These are the biggest reasons why you should be using hyaluronic acid serums

It’s hard to keep up with the ever-changing skin care industry these days, since there seems to be something new showing up at every turn. For example, we’re learning that hyaluronic acid has many benefits for our skin, and we really should consider using more skin care products that include it, such as serums. Let’s start with the basic intel, though: hyaluronic acid is a lubricating carbohydrate your body naturally produces, and it keeps your nerves and joints healthy, while also hydrating your eyes and skin.

When used as a treatment, hyaluronic acid can build collagen (which prevents wrinkles), treat sores, and even provide sunburn relief. It’s not surprising that many serums now contain a hefty dose of hyaluronic acid, with people finding that their skin is glowing due to its wonders. Some even call it the “fountain of youth.” Okay, we can’t attest to the verity of that claim, but it certainly wouldn’t hurt to try out some hyaluronic acid products either way.

Below, four reasons why you should add a hyaluronic acid serum to your skin care regimen.

It hydrates dry skin.

Hyaluronic acid can hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water, which is why so many dermatologists recommend it for people with dry skin or eczema. Products with hyaluronic acid are even recommended for people who have just had a skin procedure, like a chemical peel, since they can help restore the moisture content of your skin.

To try: Elemis Ultra Smart Pro-Collagen Complex12 Serum

$335

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It helps reduce and prevent wrinkles.

A 2014 study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology proved that hyaluronic acid products were linked with less wrinkles and reduced skin sagging. And this all happened within only 30 consecutive days of using the products. This is because hyaluronic acid is said to slow down collagen loss, so over time it can decrease the appearance of sagging skin.

Even if you’re not worried about wrinkles at the moment (or ever), it doesn’t hurt to use a product that will improve the elasticity of your skin, because that will definitely come in handy on those mornings when you’re running on very little sleep and need a pick-me-up.

To try: Dermadoctor Wrinkle Revenge Ultimate Hyaluronic Serum

$68

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It improves the bags under your eyes.

Sometimes you’re running on an extremely busy schedule and your tank is close to empty. Those are the kinds of days when you could use a little help taking care of the bags under your eyes. Hyaluronic acid eye creams are known to improve the sagginess of your under-eye area, and if you use it regularly over just a couple of weeks, studies have shown that you can get some pretty good results from it.

Hyaluronic acid is also known to soothe your skin, so if your eyes are feeling a bit puffy and tender, hyaluronic acid eye creams could be just the thing you need to alleviate the delicate skin around your eyes.

To try: Kopari Starry Eye Balm

$28

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It is safe for sensitive skin.

An excellent quality of hyaluronic acid is that it doesn’t exfoliate away dead skin cells like other common skin care ingredients. It’s actually more of a cushioning lubricating agent, which means it’s probably not going to make your skin break out or react in an unpleasant way, even if you’ve got sensitive skin.

To try: Vichy Aqualia Thermal Power Face Serum

$36

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Hyaluronic acid needs to be applied regularly for best effects because it sits on the skin surface. So, like most skin care products, don’t think you’ll get immediate results from just a few days of use. Give it time, and you’ll be glad you welcomed hyaluronic acid into your beauty routine.