What is Hyaluronic Acid?
Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a glycosaminoglycan, a type of molecule that occurs naturally in the body. It retains moisture extremely well, making it what is referred to as a "humectant." HA is found in high concentrations in the skin, inside joints, within eye sockets and tissue fluid.
The largest amounts in the human body are found in the skin, where almost 50% of the body's supply is stored. Its found in abundance in young skin. This is one of the reasons babies have such soft, smooth skin.
Benefits of Hyaluronic Acid for Skin
There are many benefits of hyaluronic acid for skin health and appearance, including:
- Supports skin hydration and moisture retention
- Soothes skin exposed to dryness
- Protects against moisture loss
- Helps make skin look plumper and fuller
As we age, HA levels in skin decline. With less HA, skin loses structure. It looks thinner, less supple and wrinkles form. Using HA topically helps boost moisture content and improves visible signs of aging.
Hyaluronic Acid in Skincare Products
Due to its incredible hydrating properties, hyaluronic acid has become a star anti-aging skincare ingredient. It's included in a variety of products, including moisturizers, serums, cleansers and eye creams. The molecules have an incredible capacity to hold moisture, making them excellent hydrators.
Serums typically contain the highest concentration of HA. This allows the molecules to more effectively penetrate skin's outer layer to deliver replenishing moisture.
Can Hyaluronic Acid Irritate Skin?
Hyaluronic acid is generally well-tolerated. Most people can use it without experiencing redness, dryness, irritation or other undesirable side effects.
However, there are a few things to keep in mind that determine how skin responds to hyaluronic acid:
Molecular Weight
Hyaluronic acid comes in a range of molecular sizes. Low-weight HA can penetrate deeply into skin's layers. The molecules stimulate collagen and elastin to make skin appear firmer and younger.
Higher molecular weight HA molecules are too large to penetrate beyond the surface. Instead, these large polymers pull moisture from the environment and hold it on the skin. This instantly hydrates and plumps up skin's appearance.
A good hyaluronic acid serum will contain a range of smaller and larger molecules to deliver both instant and long-term age-defying effects.
Combination with Other Ingredients
Some ingredients can increase the irritation potential when combined with hyaluronic acid. Vitamin C, retinol, AHAs and BHAs can make skin more sensitive.
Using gentle formulations with smaller molecular weight HA minimizes the chances of irritation. Slowly introducing actives gives skin time to adjust without triggering redness or dryness.
Environmental Conditions
The environment plays a key role in how skin responds to hyaluronic acid. HA pulls moisture from the atmosphere into skin. When the climate is cold and dry, there's less external water for it to bind to.
Without sufficient humidity in the air, hyaluronic acid can potentially draw moisture out of skin rather than into it. This can make it feel dry, tight and flaky.
During weather shifts or travel to arid regions, compensate by using extra moisturization along with HA serums. This gives the molecules ample water content to infuse into skin.
Can Hyaluronic Acid Cause Breakouts?
For the most part, hyaluronic acid is non-comedogenic, meaning it doesn't clog pores. Therefore, it's quite unlikely using HA will directly result in breakouts or acne.
However, some additional factors relate to whether it contributes to clogged pores and pimples indirectly:
Heavier Consistency
Some hyaluronic acid serums have a thicker, more viscous consistency. These richer formulations feel ultra-hydrating upon application. But they can be pore-clogging for those prone to acne.
Using an alternate HA serum with a lighter, fast-absorbing texture minimizes likelihood of breakouts. Or dilute thicker serums by mixing a couple drops with a moisturizer.
Comedogenic Ingredients
While HA itself won't clog pores, other ingredients in the formula might. Oils, fatty alcohols and silicones give products a smoothing, emollient feel.
But they can be problematic for breakout-prone skin types. Check the ingredient list carefully to make sure no pore blockers are included.
Occlusion Effect
Hyaluronic acid is an excellent occlusive agent. This means it forms a protective seal over skin to prevent moisture evaporation.
This occlusion can potentially trap bacteria and dirt against pores leading to breakouts. Ensure to thoroughly cleanse skin first before applying HA serum.
Over-Exfoliation
Using too many exfoliating acids can damage skin's moisture barrier. Compromised barrier function makes skin vulnerable to external irritants that can promote acne.
Ease back on glycolic, salicylic and other acids. Focus on nourishing skin back to health with gentle ingredients like hyaluronic acid before adding exfoliants back into your routine.
Tips to Prevent Breakouts from Hyaluronic Acid
Here are some useful tips to help avoid hyaluronic acid products from clogging pores or causing pimples:
- Opt for serums instead of heavier moisturizers containing HA
- Check the formula doesnt include comedogenic ingredients
- Thoroughly cleanse and tone skin before applying HA serum
- Use lighter serum textures that absorb quickly into skin
- Mix viscous HA serums with a moisturizer before applying if needed
- Don't over-exfoliate or damage skin's moisture barrier
- Ensure you apply HA products to hydrated skin for best results
Who Might Want to Avoid Hyaluronic Acid?
While most people can incorporate hyaluronic acid into their routines without issue, some may want to exercise caution or avoid it:
- Those living in very dry climates where moisture content in the air is low year-round
- People with compromised skin barriers prone to transdermal water loss
- Individuals with extremely oily, acne-prone skin might tolerate lighter hydrating serums better
- If you've had negative reactions to HA in the past such as breakouts or irritation
Testing first by patch testing hyaluronic acid products on a small area of skin is advisable before applying all over the face.
Observe for any redness, stinging, breakouts or unusual dryness which could indicate sensitivity or intolerance. Discontinue use if any irritation occurs.
The Takeaway
Hyaluronic acid is an outstanding ingredient to help skin retain moisture. This keeps it looking plump and youthful.
It's unlikely hyaluronic acid itself will clog pores or cause acne breakouts. However, some textural, formulation and environmental factors can indirectly contribute to clogged pores or pimples developing.
Being aware of potential causes allows you to take steps to prevent adverse effects. So you can enjoy all the incredible skin hydrating and anti-aging benefits hyaluronic acid serums have to offer.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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