In healthy young skin, as that which is seen in babies and young children, hyaluronic acid is found in abundance.  A naturally occurring substance made by the body, hyaluronic acid (HA) is also known as glycosaminoglycan (GAG) and can be found throughout the connective tissue of the body.  As the years go by and the human body begins to age, the production of HA begins to decrease.  Individuals who smoke or otherwise have an unhealthy lifestyle may see the effects of lower HA levels more quickly than those who maintain an active and healthy diet and lifestyle. 

                                    

 Can Hyaluronic Acid Supplementation fight wrinkles?

The result of declining HA levels initiates a simultaneous reduction in the amount of water that can be held by the cells of the connective tissue.  When the connective tissue becomes dehydrate several problems begin to occur. First, wrinkles and fine lines make their appearance on the surface of the skin.  Second, the skin begins to take on a brittle, dry look.  And, third, the occurrence of cellulite increases as the connective tissue weakens and is no longer able to hold the cellulite of the female body in its place.  The cellulite bubbles up to the surface of the skin and the familiar bumps, lumps and cottage cheese looking skin appears. 

Some studies show that HA taken as a supplement cannot be absorbed by the body.  Other studies declare injections of HA as the most efficient means to deliver additional HA to connective tissue.  Topical applications of HA, as in the case of moisturizers, are a popular method of adding HA to the skin surface.  Topical use of HA tends to hydrate the top layer of skin, the epidermis, resulting in smoother, softer skin, by trapping moisture below the surface. 

                          

An alternative option to increase HA levels in the body is to supplement with an HA precursor.  Glucosamine is needed to make HA and can be added to the diet as a routine supplement as a capsule, powder or tablet.  The cascade of steps when glucosamine is added to the diet is an increase in the body’s production of HA, an increase in water content inside the connective tissue and surrounding areas, and an overall decrease in wrinkles, lines and cellulite.

As a side note, almost 90% of glucosamine is absorbed by the intestines making supplements an easy method to increase the substance in the body.  Additionally, glucosamine supplements leading to increased Hyaluronic acid production in the body are now being used quite regularly for patients suffering from osteoarthritis.