Hyaluronic acid: types, benefits and how to choose the right one for your skin
Hyaluronic acid is one of the best-known ingredients in skincare, but not all types act the same or offer the same benefits. In fact, understanding how it works is key to choosing well and achieving hydrated, supple, better-looking skin.
Our body produces hyaluronic acid naturally, and its main function is to retain water in the skin, helping keep it hydrated and elastic. However, over time this production decreases, which can lead to dryness, tightness or loss of firmness.
That is why incorporating it into the daily routine has become one of the most recommended steps to care for the skin.
What hyaluronic acid is and what it’s for
Hyaluronic acid is a molecule capable of retaining up to 1,000 times its weight in water, which makes it a key active for maintaining skin hydration.
Its main function is to:
- Keep the skin hydrated
- Improve elasticity
- Reduce the feeling of tightness
- Provide a plumper, healthier look
It also helps reinforce the skin barrier, preventing water loss and protecting the skin against external aggressions.
Types of hyaluronic acid: they don’t all act the same
Here is the key that often goes unnoticed.
Hyaluronic acid is not a single ingredient; there are different types according to their molecular weight, and each one acts at a different level of the skin.
High molecular weight
- Acts on the surface
- Helps retain hydration
- Ideal for dry or dehydrated skin
Low molecular weight
- Penetrates deeper layers
- Improves elasticity
- Helps reduce wrinkles
Medium molecular weight
- Balances surface and deep hydration
- Adds suppleness to the skin
What type of hyaluronic acid your skin needs
Choosing the right type of hyaluronic acid depends on your skin’s needs.
- Dry or dehydrated skin: needs formulas that seal in hydration
- Combination or oily skin: requires light textures that hydrate without overloading
- Mature skin: benefits from actives that work deeply and improve firmness
Texture also matters: creams are usually more nourishing, while serums or gels are lighter and fast-absorbing.
How to incorporate it into your routine
Hyaluronic acid is a very versatile active that can be used both in the morning and at night.
To get the most out of it:
- First apply a hydrating serum
- Follow with a cream that helps seal in hydration
- Stay consistent with your routine
This last step is key: hydration is not a one-off thing, but a continuous process.
Products that combine different types of hyaluronic acid
When it comes to hydrating the skin deeply, the most effective approach is to use products that combine several types of hyaluronic acid.
Within the Hydra collection, focused on advanced hydration, we find formulas designed to act on different layers of the skin and improve its balance.
One example is Hydra Intensive Rich Cream, which incorporates multiple types of hyaluronic acid to help restore the skin’s natural hydration mechanisms, improve elasticity and reduce transepidermal water loss.
This kind of formula doesn’t just hydrate; it helps the skin maintain that hydration over time.
Hyaluronic acid is much more than a trendy ingredient.
Understanding its different types and how they act on the skin lets you choose better and adapt your routine to what you really need.
Because when the skin is well hydrated, everything changes: it looks healthier, more supple and more radiant.
