Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring type of sugar that is produced by the body and found in the highest concentrations in our skin. Its job is to retain water, keep our tissues well lubricated, and our skin looking firm and youthful. This is important with cold, dry weather, and indoor heating.

How to add hyaluronic acid into your winter routine

1. Steamy bone broth

Bone broth is one of the best food sources of hyaluronic acid because it comes directly from the connective tissues and animal bones. The bones simmer in water over a long period. As a result, nutrients, including hyaluronic acid, leach from the bones and mix into the water.

Beef Bone Broth Recipe

Making this homemade recipe is one of the best ways you can reap all the awesome beef bone broth benefits. Plus, making beef bone broth is a lot easier than you might think and is far healthier than store-bought versions.

Ingredients

• 4 pounds beef bones with marrow
• 4 carrots, chopped
• 4 celery stalks, chopped
• 2 medium onions, peel on, sliced in half lengthwise and quartered
• 4 garlic cloves, peel on and smashed
• ½ teaspoon sea salt
• 1 teaspoon whole peppercorns
• 2 bay leaves
• 3 sprigs fresh thyme
• 6 sprigs parsley
• ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
• 20 cups cold water

Instructions

• Place all ingredients in a 10-quart capacity slow cooker or large stock pot on the stove.
• Add in water.
• Turn on the slow cooker and prepare to cook for at least 36 hours, so that might mean 3 cycles on the standard slow cooker that has a maximum 12-hour setting (unless you can set your slow cooker for 36 hours).
• If cooking on a stovetop, bring the large pot to a boil over high heat; reduce and simmer gently.
• In a slow cooker or pot, skim the fat that rises to the surface occasionally.
• Simmer for 36 to 48 hours.
• Remove from heat and allow it to cool slightly.
• Discard solids and strain the remainder in a bowl through a colander. Let stock cool to room temperature, cover and chill.
• Refrigerate and use within a week. Or freeze for up to 3 months.

2. Mist away

Whether your skin needs an afternoon pick me up or a refreshing hit of hydration when your skin feels dry and tight, a mist rich in hyaluronic acid is your best moisture magnet. We recommend you try

Pure Fiji’s Coconut Water Hydrating Toning Mist! Instantly hydrate and refresh skin with a blend of fresh coconut water, hyaluronic acid and ngi grass for 24-hour hydration. Infused with soothing cucumber hydrosol, passionflower extract and skin-clarifying witch hazel for the ultimate in skin hydration and comfort. Keep it in your purse or at your desk to spritz yourself throughout the day. The beauty is, it will set, not smear your makeup, and instead give you a dewy glow.

3. Savor some starchy veggies

Craving some carbs? Have a helping of potatoes, sweet potatoes, carrots, and butternut squash! These types of foods can speed the production of hyaluronic acid in the body. This is because they’re rich in magnesium, which stimulates the body’s synthesis of hyaluronic acid. Plus, they contain high levels of vitamin C, potassium, fiber, and antioxidants, which support skin health as well.

4. Consider a supplement

Taking a dietary supplement of HA (hyaluronic acid) has also been shown to improve wrinkles, skin elasticity, and hydration. According to a study in the Journal of Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, researchers found that the oral ingestion of HA over a 12-week period was proven to suppress wrinkles and improve skin’s luster and suppleness. While there are no universal guidelines for the appropriate use of hyaluronic acid supplements, most clinical studies recommend taking a daily dosage of 90 to 120 milligram (mg) per day.

5. Boost with Vitamin C

Considering the numerous benefits of Vitamin C and hyaluronic acid, it’s not too surprising that combined, these two ingredients are an effective skin care duo. That’s why we think you'll love our Vitamin C Brightening Creme with Hyaluronic Acid and Lime Caviar! When you combine HA with a product that also contains vitamin C, you can achieve maximum protective results. Vitamin C is a water-soluble antioxidant that also boosts your skin’s collagen production and helps you combat sun damage and visible signs of aging. It can also reduce inflammation and irregular pigmentation, so you have a smoother, healthier-looking complexion. 

The takeaway

Skin becomes dry, dull, and irritated during the cold weather months. Hyaluronic acid is the perfect natural skincare product addition for winter! And as always apply it to clean & damp skin and lock it in with our facial oils.