A Hyaluronic Diet For Healthier Skin

 

Maybe you’ve heard the story of the people of Yuzurihara, a remote village in the mountains of Japan where more than 10% of the population 85 or older. The village is a model of good health and wrinkle-free skin. Their secret? According to experts, a diet rich in foods that stimulate the production of hyaluronic acid.

 

Hyaluronic acid is a polysaccharide that promotes healthy skin, joints and eyesight. It has a symbiotic relationship with collagen that is at the heart of youthful skin. Collagen provides the structure and hyaluronic acid nourishes and hydrates collagen to keep the structure sound and supple.

 

The body produces hyaluronic acid in nearly every cell, especially the skin, both in the deeper dermal layers and at the epidermal surface layers. Young skin produces HA like a Keebler cookie factory, but (big surprise) with age, the factory downsizes and production of HA decreases. Skin has more trouble retaining water. Collagen breaks down. Wrinkles and sagging begin to appear.

 

One of the ways to get that factory back into production is by eating the right foods. Here’s what to bulk up on:

 

Starchy Root Vegetables

Starchy root vegetables and tubers like potatoes, taro, and our personal favorite, turmeric, are loaded with magnesium, which stimulates the body to produce HA, plus they provide a variety of other nutritional heroes like potassium, fiber, vitamin B6, vitamin A and vitamin C. And they are a staple of the Yuzurihara diet. Load up on those sweet potatoes this Thanksgiving.  

 

Soy

Soybeans are high in phytoestrogens, which studies show, may enhance the production of hyaluronic acid in the body, increase collagen levels, and protect against damaging oxidative stress. Good sources include: tofu, soymilk, soy cheese, tempeh, and edamame.

 

Bone Broth

Chicken combs and cartilage are the source of hyaluronic acid used in many supplements. Not a pleasant meal. If you want to get a similar boost In your diet, bone broth is one of the top recommendations.

 

Fruits

Because vitamin C is a huge contributor to the synthesis of hyaluronic acid, expanding your fruit intake can help plump your skin. Additionally, citrus fruits contain a bioactive element called naringenin, which acts as an inhibitor to the hyaluronidase enzyme that breaks down hyaluronic acid.

   

Leafy Greens

Leafy greens are high in magnesium, which is an essential catalyst for HA production. Avocado, nuts, fruits, seeds, beans, and soy are other good sources of HA-boosting magnesium. Bonus: These foods are also rich in nutrient content, antioxidants, and healthy fats.

 

Our Top Picks For A Topical Hyaluronic Acid Boost 

Rejuv Rx Peptide Concentrate

A Dermascope Magazine Aestheticians’ Choice Award winner, this exceptional age-defying serum is formulated with oligopeptides to stimulate the body’s production of hyaluronic acid, plus lactic acid and ceramide-boosting niacinamide to renew and protect skin radiance.

 

Pure C + E

Vitamin C is an essential co-factor in the synthesis of collagen and hyaluronic acid. Vitamin E promotes healthy cell-function and repair. Firm, brighten, hydrate, and protect against the environmental stressors that breakdown collagen with this supercharged HA-enhancing, antioxidant serum. 

 

Wink Eye Rejuvenation Cream

Speed cell regeneration, brighten dark circles, reduce puffiness, and smooth fine lines with this antioxidant and nutrient-rich eye cream fortified with HA-stimulating oligopeptides.