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What’s a Natural Source of Hyaluronic Acid and Why is it Good for Your Skin?

Written by Verdilab Calendar
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  1. What Is Hyaluronic Acid?
  2. Hyaluronic Acid and Skin Aging
  3. Hyaluronic Acid Protects the Skin
  4. SOS: Declining Hyaluronic Acid Syntheses
  5. Hyaluronic Acid and Collagen
  6. What Does Hyaluronic Acid Do for the Skin?
  7. Getting Hyaluronic Acid Naturally
  8. The Science of Skincare
  9. FAQs

Hyaluronic acid is a type of carbohydrate that can bind as much as one thousand times its weight in water. It is found naturally throughout the human body, and it is extremely beneficial for hydrating the outer layers of the skin. The downside is that we make less of this molecule as we grow older. Luckily, we can boost our hyaluronic acid levels by taking supplements or eating certain foods.

Does Hyaluronic Acid Really Help Skin?

Hyaluronic acid has been attracting a lot of attention in recent years from both the medical community and the cosmetics industry. It is touted as being a miracle cure for dry and aging skin, and some even go so far as to claim that boosting its levels can prevent or treat arthritis.

But is any of this actually true, or is it just a lot of hype? This article will delve into the science and excitement surrounding it to answer this question. It will cover what hyaluronic acid is, how the body uses it and the role this important substance plays in keeping our skin looking its best.

What Is Hyaluronic Acid?

Hyaluronic acid is a carbohydrate that is part of a group of hygroscopic substances known as humectants. What makes humectants special is their ability to retain moisture. As mentioned, hyaluronic acid can bind up to one thousand times its own weight in water, which is why it plays such an important role in the human body. For example, it keeps the skin supple and hydrated and helps synovial fluid to lubricate our joints, and it is also the substance that gives our eyes their round shape.

Hyaluronic Acid and Skin Aging

The skin is the largest organ in the human body, and it contains about half of our hyaluronic acid stores. This acid that occurs naturally in the epidermis, which is the skin’s outermost layer, draws moisture from the dermis to provide hydration and prevent damage caused by the sun.

Unfortunately, our bodies produce less and less of it as we get older. And by the time we reach our 40s, our hyaluronic acid levels are about half of what they once were. This process, along with UV exposure, causes our skin to become dry and develop fine lines and wrinkles as we enter middle age.

Hyaluronic Acid Protects the Skin

Sunlight is our skin’s biggest natural enemy, and hyaluronic acid is its first line of defense. The sun’s damaging UV rays begin to deplete the skin’s hyaluronic acid levels almost immediately, and it only takes about five minutes before the body starts producing more to compensate. Children and young adults can produce all of this acid that they need, which is why suntans give them such a healthy glow.

However, older adults produce far less. We can give our bodies a boost in the battle against sunlight by applying sunscreen whenever we go outside, using skin creams and lotions that contain hyaluronic acid and eating foods rich in the substance.

SOS: Declining Hyaluronic Acid Syntheses

The amount of hyaluronic acid the body makes declines as we get older for two reasons. Intrinsic factors happen inside the body, and there is very little we can do about it. Nonetheless, we can take steps to reduce our exposure to extrinsic factors like sunlight, tanning beds and pollution. However, even sunscreens and dietary changes may not be enough to provide adequate protection for older adults.

Sunscreen allows us to stay outside for longer but provides little protection against UVA rays. Plus, the hyaluronic acid we get from the foods we eat does not always reach the skin. This means that applying a skin cream that contains hyaluronic acid to any areas that may be exposed to sunlight is a crucial step for people in their 40s and 50s who want to protect their skin and minimize the signs of aging. Fortunately, these products very rarely cause allergic reactions, which means they are suitable even for those with sensitive skin.

