Dandelion Blog

Quench Your Skin's Thirst with Hyaluronic Acid

By Dawn Morris, MS, APN, FNP-C  ·  May 19, 2020

Dry skin appears dull and is more prone to wrinkling as well as showing more advanced signs of aging. In our arid Colorado climate, we are more likely to suffer from dehydrated skin. Quench its thirst with hyaluronic acid to restore moisture loss, protect the skin, and combat the signs of aging.

Hyaluronic acid is a sugar molecule naturally found in the body, most abundantly in the skin and in cartilage. It hydrates by drawing fluid into itself. When it is abundant, it creates plump, youthful skin. During the aging process the body's ability to produce natural hyaluronic acid decreases, just as it does with collagen and elastin. Hyaluronic acid is also the active ingredient in injectable dermal fillers like JUVEDERM®, Voluma®, Vollure®, and Volbella®, used to correct volume loss in the cheeks, temples, smile lines, marionette lines, tear trough, and lips.

Hyaluronic Acid in Your Diet

One of the best ways to promote natural hyaluronic acid production is through healthy dietary choices. Adequate hydration is essential -- the minimum recommended fluid intake for an average adult is two liters of water a day. Bone broth is also rich in hyaluronic acid. Other dietary sources include:

• Soy-based: tofu, tempeh, edamame
• Root vegetables: potatoes, sweet potatoes, carrots, jicama, Jerusalem artichoke
• Fruits & nuts: citrus fruits, tomatoes, bananas, avocado, nuts
• Leafy greens: spinach, collard greens, kale

Topical Hyaluronic Acid

Topical formulations of hyaluronic acid are found in many over-the-counter and clinical skincare products. Topical hyaluronic acid is an enormously large molecule -- so large it cannot penetrate into the deepest layers of the skin. It works in the outermost layer, called the stratum corneum, where it draws moisture from the air, prevents moisture loss, nourishes the skin, and provides protection.

Daily use is recommended alongside regular skin exfoliation. Hyaluronic acid is particularly important following aggressive skin treatments like microneedling, chemical peels, radiofrequency, or laser treatments, which can leave the skin vulnerable to dehydration. It can also help minimize the side effects of retinol use.