It’s not like I’ve been totally unfamiliar with hyaluronic acid and its potential. I mean, I don’t know about y’all, but several years back, it seemed like I couldn’t go one day without seeing actor Eva Longoria talking about it in a commercial (she was on loop just as much as those annoying and borderline obnoxious Lumē ads). Still, you know how it is — if you’re not someone who is proactive or even just somewhat intentional about skincare, the things that you need to do to keep your face, neck, and other parts of your body looking youthful and radiant are probably not something that you choose to investigate very often (if at all).
Oh, but as time is moving and, interestingly enough, more people are complimenting me on not looking the age that I am, I’ve become a student of products that are proven to keep the affirmations and acknowledgments coming — and one of them is, yep, hyaluronic acid. Give me a few moments of your time, and I’ll explain why.
What Is Hyaluronic Acid? Why Should You Care?
Yeah. If you just watched the video above, you heard Sanaa Lathan actually shout hyaluronic acid out. She recently observed her 52nd birthday, and so, if that’s not a powerful endorsement for all that we’re about to get into, I promise you…I don’t know what is.
So, what is hyaluronic acid to begin with? For starters, did you know it’s something that your body naturally produces? Yep, not only is it a substance that helps to keep your body hydrated, thanks to its slippery texture, but it’s also great at keeping your joints well-lubricated, speeding up the healing process of wounds, fighting gum disease, reducing acid reflux, and keeping your vagina moist. So, even though we’re going to focus on the beauty benefits that come from it today, it’s important to know that hyaluronic acid is something that your body needs on a daily basis — whether you ever realize it or not.
Oh, and if you’re wondering if there are ways that you can get more of this acid actually into your system, the answer is “yes.” Aside from the supplements that exist, there are certain foods that are high in the acid too. Some of those include bone broth, almonds, sweet potatoes, oranges, and kale.
With all of this on record, let’s get into some of the ways that hyaluronic acid can benefit you, on the beauty front, if you opt to use it in topical form.
What Hyaluronic Acid Does for Your Skin
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For the past few months now, I’ve been applying hyaluronic acid to my face and neck, every morning and every night after washing my face with sulfur soap — and yes, I have noticed a difference! More than anything, it’s made my skin feel and stay hydrated, which would make sense since that is what this kind of acid is designed to do.
Since I’ve read that hyaluronic acid plays a significant role in actually giving our skin structure, no wonder it also provides skin more elasticity and flexibility, smooths out the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and it can provide a barrier for your skin so that it’s more difficult for bacteria to penetrate it. There are even some studies that state using this acid, in foam form, can bring much relief to eczema.
As far as the kind of hyaluronic acid that’s best, going with one that’s as pure as possible is always ideal. Avoid a brand that contains alcohol (especially in the top three ingredients) because that can actually dry out your skin. Also, if the product also contains vitamin C, that will definitely work in your favor; that’s because vitamin C is a nutrient that helps to produce the production of collagen, plus it contains antioxidants that complement hyaluronic acid very well. And definitely stay away from fragrance if your skin is naturally sensitive; otherwise, you could end up with redness or breakouts.
Personally, the brand that I use is Good Molecules’s Hyaluronic Acid Serum. It’s priced reasonably, is easy to apply, and feels really refreshing and light. If you want to read up on some other brands that are available, Allure has 15 listed here, and Byrdie has 12 listed here.
What It Does for Your Hair
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Even though hyaluronic acid and I have been rocking for a hot minute when it comes to my skin, I’m just now taking it seriously when it comes to my hair. The reason why it’s seriously worth considering when it comes to your tresses is, since Black hair tends to be naturally dry (because it’s challenging for the natural sebum on our scalp to twist and turn around all of the curls we’ve got on our head), this is an acid that can add some additional moisture to our locks as well. As a result, it will reduce breakage, decrease frizz, and add shine to your locks. Something else that’s pretty cool about it is, if like me, you have a dry scalp, you can apply the acid directly to it, and it will moisturize that part of your body, too.
So, just how should you apply this acid to your hair and scalp? There are a few different ways that will work in your favor. You can use it as a pre-poo treatment. You can apply it after giving your hair a final rinse on wash day in order to “lock in” the moisture that remains. You can mix it in with a carrier oil like avocado, plum oil, or grapeseed oil in order to seal your ends. You can apply it to your hair after dyeing it to give it some extra hydration (by the way, I recently watched Natural Reign’s YouTube channel, and she also recommends Wella Professionals’s Ultimate Repair too; she’s got quite a bit of hair on her head and it stays healthy so…that’s just a bonus tip).
What I personally do is add some of the serum that I have to my shampoo to give it more “slip”; however, if you want to check out some popular products that contain a concentrated amount of hyaluronic acid, you can see a list of ‘em here.