Hyaluronic Acid and Collagen

Hyaluronic acid helps keep our skin looking young and healthy by stimulating collagen production. Collagen is a protein that helps to give cells their structure, and it also keeps the skin strong and flexible. Collagen production declines with age and can be hampered by exposure to harsh environments, but the moisture that hyaluronic acid binds to can limit the drop-off. Vibrant skin is high in both hyaluronic acid and collagen but retaining healthy levels of these substances requires more and more work as we age.

What Does Hyaluronic Acid Do for the Skin?

Water is the stuff of life, and it is hyaluronic acid’s ability to bind to moisture that gives the carbohydrate all its health-promoting qualities. Moisture reduces inflammation and keeps the body working smoothly, which is why we deteriorate so quickly when we do not drink enough fluids. In addition to keeping the skin hydrated and promoting collagen production, hyaluronic acid can speed up soft tissue repair.

Researchers in Japan observed the benefits of skin hydration in 2017 when they gave a group of 60 people with crow’s feet wrinkles either hyaluronic acid or a placebo. They noticed no changes in the placebo group, but the subjects taking hyaluronic acid showed marked improvements after just eight weeks.

Getting Hyaluronic Acid Naturally

Several companies make over-the-counter hyaluronic acid supplements, but it is always best to get the nutrients we need from food rather than pills. That’s because whole foods contain hundreds of micronutrients that help the body absorb and use substances like hyaluronic acid.

Next, let’s take a look at some foods that are either high in hyaluronic acid or rich in other nutrients that our bodies use to make or preserve hyaluronic acid.

Vegan Food Sources of Hyaluronic Acid

If you follow a vegan or vegetarian diet or just want to cut down on the amount of meat you eat, you will be happy to know that there are several plant-based foods that can boost hyaluronic acid levels. These foods contain no cholesterol because they come from plants and not animals. Lastly, they are also high in health-promoting fiber.

Berries and Citrus Fruits

Citrus fruits and berries do not contain hyaluronic acid, but they could help your body hold onto its existing reserves. This helpful effect is because they have naringenin, an antioxidant found in plants that prevent hyaluronic acid from breaking down. These foods are also high in vitamin C, which promotes collagen production.

Root Vegetables

Root vegetables like potatoes, sweet potatoes and jicama contain magnesium, potassium, fiber and vitamins A, C, and B6, a combination that promotes hyaluronic acid production. Root vegetables also contain beta carotene and hundreds of phytonutrients that can help the body fight inflammation, neutralize free radicals and repair damaged cells.

Leafy Green Vegetables

Leafy greens like spinach, arugula and kale are the superheroes of the vegetable world. In addition to healthy doses of vitamin A and K, copper, calcium and manganese, leafy greens contain large amounts of magnesium, a mineral that plays a crucial role in over 300 enzymatic processes in the human body. Also importantly, magnesium is used by the body to produce hyaluronic acid. Nuts, seeds and whole grains are also good dietary sources of magnesium.

Legumes

The vitamins and minerals we get from the food we eat work together to keep us healthy, and zinc is one of the most important of these nutrients. Zinc powers our immune systems and keeps our metabolisms working; not getting enough of it has been linked with lower levels of hyaluronic acid. Beans are packed with fiber, protein, and B-complex vitamins. Additionally, they are also excellent sources of zinc.

Soy-Based Foods

Soy-based foods like edamame and tofu contain phytoestrogens, which scientists have found can boost hyaluronic acid levels in the body. These foods also contain manganese, which the body uses to activate enzymes that metabolize collagen. Eating more soy-based foods will also boost your body’s stores of folate, iron and vitamins C and K.

The Science of Skincare

If you are looking for skincare products on the cutting edge of science, you should check out the cleansers, exfoliators, masks and moisturizers at VERDILAB.

Our skincare formulas are based on immunatuRNA, a patent-pending complex borne out of five decades of scientific research. In addition to natural hyaluronic acid, immunatuRNA contains marine exopolysaccharides that boost the skin’s immune response, seawater that provides trace elements and 62 natural salts.

