When Columbia University scientists Karl Meyer and John Palmer first discovered hyaluronic acid (HA) in 1934, they could scarcely have imagined the many applications their discovery would inspire. Hyaluronic acid, an amazing  molecule capable of binding up to 1000 times its weight in water, has revolutionized the way we approach the challenge of hydrating our joints, skin, hair, eyes, gums, and more. In fact, HA has turned out to be a significant contributor  to the goal of full-body hydration.

But if you’re new to the amazing world of HA, the array of available products and formulations may seem confusing. So what’s the best way to get started? 

Identify Your Hydration Needs

Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a master hydrator. So it seems natural to think of our bodies in terms of the areas most in need of hydration. For example, do you experience joint issues, dry skin, scalp moisturization challenges, dry eyes, or brittle hair? These problems may be rooted in a lack of proper hydration. 

Hyaluronic acid may help. Hyaluronic acid can be applied topically (as a serum or cream that is absorbed by the skin to offer  hydration), or internally (as a dietary supplement that supports your body’s natural production of HA). HA-containing eye drops may support hydration for your eyes, while HA toothpastes may hydrate gums and support overall oral health. 

Once you’ve identified your body’s hydration trouble spots, you can make more informed choices about the HA-containing products you purchase.

Seek Products that Use Long-Chain Hyaluronic Acid Molecules   

Hyaluronic Acid is a long-chain sugar molecule that our bodies produce naturally. When we’re young, our bodies make ample amounts of HA, but as we age, HA production slows. (A person over 50 may possess only half the HA they did at age 20.) 

By supplementing your natural HA production with long-chain molecules, you’re using a form of HA that your body already makes and recognizes. And the longer the molecule, the more water it can carry. Long-chain HA molecules can be applied or consumed any time, supporting the transportation of vital moisture to all areas of your body. 

Topical, Dietary, or Both?

Hyaluronic Acid is a natural molecule that your own body makes from repeating base pairs of two simple sugars—glucuronic acid and glucosamine. That means you can use an HA-containing shampoo to hydrate your hair and scalp, an HA serum to support your skin, HA-containing eye drops to support your eyes, and a dietary HA supplement to support your joints, for comfortable movement..    

Experiment

Nobody understands your body’s hydration needs better than you do. So take some time to explore the many benefits that HA-containing products can offer. 

At Hyalogic, we’ve spent decades studying the science of human hydration and remain committed to producing some of the highest quality hyaluronic acid products available. All Hyalogic products use the same hyaluronic acid molecules that your body produces naturally. Check out our products page and explore our wide array of HA-containing products created to support the health and hydration of joints, skin, hair eyes, gums, and more!