The hyaluronic acid is found in foods and cosmetic products such as creams, serums, and dietary supplements in the form of capsules or tablets. The concentration of hyaluronic acid in each of these products can vary depending on its formula and the manufacturing process, so it is important to know where the molecule in each brand comes from to protect the joints and cartilage in its intra-articular form, improve the skin, or use it for beauty treatments.
It is also naturally present in the human body. Within the cellular system of the epidermis and connective tissue, there is a large presence of this substance, also playing a very important role in the joints, eyes, and even hair growth.
Hyaluronic acid, where it is found
It is recommended to include certain products in the diet to complement the natural synthesis produced by our body and thus increase its duration. Foods with hyaluronic acid are very beneficial for health, especially for keeping the skin young and beautiful for a long time, although, as we have already mentioned, its importance is enormous in other parts of the body, such as in the hydration of hair and the maintenance of bones and joints such as knees, hands, elbows, and hips.
In the epidermis (the epithelial membrane that covers the outer surface of the body) and in the skin, hyaluronic acid is found in large quantities. The epidermis is a membrane that protects us from the outside and is commonly referred to as skin. Here, sodium hyaluronate or its natural form as hyaluronic acid is crucial to prevent dehydration and promote regeneration, prolonging the duration of tissues and helping the skin remain youthful for much longer without wrinkles and maintaining elasticity.
Next, we indicate the parts of the human body where natural hyaluronic acid is found:
- Lips.
- Nose.
- Eyes.
- Face:
- Nose, eyes, cheekbones, chin, nasolabial folds, glabella, forehead, mouth, etc.
- Joints:
- Cartilage
- Synovial fluid
- Part of the knees, elbows, hands, hips, etc.
- Bones.
- Hair.
- Chest, breasts.
- Buttocks.
- Cheekbones.
- Groin.
- Skin.
- Gums.
- Tendons, ligaments, and muscles.
- Hair and scalp.
- Connective tissue.
- Extracellular matrix (a set of organic substances that are part of the tissues).
Joints (cartilage and bones)
In the joints, its function is to protect the cartilage and use from impacts and friction from movement, so this is another place where hyaluronic acid is found. It is in a liquid, viscous, or gelatinous state. It works within the so-called synovial fluid, being one of the substances that make up it in the greatest quantity. It acts as a viscous fluid that protects the bone and prevents cartilage wear.
Skin
In the skin, it functions as a moisturizer, allowing the intracellular spaces to be rich in water and nutrients. When a person has low levels of hyaluronic acid in the skin, it cracks, splits, and has incomplete regeneration, leading to wrinkles, expression lines, and itching. It is no surprise that it is currently considered one of the best moisturizing active ingredients and is used in countless anti-wrinkle and skin-rejuvenating creams.
Gums
GumsSince it is part of the connective tissue in the mouth, its presence is also very high. It allows the gums to stay moist and ensures proper function of the sublingual tissues. Hyaluronic acid is found in the gums, tongue, teeth, and molars, as well as in the respiratory tract, such as the throat and larynx.
Tendons and Muscles
In this case, something similar happens to the skin and gums. It is part of the connective tissue, so it forms part of the internal structures of all the muscles in the human body, as well as in the muscles of vertebrate animals. Muscles and tendons are structures that need good hydration and permeability to function properly. When hyaluronic acid is lacking, the fibers can break because they cannot withstand the tension due to dryness.
Hair and Scalp
In the hair, it provides hydration, allowing it to have more shine and stay healthy for a longer time. Hyaluronic acid in the hair participates in the formation of new hair fibers and keeps the scalp hydrated. It can also be found in moisturizing treatments for the hair and those that work as straighteners.
Lips
In the lips, it serves the same function as in other parts of the body, that is, hyaluronic acid in the lips acts as a moisturizer, regardless of its application form.
However, it is quite common to find it in injectable form to increase the thickness and volume of the lips. In this case, in addition to moisturizing, it acts as a volumizer. The lip tissue is another part where you can find hyaluronic acid.
Are there more places where I can find hyaluronic acid?
In reality, it is present in almost the entire body, with variable concentration, but we can practically detect it in all biological tissues that form the human organism. The areas of the body where there is more hyaluronic acid are the skin and joints, but it is also present in the eye fluid (vitreous humor), in saliva, and as an important part of vital organs and tissues with keratin, such as hair, nails, and more rigid structures like teeth and bones.
And why is it important to be in all these areas of the body?
In addition to improving hydration of the skin and hair, it also functions to allow the synthesis of other very important organic substances. Hyaluronic acid is found in the formation of bones, in the creation of skin, cartilage, and nails, and in the proteins that form these parts of the body, such as collagen and keratin, and it also promotes the formation of elastin.
But if we have mentioned that it is in almost the entire body, it also has a wide range of foods that enhance its production. It is also clearly present in different cosmetics and supplements, so let’s take a look at where else we can find it apart from inside the body.
Foods containing hyaluronic acid
There are a number of fresh and natural products that provide a good percentage of hyaluronic acid and others that promote its natural synthesis in the body.
Those with the highest concentration of this viscous substance are gelatinous animal-derived foods, especially rooster combs and joint parts. It is quite common to produce hyaluronic acid pills from pigs or to obtain it from fish and small seafood and crustaceans. If you are interested in learning about the best natural products, we recommend reading the article on the foods that contain hyaluronic acid and that also do not cause weight gain.
All this food can help increase levels in the body, although it is not entirely clear that taking hyaluronic acid is very effective, as its results are different from when it is used topically or as an injectable, as you can see in the opinions on hyaluronic acid.
However, its role in foods is to promote its greater synthesis, making the ultimate moisturizing molecule more numerous throughout the body.
Creams and Cosmetic Products
The most common interest is in the foods that can help elevate its levels in the body, and once we understand that it is difficult to increase it through food, the logical and more frequent option is to turn to supplements or use one of the many moisturizing and anti-wrinkle creams that can be purchased at any store.
The cosmetic industry is increasingly selling more products whose formulation contains this molecule, a polysaccharide from the group of glycosaminoglycans. As when used topically, it has moisturizing properties and can be used in various formulations such as creams with hyaluronic acid, in serum form, or in capsules or tablets.
Unlike when hyaluronic acid is ingested, when it is used in creams or injections, it can produce undesirable effects such as redness, rashes, or food allergies if ingested. We recommend reading the article on the side effects and contraindications of hyaluronic acid to avoid them and keep them in mind whenever you use this substance for the skin or with an intra-articular treatment.
Does it have the same properties in all the places where it is found?
There are some differences when we talk about this polysaccharide, whether its synthesis has been in the body or if it has been added through cosmetics or medications. The properties of hyaluronic acid are moisturizing for the skin and regenerative for other connective tissues. Depending on its molecular structure, whether it is encapsulated, hydrolyzed, or presented commercially as powder or gel, it can produce various effects, also varying its function, meaning what it is used for.
Given its enormous versatility as an ingredient and because it can be found in many parts of the body, as well as in different creams and injections, the applications of hyaluronic acid are quite broad, always prioritizing its use as a moisturizing molecule and as a joint protector.