Additionally, all of our skincare products have a natural biomimetic transdermal delivery system that preserves the integrity of our patent-pending formula, allowing it to penetrate deeply into the skin.

Questions About Hyaluronic Acid

What Is the Most Natural Form of Hyaluronic Acid?

The most natural kind of hyaluronic acid is produced inside the body, but the amount we manufacture gradually declines as we grow older. That’s why it is essential for people who have already celebrated their 40th birthday to eat foods rich in hyaluronic acid and nutrients like zinc, naringenin and magnesium.

What foods naturally contain hyaluronic acid?

Not many foods provide the body with hyaluronic acid directly, but a lot of the things we eat contain nutrients that either protect the carbohydrate or help us make it. If you are looking for a dish that will allow you to consume hyaluronic acid, bone broth soup should be your go-to dish.

What herbs have hyaluronic acid?

Herbs do not contain hyaluronic acid, but the vitamin C they provide can help the body make it. Herbs that are good sources of vitamin C include parsley, dill, thyme and cilantro leaf.

Do bananas have hyaluronic acid?

Bananas do not have hyaluronic acid, but they are a good source of potassium, magnesium and vitamin C. These nutrients work together to promote the production of hyaluronic acid in the body.

Can I take supplements for hyaluronic acid?

Some people choose to take supplements that contain hyaluronic acid, but it is important to consult with a doctor before doing so, as supplements can interact with other medications you might be taking.

Can I put hyaluronic acid in my eyes?

Hyaluronic acid should not be used in or around the eyes, as it can cause irritation.

How do I increase the hyaluronic acid in my body?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the best way to increase hyaluronic acid in your body depends on your age and overall health. However, eating a healthy diet that includes plenty of fruits and vegetables, lean protein and whole grains is an excellent place to start.

What are some-hyaluronic-rich sources?

Some good sources of hyaluronic acid include bone broth, soy-based foods, beans and skincare products from VERDILAB. These products are based on ImmunatuRNA, a patent-pending complex that was borne out of five decades of scientific research. In addition to natural hyaluronic acid, ImmunatuRNA contains marine exopolysaccharides that boost the skin’s immune response, seawater that provides trace elements and 62 natural salts.

What foods are highest in hyaluronic acid?

No one food is highest in hyaluronic acid, but a variety of foods contain nutrients that work together to promote the production of this important molecule. Some good sources include bone broth, soy-based foods, beans, skincare products from VERDILAB and bananas. These foods are all rich in potassium, magnesium, and vitamin C, which are all essential for the production of hyaluronic acid.

What’s a good skincare routine to elevate my hyaluronic acid levels?

A good skincare routine to increase hyaluronic acid includes using products that contain this molecule, such as those from VERDILAB.

Where does it come from?

Hyaluronic acid is a natural molecule that is found naturally in the human body. The amount we produce declines as we grow older. That is why it is important for people who have already celebrated their 40th birthday to eat foods rich in hyaluronic acid and nutrients like zinc, naringenin and magnesium.

Other sources

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/hyaluronic-acid-diet

http://www.framecosmetics.com/everything-you-need-to-know-about-hyaluronic-acid/

https://www.webmd.com/diet/health-benefits-organ-meat

https://www.livestrong.com/article/38313-retain-hyaluronic-acid-body/

https://www.healthline.com/health/ways-to-boost-collagen

https://www.humnutrition.com/blog/hyaluronic-acid-foods/

https://harleystreet-md.co.uk/blog/foods-contain-hyaluronic-acid/

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VERDILAB
Black list

In our clean formulations we avoid any synthetic ingredients, but also of natural origin, which may have any toxic or harmful effect on human health, animals or the environment. We are constantly following new research in the field of the safety of cosmetic ingredients, updating our blacklist to keep our cosmetics as clean and safe as possible for all skin, even the most sensitive.

Below are groups of chemicals that are banned to use in Verdilab cosmetics.

