6 min. read
Cellular longevity · Journal
It holds up to 1,000 times its weight in water. And yet its concentration in the skin is thought to have fallen by almost half by the age of 50, with no sign to warn you.
What you need to know
Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a molecule naturally produced by the body and found in almost all of our tissues: skin, joints, eyes, cartilage and blood vessel walls. Its fundamental property is its ability to capture and hold water: up to 1,000 times its own weight.
This property is what gives it its role as a natural lubricant and hydrating cushion in the tissues. In the skin, it is part of the extracellular matrix, where it contributes to volume and suppleness. In the joints, it is a component of synovial fluid and surrounds the cartilage. In the eyes, it is involved in the hydration of the vitreous body.
Long confined to aesthetics (injections, creams), hyaluronic acid also exists in oral form. Published research then describes absorption in the intestine, followed by distribution through the circulation, reaching places topical care cannot.
Scientific reference
Hyaluronic acid: A key molecule in skin aging
This landmark review establishes that from the age of 25, hyaluronic acid production gradually declines. By 50, its concentration in the skin has fallen by almost 50%. The authors report that this loss is associated with tissue dehydration, reduced skin volume, loss of elasticity and greater vulnerability to environmental stressors.
What this means in practice: visible skin ageing is not only about collagen. The authors also link it to a loss of water within the tissues, and hyaluronic acid is the molecule that holds this water.
“Skin ageing is not only about collagen: the authors also describe a loss of the water that gives skin its volume.”
Why we run short
The decline in hyaluronic acid is a natural process, but several everyday factors speed it up:
The signs associated with it in the literature set in gradually: skin lacking radiance and bounce, less supple joints, a feeling of dryness, greater sensitivity to stressors. Signals often put down to tiredness or stress alone.
The BIOLOGYST formulation
Antioxidant Defense was formulated around the two documented mechanisms behind HA loss: the oxidative stress that breaks it down, and the lack of renewal that depletes it. The formula combines a direct intake of low molecular weight HA with antioxidant ingredients.
| Ingredient | Role |
|---|---|
| ExceptionHYAL® Star (240 mg) | A patented form of very low molecular weight hyaluronic acid, providing 218 mg of pure HA. Published research on this form describes higher intestinal absorption and tissue bioavailability than standard HA, owing to the shorter chains. See also our Active Ingredients section. |
| Quercetin (427.5 mg) | A flavonoid studied for its inhibitory action on metalloproteinases (MMPs): the enzymes that break down HA and collagen. The authors also describe a modulation of the NF-κB pathway and a stabilisation of mast cells. |
| Setria® L-Glutathione (375 mg) | Described in the literature as the main intracellular antioxidant. Publications report its role in neutralising free radicals, in liver detoxification and in maintaining the cellular redox potential via the GSH/GSSG cycle. |
| Vitamin C (150 mg · 187.5% NRV) | Vitamin C contributes to normal collagen formation for the normal function of skin and contributes to the protection of cells from oxidative stress. It is a cofactor of the hydroxylases involved in this synthesis, takes part in the Nrf2 pathway and regenerates glutathione and vitamin E. |
“Providing hyaluronic acid without protecting what you provide is like filling a leaking bucket.”
Is it right for you?
Antioxidant Defense was formulated for those concerned by the mechanisms described above: tissue hydration, oxidative stress, HA renewal. The following profiles inspired the formulation:
How to take Antioxidant Defense. 2 to 3 capsules a day, in the morning or at lunchtime, with a meal. A 2 to 3 month course, renewable: the observations reported on skin quality and tissue hydration generally cover a period of at least 6 weeks.
Precautions. Food supplements should not be used as a substitute for a varied and balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle. Not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women.
The BIOLOGYST range with hyaluronic acid
Hyaluronic acid is found in three BIOLOGYST formulations, each with its own formulation focus and associated ingredients.
Hyaluronic acid: 100 mg (ExceptionHYAL® Star) · Stick, 1 a day.
A combination of OVODERM® eggshell membrane and vitamin C, which contributes to normal collagen formation for the normal function of skin. Eggshell membrane is studied for its supply of extracellular matrix components.
Dosage: 1 stick a day in the morning · 2 to 3 month course.
Hyaluronic acid: 136.5 mg · Capsules, 2 to 3 a day.
A combination of ABG10+® black garlic, resveratrol and CoQ10, ingredients studied for their action on endothelial function and microcirculation.
Dosage: 2 to 3 capsules in the morning · 2 to 3 month course.
Hyaluronic acid: 218 mg (ExceptionHYAL® Star · the highest dose in the range) · Capsules, 2 to 3 a day.
A combination of Setria® glutathione and quercetin, completed by vitamin C, which contributes to the protection of cells from oxidative stress and to normal collagen formation for the normal function of skin.
Dosage: 2 to 3 capsules in the morning or at lunchtime, with a meal · 2 to 3 month course.
The three formulas are complementary and can be combined as needed. If you are unsure which formula best suits your profile, consult your healthcare professional.
Explore the active ingredients
Published research describes absorption in the intestine, followed by distribution to the tissues, reaching places topical care cannot. For very low molecular weight forms such as ExceptionHYAL® Star, the authors report higher intestinal absorption and tissue bioavailability than standard HA.
Synthesis declines from the age of 25. By around 50, its concentration in the skin has fallen by about 50%, and by 70 it is almost absent from the deep layers of the dermis (Papakonstantinou et al., Dermato-Endocrinology, 2012).
Antioxidant Defense provides the highest dose in the range: 218 mg of pure HA (ExceptionHYAL® Star), combined with Setria® glutathione, quercetin and vitamin C. Next come Vital Flow (136.5 mg) and Power Hydra Flow (100 mg).
The three differ in their associated ingredients: OVODERM® eggshell membrane and vitamin C for Power Hydra Flow; ABG10+® black garlic, resveratrol and CoQ10 for Vital Flow; Setria® glutathione, quercetin and vitamin C for Antioxidant Defense. All three are complementary and can be combined. If in doubt, ask your healthcare professional.
Allow 2 to 3 months, renewable. The observations reported on skin quality and tissue hydration generally cover a period of at least 6 weeks. More analyses are published in the BIOLOGYST Journal.
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