POV: it’s a hot, dry summer. You’ve been experiencing breakouts from wearing a mask everywhere, and somehow, you can’t seem to keep your skin as moisturized as you want it to be. (Hint: it’s this summer. Right now. That’s the POV.) Enter: hyaluronic acid. You might have heard of hyaluronic acid before – everyone from skincare professionals to TikTok users is talking about it, and for good reason. When you incorporate hyaluronic acid into your skincare routine, gone are the days of dry, flaky skin. But what exactly is this tongue-twister of a product that everyone is raving about??

Hyaluronic acid is actually naturally produced by your body. It can be used for many purposes, such as reducing stiffness in the joints and decreasing inflammation, but its most popular use these days is as a moisture-binding, topical skin treatment.

What does it do, you ask? Here are some of the benefits of hyaluronic acid:

1. Hydration.

First and foremost, hyaluronic acid helps hydrate your skin. HA can hold up to 1000 times its weight in water. Yes, you read that right! It makes your skin bouncy and resilient, and helps trap collagen to keep you looking dewy and young.

2. Resilience.

Your skin is covered in something called a lipid barrier. This is a network of protective oils that helps the top layer of your skin retain water and stay healthy and moisturized. Hyaluronic acid helps strengthen this barrier, in turn helping your skin maintain moisture. It also allows your skin to defend itself against the toxins it faces in your daily environment. Think of it like an invisible protective shield on your skin!

3. Tightening.

Your skin loses its natural elastin, or “tightness,” over time. Lucky for us, hyaluronic acid helps maintain the appearance of smooth, tight skin. By increasing the moisture that your skin holds, HA simultaneously firms and tightens your complexion. Who knew??

4. Smoothing.

Hyaluronic acid is a humectant, meaning it helps the skin hold onto water. The extra moisture helps plump up your skin, giving it a smooth look and reducing wrinkles caused by dehydration. As your body begins to produce less natural HA over time, using it topically can help prevent signs of aging.

We tried hyaluronic acid, and you should too!! Here are some of the products that our team members have tried and loved:

  • Glymed Plus Ultra Hydro Gel (GM69)
    • This product has a super high concentration of HA, and is intended to be mixed with other products so that you get the full benefit of it. It’s professional grade, and frankly, life changing!
  • The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5
    • This product contains B5 for enhanced hydration, and at $7 a bottle, it is well worth the purchase!
  • Neutrogena Hydro Boost Face Gel Cream w/ Hyaluronic Acid
    • Neutrogena’s water gel-cream formula absorbs into your skin quickly, but has the long-lasting benefits of a rich gel. A major upside to this product is that it doesn’t leave your face feeling oily – it soaks right in! It’s also affordable, and will quickly become your bff!
  • Nu Beauty Vitamin C Serum
    • This serum is packed with an organic blend of Vitamin C and Hyaluronic Acid to combat dry, dull skin. It also has a cooling effect when you apply it, which feels amazing and is perfect for these toasty summer months!
  • Herbal Skin Solutions Vitamin C+ Enhancement Serum
    • Packed with vitamins and perfect for post-procedure aftercare, this serum doesn’t just stop at hydration. It has other benefits such as reducing hyperpigmentation and rosacea, and increasing that glow that we all want!

If you aren’t convinced by now, you must be a superhuman with perfect skin. Seriously. We can’t recommend hyaluronic acid enough, and we’re so excited to see all you babes getting your glow on!