Does Hyaluronic Acid Help Acne?

health and beauty concept - face of beautiful young woman squeezing acne spots
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Anyone dealing with acne flare-ups understands the need to clear and treat their condition. And many times, you may wonder about the ingredients in your moisturizer. To clear your doubts, you need hydrants to manage and treat acne. 

One effective way is using hyaluronic acid, but it’s best to be extra cautious. Does Hyaluronic Acid Help Acne?

Let’s explore the power of hyaluronic acid, and discuss why you may want to try hyaluronic acid as part of your acne-fighting skincare regime.


Contents

What Is Hyaluronic Acid?

Hyaluronic acid, commonly known as hyaluronan, is a chemical that your body naturally releases. It’s transparent and sticky, and its sole duty is to maintain specific parts of your body moisturized and hydrated.

Because of this, hyaluronic acid is abundant in your epidermis, eyes, and connective tissues. 

Besides this, hyaluronic acid has a broad array of applications.

Some folks take it orally, while others use it topically.

One of the huge advantages of hyaluronic acid is that it is suitable for all skin types. From acne-prone skin and dry to aged skin, that may boost your skincare regimen in various ways.


Does Hyaluronic Acid Help Acne?

There are several ways you can use hyaluronic acid as part of your beauty routine to help combat acne breakouts.

Many find success in combining Hyaluronic Acid and Retinol, though be aware you may have to pass through the retinol uglies stage before your skin clears.

There are several ways you can use hyaluronic acid as part of your beauty routine to help combat acne breakouts.

1. Serums

These are among the most prevalent hyaluronic acid products. Here you wash your face first, then apply the serum (and potentially essence) once or twice daily. The serum bottles, like these from The Ordinary  typically have a dropper to assist you in pouring the product without spilling it.

You add a few drops to your fingertips and massage them softly over your face. 

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After your skin has absorbed the hyaluronic acid, you can opt to reapply a moisturizer or any other creams on top of the serum.

2. Hyaluronic acid moisturizer

If you purchased this type of item, you use it the same way you do other normal moisturizers. Many already contain hyaluronic acid. Some also contain niacinamide , which works well with HA.

Paula's Choice SKIN BALANCING Invisible Finish Gel Moisturizer with Niacinamide & Hyaluronic Acid, Large Pores & Oily Skin, 2 Ounce. PACKAGING MAY VARY.
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3. HA Supplements

Sometimes, hyaluronic acids come in supplements that you orally take for acne treatment.

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4. Injections

You can go for several sessions, depending on your acne condition. Of course you’ll need to do this under a clinician’s supervision


Benefits of Hyaluronic Acid

Below are reasons why you need hyaluronic acid if you suffer from acne-related conditions.

Acne Management: Though hyaluronic acid may not fill up prominent acne scars, it can greatly lessen inflammation and the visibility of acne. Furthermore, hyaluronic acid can effectively protect your skin, which is valuable for acne-prone epidermis since it lacks a strong lipid barrier. 

So, if you’re seeking a supplement to a daily acne beauty routine that won’t trigger your acne, hyaluronic acid is worth considering.

Hydration

If you have a dry skin rash, hyaluronic acid may be a positive complement to your skincare regime. Consider hyaluronic acid to be a large glass of water for your skin. It can store 40 times its atomic weight in water. 

Consider hyaluronic acid to be a large glass of water for your skin.

It absorbs your skin and binds water to the epidermis, bringing essential, revitalizing moisture into all layers of your skin. Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum can be used in conjunction with other products. It does not require plenty of different substances or fillers to be productive.

Increased Resilience

The skin is better equipped to fight against external age factors and contaminants once the lipid barrier is strengthened and preserved by hyaluronic acid.

When the skin isn’t battling pollutants, it stays less wrinkled, brighter, and bouncy for longer.

Improved Skin Texture

Textured skin is natural but can be an obstacle to makeup application. Hyaluronic acid might assist you in improving the tone of your skin and give a smoothing effect.

You notice the effects once you start applying hyaluronic acid as part of your skincare routine. 

Hyaluronic acid may be a good addition to your moisturizer if you have a dry skin rash.

Since your body naturally creates it, it helps maintain moisture in the skin. The application will keep you safe and hydrate your skin from dryness or extreme weather.  


Side Effects & Potential Risks Of Hyaluronic Acid

When trying different skincare products, there is a possibility of an allergic response. However, some users may experience unpleasant side effects, including allergic responses to hyaluronic acid. This is why it’s best to always perform a patch test before employing a new skin product.

Users who get hyaluronic acid injections may have the following adverse effects, which should somehow subside within a week.

  • Bruising – sometimes, you may notice some skin bruises on the injected area, but after some days, it is clear. Unless there’s pain, it shouldn’t be alarming.
  • Pain – you may experience pain and discomfort after reacting to hyaluronic acid. If the pain doesn’t stop, you may want to see a doctor.
  • Swelling – some people may notice skin bulginess after using hyaluronic acid, which clears in days. Depending on the extremity, you may want to avoid using hyaluronic acid.
  • Itching – itchiness is one of those side effects that are irritating, and if you notice this symptom, discontinue using your hyaluronic acid and call your doctor if it’s severe.
  • Redness – if the inflammation and skin rash is extreme, then hyaluronic acid should not be part of your skincare regime.

In addition to the above side effects, it’s important to consult with your physician when you are:

Using a prescription medicine: if you’re being treated for any illness, your drugs may react with hyaluronic acid supplements and serum. So before adding it to your skin ritual, ensure you consult with your doctor to prevent side effects.

Having a long-term health condition: if you are dealing with a history of extreme allergies, such as anaphylaxis, you should take precautions when applying hyaluronic acid.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Hyaluronic acid supplements may affect you during pregnancy and nursing. You should avoid taking them or seek medical advice before using them.


Conclusion

Hyaluronic acid hydrates your skin without wearing it down. Most consumers tolerate it well, and it shows potential as supplemental acne therapy — particularly when combined with retinol and retinoids.

Since hyaluronic acid is included in various cosmetic and pharmaceutical products, its effects differ from person to person.

So it’s best to talk to your dermatologist about the best therapeutic approach for your derma requirements, and find the path to clear, acne-free skin!

Written by Kayla Young

Kayla is the founder of LuxeLuminous. She has worked professionally in the tanning industry for years. She has been interested in esthetics since childhood, and has tried every hair, skin, and makeup product ever produced (more or less).