In the words of Meg Ryan - Yes, Yes and damn YES! Get ready for a product that’s bound to change the way you look at your skin. H.A. otherwise known as hyaluronic acid is in fact your key to smooth, flawless and hydrated skin. Turn over most hydrating skincare formulas you own and you’re likely to find H.A. listed as an active ingredient. Also known as hyaluronan, hyaluronic acid is a clear, gooey substance that is naturally produced by your body. A key molecule in skin ageing, H.A. can be found in your joints, eyes and skin. Unfortunately, much like collagen, and elastin, the amount of hyaluronic acid decreases over time, as we get older. Ain't that a b*tch.

Though having the word “acid” in its name may cause newcomers to second-guess grabbing it off of the proverbial beauty shelves, there’s nothing to fear here. In fact, the beauty industry has flocked to this powerhouse potent ingredient thanks to its ability to retain moisture and encourage your skin to do the same.

The hype

It’s time to say bye-bye to skin that looks lackluster and dehydrated. Hyaluronic acid helps replenish and hold cell moisture – in turn leaving you with a healthy glow and plump skin.

Improving the elasticity of your skin, when used topically, hyaluronic acid makes the skin appear young and dewy – what’s not to love about that? Its powerful humectant nature pulls moisture to the surface of your skin, which is why it’s often paired with retinols, vitamins and other acids to work in cahoots to revive and enhance your skin’s appearance.

Your routine

Hyaluronic acid is most often found in two forms: as a moisturiser or a serum.

If a moisturiser infused with hyaluronic acid is more your M.O., apply the product at the time you would typically moisturise – twice a day, always after cleansing, exfoliating and applying serums from the thinnest or lightest to the heaviest formula.

If you can’t imagine parting ways with your moisturiser and would rather introduce a hyaluronic acid serum to your routine, best practice says to apply it after double cleansing when your skin is still damp. The dampness of your skin will work with H.A. to provide more impactful hydration. Last but not least, don’t forget to seal in that goodness by following it with your moisturiser and the original G.O.A.T. – SPF.

Pumping up fine lines, and making us feel fruity fresh and young, hyaluronic acid is brilliant at reviving skin so that we can glow like the goddesses we are. Hence, why this hero skincare ingredient is not to be overlooked.