I. Synthetic preservatives including but not limited to:

1. BHA

(Butylated Hydroxyanisole) may cause cancer, skin irritation and hormonal disorders.

2. BHT

(Butylated Hydroxytoluene) suspected of causing cancer, skin irritation and hormonal disorders.

3. Parabens

some of them are already banned for cosmetic use because of risk of cancer and hormonal disruptions, but other (including methylparaben, ethylparaben, butylparaben, propylparaben) are still allowed to be used In cosmetics, although some studies show they can affect reproductive functions through both, male and female. Moreover, long term impact of them on our health is largely unknown.

4. Phenoxyethanol

first choice preservatives used recently by a lot of brands, also claiming themselves “clean”. Classified as toxic (for use around the mouth) and an irritant by the European Union.

5. Formaldehyde and Formaldehyde donors

known as carcinogens, can also cause neurotoxicity.

6. MIT (Methylisothiazolinone), CMIT (Methylchloroisothiazolinone)

preservatives from the isothiazolinones family, that cause high risk of allergies, but still allowed by EU law to be used in rinse-off cosmetics.

II. Commonly used as cleaning agent, pH stabilizers and not only. Can cause allergies, hormone disruption, skin toxicity.

  1. DEA
  2. TEA
  1. MEA
  2. ETA

III. EDTA and derivatives - used in cosmetics as chelating agents. They are extremely harmful for aquatic environment from where, making a full cycle, can poison our organs.

  1. Ethylenediaminetetraacetic Acid
  2. Disodium EDTA
  3. Calcium Disodium EDTA
  1. Tetrasodium EDTA
  2. Trisodium EDTA

IV. Chemical sunscreens – suspected causing severe allergies and hormonal disruptions and bringing potential risks to reproductive systems, they are also toxic to environment, including but not limited to:

  1. Oxybenzone
  2. Octocrylene
  3. Benzophenone
  4. Diphenylmethanone
  5. Diphenylketone
  1. Benzoylbenzene
  2. Phenylketone,
  3. 2-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzophenone,
  4. Octinoxate.

V. Triclosan and Triclocarban – antimicrobial agents that may impact human health and are toxic to the environment.

VI. Toluene – solvent used in cosmetics that can be toxic for human body.

VII. Petroleum based polymers (glycols) – commonly used as a thickeners, softeners and emulsion stabilizers, cosmetics without it are really hard to find. May cause irritation, contact dermatitis, and allergies, especially when applied to damaged skin. These compounds also have a very high risk of contamination with extremely toxic ethylene dioxide and 1,4-dioxane, which are carcinogenic to humans and harmful to the environment.

  1. PEGs (polyethylene glycols) including compounds
  1. PPG

VIII. Acrylates – can cause cancer and organ system toxicity, including but not limited to:

  1. Ethyl acrylate,
  2. Ethyl methacrylate,
  3. Butyl methacrylate,
  4. Methyl methacrylate,
  1. Hydroxypropyl methacrylate,
  2. Tetrahydrofurfuryl methacrylate,
  3. Trimethylolpropane trimethacrylate

IX. Phthalates – plasticizing chemicals commonly used in cosmetics, that can cause severe endocrine disruptions, including but not limited to

  1. DBP
  2. DEHP
  1. DEP

X. All groups of synthetic polymers, microplastics and nanoplastics – used in cosmetics as thickeners, emulsifiers, texturing agents, etc. - according to “Beet the Microbeads” initiative’s study, “every time we use anti-wrinkle cream, we can put over 90,000 plastic particles on our faces!” Some of them are smaller than diameter of a human hair. According the EU scientific body report, the toxicity of nanoplastics increases with decrease of their size. So, they can enter our body, interfering with our organs. This list includes but not limited to :

