Just the word “hyaluronic” brings to mind supple, dewy cheeks and lips glistening at golden hour via many a seflie. While hyaluronic acid is definitely having its moment in the limelight, it’s not news. Yet it seems like just yesterday we were truly beginning to understand that not all acids are meant for exfoliation, and that hyaluronic acid is actually a naturally occurring substance produced by your own body, found mostly in the skin. You can’t really OD on it, and its main job is to retain water, keeping cells and tissues hydrated and plump, which makes it a rockstar ingredient in beauty.
According to well, science, hyaluronic acid plays the main structural role in the formation of the brain’s extracellular matrix (ECM). In other words, how your brain looks and functions. Proteins bind to its sugary structure, and enzymes feed on it—the same enzymes that protect the brain against some forms of degenerative diseases.
Hyaluronic acid also reduces inflammation levels, speeding up wound healing and signaling the body to build more blood vessels. It’s naturally antimicrobial, so it’s great for fighting infection when applied topically. Taken internally, HA can assist with skin hydration from the inside out, but it’s also lubricating to your insides, too. This is good news for keeping your joints loosey-goosey, and anyone with a family history of osteoarthritis should consider looking into a supplement to prevent future joint pain.
Just try prying moisture from HA’s tight little grasp, we dare you. It holds on tight to water molecules within the dermis, creating a plumping effect and making sure those pretty little mists you spritz on aren’t in vain. It helps heal sun damage, make wrinkles less apparent, and give a major glow factor. Hydration is always key in any regimen, so keep it moist, ladies and gents. Water is the essence of wetness. HA is the essence of making sure it stays awhile.
Get your HA fix here:
The Glowing Duo
Price: $59
Overt
if you’re looking to enhance your glow, here’s the set you’ll want to incorporate into your routine. With the help of vitamin C and hyaluronic acid, you can say goodbye to dull skin and hello to a dewy and hydrated complexion.
AOX Hydro-Correct Hyaluronic Acid Eye Cream
Price: $88
001 Skincare
It’s so important to keep this delicate area of the skin properly nourished to reduce fine lines and dull skin.
Refresh: Hibiscus + Hyaluronic Acid Face Mist
Price: $28
Agrestal Beauty
This mist definitely multitasks. It plumps with HA, while hibiscus hydrates and promotes cell turnover for fewer breakouts and smoother skin.
Skin Hydration Ade
Price: $15
Golde
This is great if you’re looking for a daily way to boost your overall skin health. Think dewy, hydrated texture and a plump, youthful glow.
Hora x Poosh Hyaluronic Halo + CBD Serum
Price: $50
This was a limited product. Stock is sold out.
Kourt uses this serum from our Hora x Poosh collaboration, but she especially loves the added glow it gives her skin on no-makeup days.
Body Beautiful Crème
Price: $56
Kayo Better Body Care
Hydrate your body with Kayo’s Omega Oil Blend and hyaluronic acid. The nourishing formula will leave your skin silky smooth.
Invisi Foaming Tan Water
Price: $39
Vita Liberata
Our editor, Michelle Scanga, swears by this organic self tanner that’s packed with hydrating botanicals and HA.
Hydratint Blush Serum
Price: $19
Clove + Hallow
In case you needed an even more fun way to apply hyaluronic acid—or blush for that matter—this green beauty blush is subtle and soft, and perfect for a no-makeup makeup look. It adds a natural flush to your cheeks along with the plumping action of HA for a super sweet, youthful, and fresh look.
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