Is Hyaluronic Acid Good For Acne-Prone Skin?

Acne skin can be stressful to manage 😪, especially when you are struggling to find that miracle ingredient that works for your acne skin 🧐.

There is so much information 📚 available when it comes to finding the perfect skin care routine for acne or sensitive skin.

It is hard to know what ingredient will not break you out 😅.

I am here to take you out of your misery and share some stuff on hyaluronic acid and you can decide if it's worth adding it to your routine 😌.

 

What is Hyaluronic Acid?

Have you ever heard of hyaluronic acid? It's also, known as hyaluronan or hyaluronate 🧐.

For those of you that haven't don't sweat it 😅, you have arrived at the right place 🙆‍♀️.

I am about to share some knowledge on hyaluronic acid because it is worth learning more about it 📚, especially if you have acne-prone skin 🤓.

Shall we begin with the basics?

Hyaluronic acid is one of the 4 types of GAG or glycosaminoglycan, for those unfamiliar with the abbreviation 😛.

Hyaluronic acid is the only non-sulfate GAG with the simplest structure.

They all have different functions in the human body, but today we are interested in hyaluronic acid and whether it is good for acne skin 😏.

 

Where Can Hyaluronic Acid Be Found?

Hyaluronic acid can be naturally found in our bodies, eyes 👁️, joints, and best of all our skin 🙂.

Did you know that hyaluronic acid in the skin accounts for 50% of the total hyaluronic acid found in the human body 🤯.

Hyaluronic acid can also be commercially produced by isolating it from animal sources 🐔, within the synovial fluid, umbilical cord, skin, and rooster comb 🪮.

Another way that hyaluronic acid is produced is from bacteria🦠 through a process of fermentation or direct isolation.

It's interesting to hear all the different ways that hyaluronic acid is produced 🤓.

But is adding hyaluronic acid to your acne skin care routine really worthwhile?

 

What Are The Benefits of Hyaluronic Acid?

Hyaluronic acid is a humectant, which means that it helps attract and retain moisture 💦.

It has a unique way of retaining moisture in our beautiful skin 👩‍🦱 by attracting water from the dermis to the epidermis.

Hyaluronic can hold 1,000 times its water in weight providing volume and plumpness to the skin 😲.

Its main function is hydration 💧 especially when it comes to the skin.

Retaining moisture is especially important when it comes to keeping a youthful appearance 🥰.

Naturally, we will lose skin moisture as we age, due to internal and external factors.

One of the common factors known to the world is hormonal changes.

For instance, a decrease in sex hormones during puberty or menopause can result in a reduction in moisture retention 😢.

A youthful appearance isn't the only benefit of hyaluronic acid, it is also great for skin health.

I know, who would have thought that hyaluronic acid would be beneficial to gaining healthy skin.

 

Why Is Hyaluronic Acid Good For Skin Health?

Having a healthy skin barrier is a good start to healthy looking skin, trust me 😇.

A healthy skin barrier protects the skin from UV rays ☀️, germs 🦠, and pollution.

The way in which our skin stays healthy is through sufficient hydration💧, not just through drinking water 🙃.

Guess what the key component in skin moisture is? Hyaluronic acid plays a part in keeping your skin hydrated.

I know you are wondering, "Is hyaluronic acid good for acne?".

Let's find out.

 

How Does Hyaluronic Acid Work on Acne Prone Skin?

On the internet, there are mixed views 🤨, but let's think about whether hyaluronic acid is good for acne skin.

Firstly, acne is an inflammatory skin condition that is simply due to clogged pores 🚫.

The pores become clogged due to excess oil production (sebum), dead skin cells, or bacteria.

This all results in the sebaceous glands becoming clogged, causing acne to appear on our skin😞.

Will hyaluronic acid help to unclog pores? Not entirely

But it will help to improve the skin barrier, due to its anti-inflammatory and bio-stimulating effects, which results in the following:

• Skin hydration - this will help to promote cell regeneration and also help to stimulate the production of collagen. Regular skin cell generation will help to decrease dead skin cells which can be the reason behind clogged pores.

• Retaining moisture - lack of moisture in your skin can result in drier skin, which will result in your body producing excess oil. The increase in oil will clog pores which will result in acne breakouts.

• Reducing inflammation - it soothes the skin and regulates inflammation, helping to improve the health of the skin's barrier.

