Your Body Produces Less Hyaluronic Acid As You Age—This Serum Helps You Make More

Keeping skin hydrated is no easy feat. And, at times, it can actually feel a bit impossible. This is especially true as we age and start to lose beneficial moisturizing molecules at a faster rate. One of those molecules, hyaluronic acid, is key to addressing parched skin and a more youthful-looking complexion.

Hyaluronic acid is a type of sugar that is naturally produced by the body. “It is a slippery, jelly-like substance that acts as a lubricant for the joints and eyes, and helps to keep the dermis supple and firm,” says Dr. Nadir Qazi a board-certified physician, cosmetic dermatology surgeon, and founder of Qazi Cosmetic Clinic in Newport Beach, California. This molecule—which is sometimes referred to as “HA”—is beneficial to the complexion because it “attracts and binds water molecules and increases the water content of the skin to support hydration,” says Dr. Ryan Turner, a board-certified dermatologist. “When used correctly, it supports your skin’s barrier and is helpful in warding off dry winter skin,” he adds.

While a bottle of HA serum can benefit most skin types in the winter, it’s also a key year-round skin-care ingredient for mature skin types, since the body produces less hyaluronic acid with age. “Over time, your body’s natural stores of hyaluronic acid decline due to aging,” Dr. Turner explains. He adds that this loss of hyaluronic acid can also get accelerated by other environmental factors, like smoking and air pollution, too.

If you’re looking to up the ante on your anti-aging skin-care routine, a bottle of hyaluronic acid serum can make a difference. “Hyaluronic acid as a serum is a moisturizing powerhouse—it can penetrate deeply into the skin and address causes of aging, and help the tissue regeneration process at a cellular level,” explains Dr. Turner. He adds that, in addition to the inclusion of HA, many hyaluronic acid serums are often concentrated with more antioxidants, nutrients, and vitamins, too. These additional ingredients work to “maintain the structure of skin cells, increasing your skin’s natural glow, smoothness, and suppleness,” Dr. Turner adds.

The best hyaluronic acid serum

Perricone MD High Potency Hyaluronic Intensive Hydrating Serum — $87.00

Good For: Replenishing hydration, strengthening the skin’s moisture barrier, and targeting fine lines and wrinkles.

Given its hydration benefits, there is no shortage of hyaluronic acid serum. However, one could argue that not all HA serums are created equal. And, one in particular—the Perricone MD High Potency Hyaluronic Intensive Hydrating Serum—is superior to others. This facial serum is enhanced with something called Hyaluronic 4 + 2 Complex, which is a special technology that features four forms of hyaluronic acid and two natural building blocks of the molecule for an even deeper level of hydration that penetrates different layers of the skin. The topical application of this skin-care elixir supports the skin’s natural ability to hydrate.

In addition to the hyaluronic acid complex, the Perricone serum also includes DMAE on its ingredients list, which is a compound that the brain naturally produces and can target sagging skin. When applying DMAE topically to the complexion, skin can appear plumper, and more supple, and has a layer of protection against the environmental aggressors that zap away its moisture in the first place.

Niacinamide is another skincare powerhouse included on this VIP list of ingredients. The popular ingredient—which is actually vitamin B3—is praised for its ability to target uneven skin tone and ignite the skin’s moisture barrier for more glowing skin. It works well in this formula because it is an essential vitamin for a youthful-looking complexion and, therefore, supports the efforts of hyaluronic acid and DMAE.

The best hyaluronic acid body lotion

Perricone MD High Potency Hyaluronic Intensive Body Therapy — $49.00

Good For: Protecting the skin’s moisture barrier, reducing the looks of crepey skin, and replenishing dehydrated skin.

Before you go dousing your body skin in the Perricone MD High Potency Hyaluronic Intensive Hydrating Serum (we don’t blame you), the brand also carries a body lotion with similar benefits, designed for the neck down. The Perricone MD High Potency Hyaluronic Intensive Body Therapy is a super lightweight body lotion designed for heavy-duty hydration, thanks to its inclusion of Hyaluronic 4 + 2 Complex and DMAE, as well as brown algae extract.

Known for its potent makeup of amino acids, antioxidants, and vitamins, brown algae extract can protect the skin against free radicals—including pollution, which can contribute to a premature decline of hyaluronic acid—and add to the formula’s overall moisturizing efforts. Additionally, brown algae extract specifically targets the look of aging skin, as it promotes a skin surface that appears rich with collagen (another beneficial and natural molecule that dwindles down with age).

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