Rachel Spillane finds out more about hyaluronic acid, the ultimate skin-quenching ingredient and shares her favourite products.

WHAT IS HYALURONIC ACID?

Hyaluronic acid is a sugar molecule found naturally in our skin that helps to increase hydration throughout the body. It does a great job of binding water to collagen, trapping it in the skin, and helping us achieve a more plump and dewy look. We naturally lose collagen and hyaluronic acid as we get older and our skin can become quite dehydrated - this is where a skin quenching beauty regime comes in.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS?

Using products with hyaluronic acid such as eye creams, serums and moisturisers is a great way to inject some moisture back into the skin. As well as being the ultimate hydrator, hyaluronic acid is said to help heal wounds, smooth skin texture and improve the condition of your skin and its protective layers, promoting cell production. And it’s a great smoothing ingredient for frizzy hair too.

HOW TO USE IT?

Hyaluronic acid can hold a huge amount of water and so, needs water present in order to work. If you’re using a hyaluronic acid serum, apply to cleansed, damp skin in the morning and evening, followed by a moisturiser. Or for even better results, mix a few drops of HA into your favourite waterbased moisturiser and apply generously onto the skin for a dewy glow.