Dry Skin, Stiff Joints, Low Energy? This Might Be Why

#179 - Dry Skin, Stiff Joints, Low Energy? This Might Be Why

It’s the beauty buzzword everyone’s throwing around — hyaluronic acid. It’s in your serums, supplements, powders, and even your injectables. But… what actually is it? And is it really the secret to glowing skin, supple joints, and staying hydrated as you age?

In this episode, I’m breaking down the real science (and the marketing hype) around hyaluronic acid — or HA for short. From skin elasticity to joint cushioning to why your eyes and gut health depend on it, you’ll walk away knowing exactly how to use HA inside and out for better hydration, smoother skin, and less inflammation.

You’ll learn: 💧 What hyaluronic acid actually does in your body (and why your levels drop with age) 🌸 How HA impacts your skin, joints, and even your eyes — and how to tell if you’re running low 💊 The best supplement forms of HA — and what’s a total waste of money 🚫 Why most “miracle” skincare creams with HA don’t work (and what to look for instead) 🔥 The surprising link between estrogen, aging, and your body’s own hyaluronic acid production 🥣 Plus, foods and nutrients that help your body naturally make more HA Whether you’re here for the glow, the joint relief, or just to figure out if your pricey serum is doing its job — this episode gives you the inside scoop on what actually works.

⏰ Timestamps: 00:00 – What hyaluronic acid really is — and why it’s in everything from serums to supplements 02:18 – Where HA lives in your body (and how aging + estrogen loss deplete it) 04:00 – The shocking truth about most skincare products that claim to contain hyaluronic acid 06:00 – How HA keeps skin plump, joints cushioned, and tissues hydrated 07:30 – Estrogen’s connection to hyaluronic acid and how hormone changes affect skin and joints 08:45 – Research-backed benefits: wrinkles, dryness, and visible changes in as little as 2 weeks 10:00 – Joint health, synovial fluid, and the role of HA in reducing pain and stiffness 11:00 – The link between hyaluronic acid and dry eyes (and why most eye drops miss the mark) 12:30 – HA for gut health, leaky gut repair, and inflammatory bowel support 13:00 – Glucosamine vs. Hyaluronic Acid: what’s the difference — and why they work better together 14:00 – The best forms of HA supplements (and which ones to skip) 15:45 – Lisa’s honest review: why liquid HA triggered her gag reflex (and what she prefers instead) 16:30 – Favorite HA brands, topical products, and pro-quality supplement sources 17:00 – Dosage details: how much to take, what to look for, and what to avoid if pregnant or on meds 18:00 – Why HA is an anti-aging powerhouse — and how to pair it with CoQ10 for next-level skin

🔗 Resources & Links:

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Contact Lisa: Website: www.lisasmithwellness.com IG: https://www.instagram.com/prettywell_podcast/

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Disclaimer: Nothing in this podcast is to be taken as medical advice, please take informed accountability and speak to your provider before making changes to your health routine. The primary purpose of The Pretty Well Podcast being to educate. This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical advice nor to take the place of such advice or treatment from a personal physician. By listening to this content, you agree to consult your own physician or qualified health professional regarding specific health questions. Neither Lisa Smith, The Pretty Well Podcast, nor any guest takes responsibility for possible health consequences of any person or persons following the information in this educational content. All listeners of this content, especially those who are pregnant or taking prescription or over-the-counter medications, should consult their physicians before beginning any nutrition, supplement, or lifestyle program. The Pretty Well Podcast is for private non-commercial use and our guests do not necessarily reflect any agency, organization, or company that they work for. In addition, opinions of interview guests do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Lisa Smith and/or The Pretty Well Podcast. This content is not guaranteed to be correct, complete, or up to date.