India, June 19 -- W hen it comes to skincare, hydration forms the backbone of healthy, glowing skin. Among the most widely used moisturising ingredients today are hyaluronic acid and glycerine. Understanding how they function can help you pick the right one for your skin's needs. "Hyaluronic acid and glycerine work beautifully together. They are humectants, which means they work by absorbing water from the surrounding atmosphere. Hyaluronic acid sits on the skin's surface and absorbs water from the atmosphere. When you apply glycerine, a smaller molecule than hyaluronic acid, they work well together," shares dermatologist Dr Madhuri Agarwal. She adds, "The best part is that both of these work exceptionally well on every skin type, especially on dry, sensitive, or irritated skin, provided you use them in a very nice watery essence or serum formula." She also recommends applying both humectants on damp skin, as this helps lock in moisture more effectively. Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a naturally occurring substance found in the skin, eyes, and connective tissues. Its key role is to retain moisture and keep tissues well-lubricated. It can hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water. Glycerine (or glycerol) is a colourless, odourless humectant derived from plant oils or synthetic sources. It works by drawing water into the skin and helping maintain hydration, leaving the skin soft. While both are humectants, they differ in structure and how they deliver hydration. Hyaluronic acid draws moisture into the skin, while glycerine helps retain it, making them a highly effective combination for long-lasting hydration and healthier-looking skin. So, instead of choosing one over the other, dermatologists often recommend using both together....