The Ultimate Affordable Secret Revealed: Achieve Glowy, Hydrated Skin Now!

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If I had to describe my skin in one word, it would be “thirsty.” Despite trying various moisturizers throughout my life, keeping my face hydrated and free from flakes has always been a challenge. My dermatologist recommended looking for skincare products with hyaluronic acid, a natural substance that retains water. So when I discovered The Hydrator by Maelove, I was eager to give it a try. Not only does The Hydrator contain hyaluronic acid, but it also includes other nourishing ingredients.

The Hydrator has received hundreds of five-star reviews, and with Maelove’s 100-day happiness guarantee, there’s no risk in trying their products. I decided to incorporate The Hydrator into both my morning and evening skincare routines (I believe more moisture is always better for my skin) and used it for two weeks to see the results. Did The Hydrator live up to its name? Read on for my full Maelove Hydrator review. Take a look at our comprehensive Maelove review for our thoughts on the entire product line. Plus, our Maelove Glowmaker review highlights another one of my personal favorites from the brand.

After using the product twice daily for two weeks for this Maelove Hydrator review, I noticed several improvements in my skin. Firstly, my skin appeared plumper overall. The texture was much smoother and less rough, especially on my cheeks where dryness is most problematic. Surprisingly, the crow’s feet around my eyes became less noticeable, appearing shallower and less severe. I also experienced less redness in my cheeks, likely due to the anti-inflammatory properties of resveratrol, one of the ingredients.

Another benefit of The Hydrator is its ability to prep my skin for the application of tretinoin or retinol. Typically, these products tend to dry out or irritate my skin. However, when I applied a layer of The Hydrator first and allowed it to absorb, my skin tolerated the potent topicals much better.

Right from the start, I was relieved to see that The Hydrator only contains six ingredients:

• Water
• Hyaluronic Acid
• Panthenol
• Resveratrol
• Ethylhexylglycerin
• Phenoxyethanol

The fewer ingredients, the better, especially for sensitive skin like mine. In my research for this Maelove The Hydrator review, I consulted with board-certified dermatologists Wendy Long Mitchell, MD, and Jody A. Levine, MD. According to Mitchell, “I do like that all Maelove products are vegan, cruelty-free, gluten-free and free of parabens, phthalates, synthetic dyes, and fragrances. It can be a good brand for those with sensitive skin or eczema to try.”

Here’s what the dermatologists had to say about the main ingredients:

The main benefit of hyaluronic acid, as explained by Mitchell, is that it acts as a “humectant,” meaning it attracts and retains moisture. It can hold over 1,000 times its weight in water. Unfortunately, levels of hyaluronic acid in the skin tend to decrease after the age of 20 and are reduced by half by age 50. Levine adds that this ingredient can help plump the skin, making wrinkles and fine lines less visible. Studies have shown that applying a hyaluronic acid serum for several weeks can result in smoother, plumper, and more hydrated skin with fewer fine lines.

Like hyaluronic acid, panthenol is a humectant and an emollient that can have smoothing and softening effects on the skin. Even a single application of a panthenol-containing product can increase skin moisture content and improve skin barrier function, preventing moisture from escaping the skin.

Resveratrol has antioxidant properties that can protect skin cells from environmental damage, slowing down the aging process. It may stimulate collagen production, keeping the skin firm and plump. Resveratrol also has calming effects that reduce inflammation and treat redness. Studies have shown that applying a product with resveratrol can improve skin elasticity, moisture, barrier function, and decrease redness and roughness.

From the moment I first applied The Hydrator, I loved how it felt on my skin. The product has a slippery texture, typical of hyaluronic acid, which makes it easy and enjoyable to apply all over my face. Thankfully, it is fragrance-free, which is important for me as I am sensitive to fragrances. For this Maelove The Hydrator review, I applied the serum to slightly damp skin after cleansing. Surprisingly, my chronically dry skin absorbed the product within a minute. I followed it up with SPF moisturizer in the morning and a night cream before bed. I also liked applying The Hydrator immediately after a morning shower when my pores were still open from the steam.

Typically, I have to apply moisturizer right away after cleansing to alleviate the uncomfortable tightness. However, after using The Hydrator, I noticed my skin felt flexible without any tightness. Furthermore, it gave my skin an instant dewy finish.

I am thrilled with how seamlessly The Hydrator fit into my skincare routine. I didn’t have to avoid or add any additional products to combat unwanted side effects. It layers well with other active skincare ingredients, and at a price of $32.95 per bottle, it is very reasonable. For reference, a comparable alternative like SkinCeuticals Hydrating B5 Gel costs $90 but also contains both hyaluronic acid and vitamin B5.

Based on my impressive results, I highly recommend this product to anyone looking for hydrated, supple skin with reduced fine lines. Personally, I intend to continue using it daily, especially during the dry winter months. Mitchell confirms that The Hydrator is suitable for all skin types and is unlikely to cause any side effects. She recommends it for anyone struggling with dryness or flakiness, adding, “If you are looking for brighter, glowing skin, these are beneficial ingredients.”

Written by Rebecca Strong, Boston-based freelance writer covering health and wellness, food and wine, fitness, and travel. This article was originally published on Insider.