By David Blyweiss, M.D.

If your bathroom is cluttered with face and eye creams promising to chase away crow’s feet and fade those wrinkles on your forehead, you’ve probably heard of hyaluronic acid. Also known as glycosaminoglycan, this naturally-occurring lubricating fluid can actually be an effective—albeit temporary—way to smooth aging skin. But here’s something you might not know. Hyaluronic acid can also soothe your achy joints.

Hyaluronic acid is a major component of connective tissues in the skin, cartilage, joints and eyes. Its primary function in the body is to lubricate joints. It’s also part of the natural support structure of the skin, filling the space between collagen and elastin fibers, delivering nutrients, hydrating skin by trapping water and acting as a cushioning agent.

The problem is, levels of this critical nutrient decline greatly with age. By the time we reach the ripe old age of 50, our bodies produce just half the hyaluronic acid they did when we were young. This decline is a major contributing factor to joint ailments, such as arthritis, as well as wrinkled, sagging skin.

Hyaluronic acid has been used for years for various medical procedures. Forms of hyaluronic acid are used as a lubricating fluid during eye surgery, and hyaluronic acid injections are approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat osteoarthritis. More recently, the FDA approved hyaluronic acid gel (Restylane) that acts as a filler to remove wrinkles.

As a supplement, hyaluronic acid helps to relieve joint pain and the symptoms of arthritis. Since hyaluronic acid lubricates the cartilage between joints, waning levels can cause stiffness and pain. But supplemental hyaluronic acid may be able to boost levels, cushioning joints and easing movement. Specifically, researchers report that hyaluronic acid plays a vital role in joint cavity formation and bone growth, and regulates bone remodeling.

Several recent studies show that hyaluronic acid can be especially helpful in the treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee. One 14-week trial of 48 patients found that hyaluronic acid effectively relieved knee pain and enhanced joint function. Another small study found that this cushioning compound can also ease the symptoms of shoulder osteoarthritis.

While the hyaluronic acid used in most studies is an injectable form, you can find a number of over-the-counter supplements that contain this key nutrient. Some are single ingredient supplements in capsule, liquid or powder form. More frequently, however, you’ll find hyaluronic acid as part of a combination joint supplement with other ingredients like MSM and vitamin C. At this point, there is no established dose, so follow the label directions for whichever supplement you try.

If you’re still searching for that younger image when you look in the mirror, try topical hyaluronic acid. It works by drawing water into the skin and causing a temporary swelling that puffs out fine lines. For best results, look for a cream or serum that also contains vitamin C to increase absorption into the skin. Just be aware that hyaluronic acid’s beneficial effect is temporary, lasting only a few days—but if you use a hyaluronic acid product daily, you may see continual results.

References:

Kaya G. Hyaluronate fragments reverse skin atrophy by a CD44-dependent mechanism.PLoS Medicine. 2006;3:e493.

Kul-Panza E. Is hyaluronate sodium effective in the management of knee osteoarthritis? A placebo-controlled double-blind study. Minerva Medica. 2010;101:63-72.

Noël E. Efficacy and safety of Hylan G-F 20 in shoulder osteoarthritis with an intact rotator cuff. Open-label prospective multicenter study. Joint, Bone, Spine. 2009;76:670-673