Is Hyaluronic Acid Good for Acne?
Acne is a common skin condition that affects people of all ages. It occurs when hair follicles become clogged with oil and dead skin cells, leading to red, inflamed lesions on the face, back, chest and shoulders. Acne can be mild, moderate or severe, and can leave behind unsightly scars. Finding treatments that are effective against acne without causing excessive dryness and irritation can be challenging.
In recent years, hyaluronic acid has gained popularity as an anti-aging skincare ingredient. It is known for its ability to hydrate the skin and provide plumping effects. This has led some acne sufferers to wonder whether hyaluronic acid may also have benefits for acne-prone skin. Here is a look at the evidence behind using hyaluronic acid for acne.
What Is Hyaluronic Acid?
Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a glycosaminoglycan, a type of molecule composed partly of sugars. It occurs naturally in the fluid that surrounds joints, in the vitreous humor of the eye and in the skin, where around 50% of the body’s total hyaluronic acid is found.
HA has a unique capacity to hold and retain water molecules. One gram of hyaluronic acid can hold up to six liters of water! This helps tissues stay lubricated and plump.
HA levels decline naturally with age. The skin of a 70 year old can contain just 10-50% of the hyaluronic acid that is present in the skin of a 20 year old. This moisture loss contributes to skin aging.
Topical hyaluronic acid serums and moisturizers seek to replace some of this lost HA, helping to hydrate the skin, reduce fine lines and wrinkles and provide a more youthful, plump appearance.
Hyaluronic Acid and Acne
The moisturizing and water-binding properties of hyaluronic acid make it potentially helpful for acne in a couple of ways.
Hydrating Dry, Irritated Skin
Many acne medications such as benzoyl peroxide and retinoids can cause dryness, peeling and irritation. By boosting moisture levels in the skin, hyaluronic acid may help offset some of these side effects.
Hydration also supports skin barrier function. When the barrier is compromised, the skin is more vulnerable to environmental irritants. This can lead to inflammation that worsens acne.
Reducing Inflammation
Acne is an inflammatory condition. Inflamed pimples are red, swollen and painful. There is some evidence that hyaluronic acid helps dial down inflammation.
In a study on mice, a topical serum with 1% hyaluronic acid significantly reduced inflammation and edema compared to placebo serum after UVB radiation exposure.
By fighting inflammation, HA may help reduce redness and tenderness associated with breakouts.
Supporting Healing
Hyaluronic acid helps wounds close and heal faster. It interacts with receptors on keratinocytes, cells in the outer layer of the skin, to stimulate regeneration and migration of new skin cells.
This healing action of HA may help shrink breakouts faster. It may also help minimize acne scarring by promoting tissue repair.
Using Hyaluronic Acid for Acne Prone Skin
When shopping for hyaluronic acid products to use in your acne skincare routine, look for these features:
Lightweight Formulas
Acne-prone skin benefits from lightweight moisturizers that absorb quickly without leaving a greasy residue. Thicker, heavy creams are more likely to clog pores and exacerbate breakouts.
Look for hyaluronic acid serums and gel-cream moisturizers designed for combination and oily skin types.
Non-Comedogenic
Non-comedogenic products have been tested not to block pores or cause acne flare ups. This is an important feature for any skincare products used on acneic skin.
Soothing
Acne prone skin needs babying. Look for hyaluronic acid formulas with soothing botanicals like aloe, chamomile, green tea, jojoba oil and argan oil. They’ll help comfort irritation without over-drying.
Oil-Free
Again, avoiding oil-based products will help prevent new breakouts. Hyaluronic acid serums provide moisture without a greasy feel.
Fragrance-Free
Fragrances, whether natural or synthetic, contain irritating compounds that can trigger breakouts and contact dermatitis on sensitive acneic skin. It’s best to avoid them.
Non-Comedogeniccarrier Oils
Some hyaluronic acid serums contain carrier oils like jojoba, argan, grapeseed or squalane oil to help the HA penetrate the skin better. Make sure any oils used are non-comedogenic.
How to Use Hyaluronic Acid for Acne
Here are some tips for incorporating hyaluronic acid into an acne skincare routine:
Use a Gentle Cleanser
Always start with a gentle, soap-free cleanser to remove excess oil and bacteria without stripping the skin. Look for formulas with soothing botanicals beneficial for acne.
Follow up with an alcohol-free toner containing ingredients like witch hazel or salicylic acid to remove remaining impurities and control shine.
Apply Hyaluronic Acid Serum
Use a lightweight hyaluronic acid serum after cleansing to attract moisture to the skin before applying any acne medications. Allow it to soak in for a minute or two before the next step.
Follow with Acne Treatment
Now it’s time for any prescription or over-the-counter acne treatments, like retinoids, benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid or azelaic acid. The hyaluronic acid underneath helps counter any drying effects.
Seal with Oil-Free Moisturizer
Over the acne medication, apply an oil-free, non-comedogenic moisturizer to seal in the moisture. A moisturizer containing hyaluronic acid, ceramides and soothing botanicals is ideal for acne-prone skin.
Use Hyaluronic Acid Mask Weekly
For an extra hydration boost, apply a hyaluronic acid sheet mask or leave-on mask weekly. Look for a formula that also contains soothing, good-for-acne ingredients like green tea, aloe vera or centella asiatica.
Exfoliate Regularly
Use a gentle scrub with soft rounded particles 2-3 times per week to slough off dead skin cells. This prevents pores from becoming clogged, reducing acne flares.
Be sure to replenish moisture after exfoliating by applying hyaluronic acid serum and moisturizer.
The Takeaway
Hyaluronic acid is emerging as a helpful ingredient for acne treatment plans. It hydrates and soothes irritated skin, calms inflammation, aids healing and combines well with other anti-acne actives.
Look for hyaluronic acid skincare products designed for acne-prone skin and use them as part of a multi-pronged approach for clearer, calmer skin.
FAQs
Does hyaluronic acid clog pores?
No, hyaluronic acid does not clog pores. Its molecule size is too large to penetrate deeply into the pore lining. As long as the product formula is non-comedogenic, HA serums and moisturizers are fine for acne-prone skin.
Can I use hyaluronic acid with retinol?
Yes, it's safe to layer hyaluronic acid under retinol treatments. The HA helps counter dryness and irritation from the retinol. Apply it before any acne medications.
Should I use hyaluronic acid morning or night?
Hyaluronic acid provides benefits morning and evening. Apply it after cleansing and before heavier acne treatments at any time of day.
Does hyaluronic acid for acne scars work?
Yes, by supporting new collagen production, hyaluronic acid applied topically may help minimize the appearance of acne scars over time. Using an HA serum consistently can aid scar healing.
Can too much hyaluronic acid be bad for acne?
It's unlikely that hyaluronic acid would worsen acne, even in very high concentrations. Unless you are sensitive to one of the formula ingredients, HA is safe for acneic skin when used as directed.
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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