Want to boost moisture and glow? If you’re not already using Hyaluronic Acid in your skincare regimen, you’ve probably heard the buzz about it.

But what is Hyaluronic Acid and what does it do?

Quick science lesson: Hyaluronic Acid is a sugar molecule that occurs naturally in your skin. It helps to bind water to collagen, so your skin is more hydrated. Think of it as a gel-like cushion that has the ability to absorb up to 1,000 times its weight in water. That’s some serious plumping! The other reason this ingredient is so awesome is because, as we age, we lose collagen and hyaluronic naturally. That’s something that many women want to correct.

Overdoing cleansing and harsh weather can also cause damage to our protective skin barrier – called the lipid barrier – and dry out our complexion. Other culprits: air-conditioning, heating, long showers, alcohol and too much caffeine all suck the dewiness out of our complexion, making fine lines more visible. Even if you have oily skin, you can suffer from dehydration.

Which Hyaluronic Acid product is best?

Since skincare experts discovered the uber plumping effects of Hyaluronic Acid, they’ve been putting it in serums, masks and moisturisers. All of these are a great start to a skin that looks younger and more radiant.

SkinCeuticals Hydrating B5 Gel is a best seller. Enriched with Vitamin B5 and Hyaluronic Acid, it’s an easy add-on to your skincare regimen. We also recommend Ultraceuticals’ Ultra B2 range, that includes Provitamin B5, B3 and Hyaluronic Acid. Try the Ultra B2 Hydrating Serum to dramatically increase the hydration levels in your skin.

What are Hyaluronic Acid injections?

A popular option for sun damaged and mature skin are skin boosting treatments that are based on Hyaluronic Acid micro-injections. They give skin deep hydration so that you will see an improvement in firmness, elasticity and smoothness. The results are visible in 48 hours and last six to nine months.

5 other ways to boost skin moisture

1. Always wear a sunblock. One of our faves: Skinceuticals Ultra Facial Defense SPF50+.

2. Help top up hydration levels by drinking plenty of pure, H20.

3. Keep salty snacks to a minimum and go easy on caffeine and alcohol.

4. Eat water rich fruit and veggies like berries, cucumber and lettuce.

5. Pop on a hydrating face mask, like Ultraceuticals Ultra Replenishing Mask, and relax.