Oral Hyaluronic Acid Supplement: Efficacy in Skin Hydration, Elasticity, and Wrinkle Depth Reduction

Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a key component naturally present in the skin and is commonly used in skincare formulations and dermal fillers. Recently, there has been growing interest in oral HA supplementation for maintaining skin health and preventing aging due to its potential systemic benefits.

This study aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the efficacy of oral HA supplementation on various skin parameters, including hydration, elasticity, firmness, wrinkle reduction, and transepidermal water loss.

Electronic databases (PubMed and Google Scholar) were searched for relevant articles. A total of 7 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on the use of oral HA as a supplement were identified. A meta-analysis was performed to compare the standardized mean differences between the treatment (HA) and control (placebo) groups.

The meta-analysis revealed statistically significant improvements in skin hydration, elasticity, and wrinkle depth following oral HA supplementation. Although the effects of oral HA on skin firmness, wrinkle volume, and transepidermal water loss were not statistically significant, a general trend of improvement was observed in these parameters.

The findings of this analysis align with existing literature, underscoring the potential of oral HA supplementation as a valuable component in anti-aging and skincare regimens. However, the study's limited sample size and heterogeneity among included studies call for larger, more robust trials to confirm these findings and further explore the effects of oral HA on skin health.