If your skin were a brick wall, the actual skin cells would be the bricks. But the mortar would be made up of many skin-repairing nutrients and compounds – one of which is called hyaluronic acid. These ‘mortar’ ingredients are vital to smooth, supple skin. They’re the skin’s first line of defense against water loss. When they’re compromised, (even through aging) skin becomes rough, flaky, tight and uncomfortable. Fine lines and wrinkles start to appear and you know the rest. Moreover, the skin’s healing process is impaired. Hyaluronic acid (hyaluronan or hyaluronate) is an FDA-approved dermal filler injected into wrinkles and other skin defects. Because it is also easily absorbed through the skin, it’s included in topical anti-aging treatments.