  1. Acrylates Copolymer
  2. Acrylates Crosspolymer
  3. Acrylamides
  4. Polyacrylamides
  5. Polyethylene (PE)
  6. Polyacrylates
  7. Propylen Copolymer
  1. Polypropylene (PP),
  2. Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA),
  3. Nylon (PA),
  4. Polyurethane
  5. Carbomere
  6. Methacrylate Colopymers
  7. Methacrylate Crosspolymers

XI. Silicones (all groups, including dimethicone and other linear silicones, as well as cyclic / volatile, including D4-D6 and cyclomethicone – synthetic substances loved by conventional cosmetic brands because they help to create a feeling of light texture and spread easily on the skin. Today it is difficult to find cosmetics without silicones. There is a real battle of conventional brands for their "neutrality" towards the human body. We avoid them in our formulations because some data shoes that cyclic silicones can be toxic to human reproduction system and cause endocrinal disruption. Linear silicones like dimethicone, more neutral for the skin, basically bring nothing valuable to the formula, being just chemical fillers. If we apply subsequent layers of cosmetics with silicones on our faces, they accumulate on the skin, leading to its occlusion, blocking the penetration of active substances. Moreover, as they are not biodegradable, they are negative to our environment, as we all know.

XII. Sulphates – surfactants usually used in cleansing products that can cause severe skin irritation or even allergies.

  1. SLS - Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
  2. SLES - Sodium Laureth Sulfate
  1. ALS - Ammonium lauryl sulphate

XIII. Talc – used mostly in cosmetic powders, after a long use can cause cancer

XIV. Coal tar and derivatives – usually used as colorants, can cause cancer.

XV. Synthetic fragrances – may contain combinations of thousands of chemical ingredients, including allergens and hormone disruptors.

XVI. Petrolatum, Paraffins, Mineral oils – we have concern with these ingredients because of their unsustainable sourcing and possible PAH (Polyaromatic Hydrocarbons) contamination.

XVII. Butoxyethanol – this common solvent according to WHO it has moderate acute toxicity and is irritating to the eyes and skin.

XVIII. Nano particles - commonly used in sunscreens, applied to the skin in repeated application they can be absorbed into the body having the potential to harm living cells and organs.

XIX. Retinyl palmitate (Vitamin A Palmitate) – composed of palmitic acid and Vitamin A, can cause photosensitivity, skin dryness, and in repeated application may be cumulated into organs being dangerous especially for pregnant women.

XX. Alcohol & Ethanol – willingly used in conventional cosmetics to bring pleasant feeling of lightweight, mattifying formulas, especially to sunscreen or cosmetics dedicated to oily skin. It can damage skin barrier, over dry the skin, causes irritations, neurodermatitis and promotes premature skin ageing. Including but not limited to:

  1. Alcohol Denat
  2. Alcohol, Ethanol
  3. Ethyl Alcohol
  4. SD Alcohol
  5. Methanol
  6. Propyl Alcohol
  1. Propanol
  2. Isopropanol
  3. Isopropyl Alcohol
  4. Benzyl Alcohol
  5. Phenethyl Alcohol

XXI. Fragrance allergens – present in almost all cosmetics that have fragrance, listed by European Union as a potential skin sensitizers.

  1. Amyl cinnamal
  2. Amylcinnamyl alcohol
  3. Anisyl alcohol
  4. Benzyl alcohol
  5. Benzyl benzoate
  6. Benzyl cinnamate
  7. Benzyl salicylate
  8. Cinnamyl alcohol
  9. Cinnamaldehyde
  10. Citral
  11. Citronellol
  12. Coumarin
  13. Eugenol
  1. Farnesol
  2. Geraniol
  3. Hexyl cinnamaladehyde
  4. Hydroxycitronellal
  5. Hydroxyisohexyl 3-cyclohexene carboxaldehyde (HICC), (also known as Lyral)
  6. Isoeugenol
  7. Lilial
  8. d-Limonene
  9. Linalool
  10. Methyl 2-octynoate
  11. g-Methylionone
  12. Oak moss extract
  13. Tree moss extract

XXII. GMO’s

XXIII. Gluten

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