• Antibacterial properties - this helps reduce bacterial infection, which is one of the reasons behind acne formation.

Hyaluronic acid is also non-toxic and non-sensitising, which means that there is minimal risk of an allergic reaction.

 

Is Hyaluronic Acid Better Than Salicylic Acid?

Hyaluronic acid has the word acid in it making it seem as though it behaves similarly to popular acids such as salicylic acid 🧏‍♀️.

First of all, salicylic acid is an acid whereas hyaluronic acid isn't 😲.

Although they both have acid in their name they have different benefits.

Salicylic acid is one of the many active ingredients out there, and its main benefit is to exfoliate the top layer of the skin to break down any dead skin cells 💃.

If you have been reading then you will know that hyaluronic acid has hydrating properties by attracting and holding water to the skin 💦.

Water can be drawn from the environment 🌳 or internally, this is unique to hyaluronic acid as salicylic acid is unable to do this.

 

How is Hyaluronic Acid used in the world?

Hyaluronic acid has many qualities 🥰 and it is recommended over other substances used in skin regeneration, with moisturizing and anti-aging effects.

It is used in many different medical scenarios due to its viscoelastic matrix, acting as a strong 💪 biocompatible support material.

It is also popularly used for lubrication and mechanical support for the joints 🦵 of those with Osteoarthritis. This success has led to the development of several products 🕺.

Hyaluronic acid has been used extensively in cosmetic products because of its benefits ❤️.

It is one of the many active ingredients widely used in cosmetic formulations due to its perception of skin regeneration.

It is worth learning and understanding how you may benefit from hyaluronic acid in your skin care routine.

 

Introducing Hyaluronic Acid Into Your Skin Care Routine

There are several ways that you can introduce hyaluronic acid into your skin care routine 🧖🏻‍♀️.

That could be through topical hyaluronic acid or derma fillers 😌.

Obviously, if you wanted to go down the derma fillers road 🛣️ you would need the support of a dermatologist or medical professional 👩‍⚕️.

It's always a good shout to start with topical products 🧴 from the beauty store that you can add to your AM or PM routine.

The most common form of topical products that you can test are:

• Hyaluronic acid serum

• Moisturisers with hyaluronic acid

• Face masks, which are usually in the form of a sheet or clay mask 

• Hyaluronic face toner

These products can be added to your skin after you cleanse and before you moisturise, the moisturiser helps to keep the products intact 🥷.

One thing to remember is that not all products are created equally 🥹.

 

Choosing A Topical Hyaluronic Acid Products

When selecting the right hyaluronic acid product remember to consider the molecular weight 🤓.

The weight of the molecule determines the penetration into the skin, if the molecule is small it is able to penetrate deeper, keeping your skin hydrated💧.

I am sure you can guess what the larger molecule does 🙃.

The larger molecular has a higher weight and doesn't penetrate the skin's barrier, resulting in the product sitting on top of the skin 🤔.

It's not all bad because larger molecules are able to help with inflammation 🔥 but because they sit on top of the skin the results aren't lasting and wash off once the face is cleansed.

 

Derma Fillers for Acne Prone Skin

This naturally-occurring biomolecule has commonly been used to inject into the dermis (as dermal filler).

Acne can result in permanent scarring due to the severity of the acne 😔 and the delay of treatment.

Derma fillers are an effective treatment for rolling, dish, and boxcar acne scarring.

In the skin dermis procedure, hyaluronic acid enables hydration 💦 whilst maintaining the proper skin tissue volume which buffers skin cells from mechanical damage.

Derma fillers also help to restore skin volume and minimise the appearance of wrinkles 👵 as well as nasolabial folds.

 

Final Thoughts On Benefits of Hyaluronic Acid 

One thing I will say is that acne prone skin loves a good skin care routine 🥰.

Adding hyaluronic acid to your skin care routine won't necessarily save you from acne breakouts but it may provide hydrating 💧 benefits which will soothe your acne skin and reduce inflammation.

Remember that not all products that contain hyaluronic acid will be beneficial due to their molecular weight.

The best thing you can do is reach out to your dermatologist👩‍⚕️ with the hyaluronic acid product you want to try out and get their advice before testing.

If you made it to the end of this blog post you must have found it useful 💃.

I would say that you should join our newsletter, it will let you know exactly when we have a new acne blog post. Sign up here today.

