Hyaluronic acid and hydration : innovations for radiant skin

Recent formulations aim not only to maximize the skin’s water retention capacity but also to improve the durability of results and minimize side effects such as redness or irritation.
Whether it’s multi-molecular-weight serums, slow-release fillers, or combinations of synergistic actives, the latest products offer deeper, longer-lasting hydration tailored to the specific needs of each skin type. These new approaches are revolutionizing the world of hydrating skincare for revitalized and radiant skin.

Multi-molecular-weight formulations : personalized hydration  

Multi-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid products are growing in popularity. These formulations contain hyaluronic acid molecules of various molecular weights to deliver multidimensional hydration tailored to the needs of every skin type.
• High molecular weight molecules hydrate the skin’s surface layer.
• Medium molecular weight molecules hydrate the skin’s mid-layer.
• Low molecular weight molecules hydrate the deep layers of the skin.

Encapsulated hyaluronic acid 

In 2024, encapsulated hyaluronic acid formulations are gaining ground for their ability to prolong hydration effects and improve product absorption into the skin. This technique involves encapsulating hyaluronic acid molecules in lipid or polymeric structures that are gradually released into the skin.
Encapsulation not only protects hyaluronic acid from degradation by skin enzymes but also delivers its hydrating benefits in a controlled manner over time. This means hydration is maintained longer, reducing the need to reapply the product.
These products offer all-day hydration, even under environmental stress or dry conditions.

Slow-release hyaluronic acid-based fillers  

In aesthetic medicine, slow-release hyaluronic acid-based fillers are a major innovation. These fillers are formulated to gradually release hyaluronic acid into the skin over a longer period, ensuring continuous hydration and lasting improvement in skin quality.
These new formulations extend the beneficial effects of hyaluronic acid, thereby reducing the frequency of injection sessions. Products such as Restylane Refyne and Juvederm Volite are designed to maintain deep hydration while improving the skin’s elasticity and radiance.
These fillers are particularly suited for patients seeking to prevent signs of aging or improve their skin quality once a year. They are used to intensely hydrate specific areas such as the cheeks, temples, and lip contour, with a natural plumping effect.

Cross-linked and lightly cross-linked hyaluronic acid 

Hyaluronic acid can be cross-linked or lightly cross-linked depending on the structure of its molecules.

• Cross-linked hyaluronic acid is denser and thicker, designed for injections to fill deep wrinkles or restore facial volume. Fillers such as Juvederm Voluma or Restylane Lyft use this formulation to offer durable structural support while hydrating the skin from within.
• Lightly cross-linked hyaluronic acid is more fluid and used for superficial injections. Skinboosters are widely used to improve skin texture and offer deep hydration without altering facial contours.
• Non-cross-linked hyaluronic acid is injected using mesotherapy techniques into the superficial dermis. 

Hyaluronic acid is part of protocols such as Skin Prevent, Skin Restore and Skin Training.

This distinction allows doctors to choose the formulation best suited to each patient’s specific needs, ensuring optimal results in terms of hydration and natural facial restructuring.

Combining hyaluronic acid with other active ingredients for enhanced hydration 

Hyaluronic acid is often combined with other active ingredients to maximize its hydrating effects and provide additional benefits.

• Hyaluronic acid and peptides : peptides help stimulate collagen production, enhancing skin firmness and elasticity. An example is Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream, which combines hyaluronic acid and peptides to hydrate and plump the skin.
• Hyaluronic acid and vitamin C : this combination is ideal for hydrating the skin, protecting it from free radical damage, and brightening the complexion.
• Hyaluronic acid and niacinamide : niacinamide is known for its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties, ideal for sensitive or acne-prone skin. This combination is used to improve hydration while calming redness.

These combined formulations respond to the growing consumer demand for multifunctional products that simplify skincare routines while delivering maximum results.