Beauty editors, skincare companies and anti-aging aficionados are touting the benefits of hyaluronic acid. HA, as it’s commonly referenced, is everywhere. Not just as the main ingredient in injectable fillers but also in topical serums, lotions, cream and masques.

Wondering if HA is right for you? Let’s look at the science. As a naturally-occurring polysaccharide found in the human body, HA acts as a cushion and lubricant for our joints, nerves, hair, skin and eyes. It’s particularly important to skin appearance because about 50 percent of the body’s supply is located in the skin tissues, where the viscous, jelly-like substance helps keep it plump, soft and supple. Our ability to produce HA declines with age which can lead to increased dryness, fine lines, wrinkles and sagging.

That is one reason why skincare and cosmetic enhancement companies are encouraging the use of synthetically-derived HA products – to help replenish our lost stores. Second, HA molecules’ unique ability to attract and retain more than 1,000 times their weight in water. 1,000! That’s more than another biological substance. What’s not to love?

The popularity of HA in topical skincare stems from its use in cosmetic procedures, where it has replaced collagen as the ingredient of choice for restoring lost volume. Popular fillers like Juvederm and Restylane work like sponges once they’re injected, swelling up with water to create a plumper, youthful look. There is also evidence that HA stimulates your body’s collage production.

HA is a humectant, which means it draws waters to the skin and helps prevent moisture loss. The most potent topical forms is in a serum – to be applied on clean, bare and ideally damp skin as the first step in your skincare regimen.

One of the highest-concentrated serums is SkinCeuticals Hydrating B5 Gel. Enriched with vitamin B5, Hydrating B5 Gel replenishes nutrients the skin needs to feel smooth and appear younger. HA helps to bind moisture to the skin and maximizes the benefits of a daily moisturizer. It can leave the skin feeling supple and smooth and is recommended for use with vitamin C treatment like SkinCeuticals Phloretin CF or CE Ferulic.

Ask Dr. Baldwin or Brooke at your next visit how you can benefit from hyaluronic acid. Help your skin drink up and plump up!