 

FAQs about How Hyaluronic Acid Helps Acne

We have explored all the commonly asked questions about hyaluronic acid and we have selected those that we feel you may benefit from, if there were any missing let us know in the comments.

Can I use hyaluronic acid if I have acne-prone skin?

 

Yes, hyaluronic acid is generally safe for all skin types, including acne or sensitive skin. It can help with hydration without clogging pores or causing breakouts. It can also help with dry skin caused by acne products.

Will hyaluronic acid make my acne worse?

Hyaluronic acid is unlikely to exacerbate acne. It is a non-comedogenic ingredient, which means it won't clog pores. However, if your acne is caused by other factors like specific skincare products or hormonal issues, it's important to address those underlying causes.

How do I incorporate hyaluronic acid into my skin care routine for acne-prone skin?

You can use a hyaluronic acid serum or moisturiser after cleansing your face and before applying other products. It helps to lock in moisture and prevent you having dry skin from acne treatments.

Can hyaluronic acid be used in combination with acne-fighting ingredients like salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide?

Yes, hyaluronic acid can be used alongside acne-fighting ingredients, but it's essential to apply them in the correct order. Typically, you would apply hyaluronic acid after any acne treatment products to lock in moisture.

Does hyaluronic acid help with acne scarring?

Hyaluronic acid can provide some plumping and hydration to the skin, which may improve the appearance of acne scarring over time. However, for more significant results, other treatments like laser therapy or chemical peels may be necessary.

Can I use hyaluronic acid if I have oily skin and acne?

Yes, hyaluronic acid can be suitable for oily skin as well. It hydrates without adding excess oil to the skin. It's important to choose products that are formulated for your skin type.

How often should I use hyaluronic acid for acne-prone skin?

You can use hyaluronic acid daily as part of your skin care routine, particularly after cleansing and before applying other products. The frequency may depend on the product and your skin's needs.

Can hyaluronic acid help with the dry skin caused by acne treatments?

Yes, hyaluronic acid can be beneficial for alleviating excessive dryness and irritation caused by certain acne treatments like retinoids. It helps to keep the skin hydrated and comfortable.

Are there any side effects of using hyaluronic acid for acne-prone skin?

Hyaluronic acid is generally well-tolerated, but in rare cases, it may cause skin irritation or allergic reactions. Always perform a patch test when trying a new skincare product.

Can hyaluronic acid replace my acne treatment products?

No, hyaluronic acid is not a treatment for acne. It is primarily a hydrating and moisturising ingredient, rather than a product to treat acne. You should continue to use dedicated acne treatment products as prescribed by your dermatologist.

If you have specific concerns about using hyaluronic acid or any other skincare product with your acne-prone skin, it's a good idea to consult with a dermatologist for personalised advice and recommendations.

 

P.S. Feel free to check out the articles that helped us put together this blog post on hyaluronic acid:

• Hyaluronic acid: A key molecule in skin aging by Eleni Papakonstantinou, Michael Roth, and George Karakiulakis - Link

• Hyaluronic acid: a unique topical vehicle for the localized delivery of drugs to the skin by MB Brown, SA Jones - Link

• Hyaluronic acid, a promising skin rejuvenating biomedicine: A review of recent updates and pre-clinical and clinical investigations on cosmetic and nutricosmetic effects reviewed by Syed Nasir Abbas Bukharia, Nur Liyana Roswandib, Muhammad Waqasc, Haroon Habibc, Fahad Hussaind, Shahzeb Khane, Muhammad Sohailf, Nor Amlizan Ramlib, Hnin Ei Thug, Zahid Hussain - Link

• Moisturizers for Acne: What are their Constituents? by Leena Chularojanamontri, Papapit Tuchinda, Kanokvalai Kulthanan, and Kamolwan Pongparit - Link

• Advantages of Hyaluronic Acid and Its Combination with Other Bioactive Ingredients in Cosmeceuticals by Anca Maria Juncan, Dana Georgiana Moisă, Antonello Santini, Claudiu Morgovan, Luca-Liviu Rus, Andreea Loredana Vonica-Țincu, Felicia Loghin - Link

• Dual‐plane hyaluronic acid treatment for atrophic acne scars by Ofir Artzi, Sarit Cohen, Amir Koren, Roni Niv, Or Friedman - Link

• Moisturiser: Why you may need it if you have acne by AAD - Link