I’m a dermatologist and this is the one ingredient everyone should use when they turn 30
A dermatologist reveals that hyaluronic acid for skin is the one ingredient that everyone should add to their skin-care routine by the time they're 30.
I’m a dermatologist and this is the one ingredient everyone should use when they turn 30
A dermatologist reveals that hyaluronic acid for skin is the one ingredient that everyone should add to their skin-care routine by the time they're 30.
There are a lot of things I know I’m supposed to do before I hit 30. Invest in a 401K, find a bra that fits, get off of my parents’ phone plan, and the list goes on. One more thing to add to the list, according to board-certified dermatologist Mona Gohara, MD? Add a hyaluronic acid serum to my skin-care routine.
“Hyaluronic acid is a hydrator,” she says in a recent episode of Dear Derm. “The ingredient is naturally occurring in our skin, but when you hit about 30, you start to lose hyaluronic acid, so replacing it is a big priority for me.” Hyaluronic acid is also great for layering, because it helps your other serums penetrate more deeply into your skin, so much so that Dr. Gohara suggests putting it on before your morning antioxidant serum, like vitamin C, which is like a one-two punch of skin hydrating and brightening goodness.
Adding this extra step to your skin-care regimen doesn’t have to cost major money, either.L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Derm Intensives Hyaluronic Acid Facial Serum ($22) is made with short and long chain hyaluronic acid, which means the ingredient is able to hydrate the topmost layers of skin while also sinking deeper within skin to help plump it (bonus points for being available at the drugstore!). Dr. Gohara isn’t the only one who is totally in love with the stuff: This particular serum is so popular that a bottle of it sells every minute. At such an affordable price, you’ll have a few bucks leftover to buy that LBD. Or, ya know, invest in your 401K. Decisions, decisions.
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I recently attended QVC's Master Beauty Class, and one thing immediately caught my attention: Nearly every skincare brand was spotlighting a cleansing balm. From luxe, spa-like formulas to minimalist, skin-first options, these oil-based cleansers are clearly having a moment. As someone who’s tested my fair share of face washes (gel, foam, cream, et al), I wanted to understand why cleansing balms, in particular, are surging in popularity right now.
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Naturally, I turned to board-certified dermatologist Hadley King, MD, FAAD, for the scoop. According to Dr. King, cleansing balms aren’t just a trendy alternative to your standard face wash—they’re an effective, skin-loving way to cleanse, especially for those dealing with skin concerns (read: me, especially this winter).
While some traditional cleansers contain ingredients that can strip the skin, cleansing balms take a gentler approach, dissolving makeup and impurities, she says. Rooted in the principle of "like dissolves like," their oil-based formulas bind to excess sebum, sunscreen, and long-wear makeup, melting everything away without compromising hydration.
Opening a cleansing balm jar for the first time can feel a little intimidating—I know I was confused by the solid texture at first, but they’re surprisingly easy to use. "Apply a small amount of balm to dry skin," Dr. King says. "Massage gently in circular motions all over the face, then add warm water to emulsify and continue to massage. Rinse with cool water and pat dry."
And while cleansing balms have long been a staple in double-cleansing skincare routines (hello, Korean beauty enthusiasts), they’re now earning their place as standalone cleansers, thanks to innovative formulas that rinse clean without any greasy residue left behind. Whether you have sensitive skin, love a good makeup melt moment, or simply want a more nourishing way to cleanse, there’s a balm with your name on it. If you’re ready to hop on the cleansing balm bandwagon, these three standout picks from QVC belong in your cart ASAP.
If your skin throws a fit every time the weather changes (or, you know, seemingly just to annoy you), this soothing cleansing balm is the one to reach for, according to Dr. King. Packed with antioxidant powerhouses like ginger and turmeric, it can help temporarily reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, while melting away makeup and excess oil. Plus, it’s spiked with nourishing avocado and jojoba oils to leave skin feeling soft and balanced—not tight or stripped—and smells *amazing*. “I also like that this formulation contains lactic acid and azelaic acid to gently exfoliate the skin,” Dr. King says. Consider this your new skin-soothing security blanket.
For those whose skin has, ahem, seen things (think: stress, over-exfoliation, winter winds), this non-irritating balm is here to save the day. Formulated with Japanese indigo extract, which Dr. King says is known for its calming properties, it works to soothe redness and improve the skin barrier while effortlessly washing away whatever your skin faced that day. Bonus: The silky texture melts in like butter but rinses off clean—no greasy residue left behind, just happy, hydrated skin.
A spa day in a jar (and a travel-friendly mini to match), this fan-favorite balm is beloved for a reason. Infused with a blend of nine essential oils—including lavender, chamomile, and eucalyptus—it transforms your nightly cleanse into a full-on aromatherapy experience. ”The formulation contains multiple humectants like glycerin and hydrolyzed collagen to hydrate the skin, as well as emollients like sweet almond oil, triglycerides, shea butter, and jojoba seed oil to [help] support the skin barrier, and occlusives like beeswax and coconut oil to lock in moisture,” Dr. King says. It starts as a rich balm, melts into an oil, then emulsifies into a milky cleanse that lifts away impurities like a dream. Whether you’re at home or on the go, this duo keeps your skin feeling fresh, plump, and oh-so-glowy.
Note: Prices taken at the time of publication and are subject to change.
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