What Hyaluronic Acid Does for Your Nails
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Too little iron and/or vitamin C and/or folate in your system, aging, and low thyroid levels — these are all things that can lead to brittle nails. Know what else can be the culprit? Dry nails? In fact, a lack of moisture on your hands can cause raggedy cuticles, too. A surefire remedy? Yep, you guessed it: hyaluronic acid. By applying some of the serum to your hands (your nails and nail beds especially), it will boost hydration to them, so that your nails (and cuticles) can remain healthy and strong. A great hack is to mix some serum with a bit of coconut oil or vitamin E first; if you do so, your nails will look and feel amazing!
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So, there ya go. If you never really thought about adding hyaluronic acid to your daily beauty routine, now you’ve got several reasons why you absolutely should. It’s something that I don’t regret over this way — hell, wish I had researched it sooner. Super glad that I know about it now.
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It's easy for couples to fall into a routine, going through the motions and letting their connection sit on autopilot. While comfort is natural in a long-term relationship, it’s important to remember: that what you don’t nurture, eventually fades. So, why not make 2025 the year you reset your relationship? Here’s how to start the year with a renewed bond, reigniting the spark that brought you together.
Step 1: Schedule Your Reset Meeting
The first step to hitting the reset button is a State of the Union meeting with your partner. This is your chance to take a pulse on the relationship, discuss what's working, and identify areas that need attention. It’s all about creating space to reflect, without distractions.
Grab a pen and paper (or open a shared note on your phone) and come prepared to share your top 2-3 desires for your relationship.
What do you both want to feel more of in 2025? Maybe it’s feeling more appreciated, or perhaps you want to reignite the passion you had when you first started dating. Whatever it is, get clear about it, and make sure both of you are on the same page.
This isn’t just about listing your own wants, it’s also about discussing ways to nurture each other’s needs. Relationship goals should be focused on fostering deeper intimacy, trust, and mutual respect. Use this time to check in, not only with each other but with your individual feelings and expectations. Set the foundation for a fulfilling year ahead.
Alistair Berg/Getty ImagesStep 2: Set A Date (Or Multiple!)
Having the meeting is only the first step. Now, it’s time to take action. One of the simplest ways to breathe new life into a relationship is by reintroducing consistent, intentional time spent together. For many couples, life gets busy, and date nights fall by the wayside. But dating doesn’t stop when you say "I do"—in fact, it’s even more essential.
During your reset meeting, lock in a regular date night that works for both of your schedules. This could be a weekly dinner date or an every-other-week adventure—whatever keeps things fresh. The goal is consistency. It’s easy to push date nights aside when life gets hectic, but if you set a specific date each week or month, you’re making your relationship a priority.
If you’re unsure what to do for your date nights, don’t worry! The key is creating new experiences together. This is what sparks excitement and brings you closer as a couple. Whether it’s cooking a new recipe together, trying a dance class, or exploring a nearby town, it’s about creating shared memories that build your connection.
Getty ImagesStep 3: Find an Accountability Partner
Just like you might have a personal trainer to help you crush your fitness goals, an accountability partner for your relationship can do wonders for keeping both of you on track. Consider hiring a marriage coach or therapist—someone who can meet you where you are and guide you in strengthening your relationship.
When selecting a professional, it’s important to choose someone who truly wants the best for your marriage and can provide actionable advice.
Don’t be afraid to set high standards for your relationship, and seek guidance on how to keep it thriving for the long haul. In your reset meeting, discuss your commitment to growth, and be honest about areas where you may need support.
Marriage isn’t a set-it-and-forget-it endeavor—it’s an ongoing process. Regular check-ins with a professional can help keep your relationship in tip-top shape and “divorce-proof” by addressing issues before they become insurmountable.
DMP/ Getty ImagesStep 4: Try Something New Together
Stale routines can easily make a relationship feel monotonous. Spice things up by trying something new! Couples that explore new activities and create new memories together have stronger, more fulfilling bonds.
My husband and I host one of the top luxury marriage retreats, A Weekend For Love, designed to help couples experience new things together. From couples' workshops to outdoor adventures, the retreat provides a platform to rediscover each other and reconnect on a deeper level.
The element of surprise can reignite your connection. It’s exciting, fresh, and shows your partner that you’re committed to growing together. This doesn’t have to be a huge commitment—it could be as simple as trying a new hobby or planning an impromptu weekend getaway.
Your Relationship Should Be A Priority
As you start the year with personal goals in mind, don’t forget the importance of nurturing your relationship. It’s easy to get caught up in work, fitness, and family obligations, but your bond with your partner deserves to be at the top of your list. Resetting your relationship offers an opportunity to reignite that spark and remind each other why you fell in love in the first place.
In 2025, make a commitment to prioritize your partnership, to nurture it daily, and to invest in its growth. Take time to celebrate each other’s victories, support one another’s dreams, and build a foundation of love and respect. When you start the year with a clear focus on your relationship, you’re setting it up for success.
So, before you start mapping out your new workout plan or work goals, do yourself a favor: put your relationship at the top of that list. Your love story deserves a fresh start, too.
Happy New Year, and here’s to a love-filled 2025!
Couples, if you are ready to do the work and invest in your relationship register for A Weekend For Love: Heart Retreat Feb 21-23, 2025.
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