Meet the Bioactives: Hyaluronic Acid

Hyaluronic Acid: hard to spell, easy to love. This naturally occurring glycosaminoglycan (a chain-like disaccharide that plays a crucial role in the regulation of cell growth and wound repair) is found throughout the body’s connective tissue. It is responsible for attracting and retaining moisture to the skin, and it also promotes collagen synthesis, which can help prevent wrinkles and improve skin’s texture.

Topically applied, Hyaluronic Acid (HA) is renowned for its ability to nourish skin with lasting moisture. The bioactive HA featured in our Peptide-Rich Eye Cream and Ultra Rich Nourishing Moisturizer is plant-based and functions as a humectant that binds water molecules to the skin for a smoother appearance and plumping hydration.

While applying HA to your skin may help reverse visible signs of aging, including foods that are either rich in Hyaluronic Acid or help your body produce HA naturally is equally important for keeping skin looking youthful and supple.  Here is a list of some of our plant-based favorites that do just that:

Citrus - Vitamin C-rich citrus fruits help promote collagen production and protect skin from UV exposure. They also contain naringenin, a plant compound that blocks the activity of an enzyme that breaks down hyaluronic acid.

Tofu and Edamame – These soy-based products include phytoestrogens, which may increase the body’s production of hyaluronic acid. They're also high in skin-loving protein, manganese, calcium, and selenium.

Kale - High in fiber, Vitamins A & K, calcium, copper, and manganese, kale is also rich in magnesium, a mineral that’s needed for hyaluronic acid production.

Nuts and Seeds – Almonds, brazil nuts, chia seeds, cashews, almonds, sunflower seeds, and pumpkin seeds are rich in fiber, protein, healthy fats, and Vitamin E. Like kale, they’re also a good source of magnesium, a necessary mineral for hyaluronic acid production.

Root Vegetables - Starchy root vegetables like potatoes, sweet potatoes, rutabaga, and jicama, may increase the production of HA by the body. These veggies are also great sources of potassium, fiber, Vitamin B6, Vitamin A and Vitamin C.

We’re firm believers that diet can affect skin, for better and worse. While our bodies do make their own hyaluronic acid, production of it diminishes as we age. Using targeted skincare that is rich in HA can help, as can incorporating the above super foods into your daily meals.

Here’s to supporting our bodies to age gracefully and feeling our best, inside and out!  To learn more about our incredible lineup of bioactive ingredients, please visit our Bioactives Library.