.* For hair and scalp, our HA hair care products help keep your scalp hydrated. And for your mouth, Dr. John's Toothpaste Gel and HylaMints™ help keep your gums and mouth moisturized and comfortable.
Choose long-chain hyaluronic acid
Not all HA is the same. The HA your body makes naturally is mostly long-chain, or high molecular weight, HA, and the longer the chain, the more water it can hold. When you choose a product made with long-chain HA, you're using the same form your body already makes and recognizes. Every Hyalogic® product is made with high molecular weight HA, produced through natural fermentation rather than from animal sources, so it's considered vegan-friendly. You can learn more in The Benefits of High-Molecular-Weight Hyaluronic Acid.
Topical, oral, or both?
Topical HA, such as serums, creams and shampoos, works directly where you apply it, which makes it ideal for your skin, hair and scalp. Oral HA, taken as a liquid, capsule or gummy, works from the inside to support areas that topical products can't reach, like your joints and eyes, while also helping to hydrate your skin.* Many people find the best results come from combining the two: a serum for your skin's surface and a daily supplement for whole-body support. For a closer comparison, read Topical vs. Consumable: Which Hyaluronic Acid Product is Right for Me?
Give it time and be consistent
With a topical serum, you'll often notice your skin feeling softer and more hydrated straight away. Applying it to slightly damp skin and sealing it in with a moisturizer makes a big difference, and our guide on How to Apply HA Serum shows you how. With supplements, consistency matters most. Take your supplement every day at the amount shown on the label, and give it a few weeks to become part of your routine. If you're pregnant, nursing, taking medication or have a health condition, check with your doctor before starting any new supplement. And if you're trying a new skincare product, test it on a small patch of skin first.
Your first steps with hyaluronic acid
Getting started comes down to three simple steps:
- Pick your focus: choose the area you'd most like to support, whether that's your joints, skin, eyes, hair or mouth.
- Choose your format: go topical for your skin and hair, oral for your joints and eyes, or combine both for whole-body hydration.*
- Make it a habit: use your HA products every day so they can do their best work.
Nobody knows your body better than you do, so start with the area that matters most to you and build from there. Explore Hyalogic's full range of hyaluronic acid products to find your perfect starting point.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.