If your skin is looking dull, dry and aged, it’s probably trying to tell you something. It wants, no it needs, hyaluronic acid, which is an intensely hydrating ingredient. Here are four benefits of hyaluronic and why your skin is craving it.

1. It replenishes dry, dehydrated skin.

Hyaluronic acid’s claim to fame is its ability to attract and hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water. This means that your skin gets a serious hydration boost whenever you apply a hyaluronic acid product. For a superstar product, try the new SkinMedica HA5 Rejuvenating Hydrator, which features VITISENSCE technology and five forms of hyaluronic acid that provide eight hours of continuous hydration.

2. It minimizes fine lines and wrinkles.

Your body naturally produces hyaluronic acid but just like practically everything else, it slows down as you age. Replenishing hyaluronic acid within the skin will help fill in fine lines and wrinkles, creating a smoother complexion. TEOXANE RHA Serum Fundamental Revitalizing Concentrate uses a unique form of hyaluronic acid that creates a barrier on the skin’s surface to lock in moisture and help smooth skin.

3. It supercharges your moisturizer.

Get ready to be amazed – it’s shocking how much hyaluronic acid can change your moisturizer game. This ingredients works with the other hydrating ingredients in your creams and lotions to improve skin’s ability to retain moisture. All you have to do is mix a couple drops of SkinCeuticals Hydrating B5 Gel with your moisturizer and you’ve got a supercharged moisture boost.

4. It strengthens the skin barrier.

While this may seem like a lot of scientific mumbo jumbo, the skin barrier serves an extremely important function. It acts as a line of defense to keep moisture within the skin. When it’s compromised, your complexion can become red, irritated and overall unpleasant. Hyaluronic acid in formulas such as Vichy Aqualia Thermal Rich Cream strengthens the skin barrier to both soothe and prevent irritation.

Tell us which hyaluronic acid product is your favorite in the comments!