Is hyaluronic acid good for acne? Acne is a common skin condition that affects millions of people worldwide. The main cause of acne is excess oil production in the sebaceous glands. This leads to clogged pores and inflammation.
There are several types of acne treatments available, such as topical medications, oral antibiotics, and laser therapy. One of the most effective ways to treat acne is using hyaluronic acid.
Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a natural substance found in human tissues. It helps retain moisture and lubricate the skin. HA has anti-inflammatory properties and improves the appearance of scars. It also reduces redness and irritation caused by rosacea.
Hyaluronic acid can be used topically or orally for treating acne. Topical applications include lotions, creams, gels, and ointments. Internal applications include capsules, injections, and suppositories.
Let’s take a look at why hyaluronic acid can help with acne, and how you can add it to your skincare routine.
- What Is Hyaluronic Acid?
- How Does Hyaluronic Acid Work With Skin?
- Is Hyaluronic Acid Good For Acne?
- How Does Hyaluronic Acid Work For Acne Treatment?
- Addressing Acne Issues With Hyaluronic Acid
- Quick Rundown – Benefits Of Hyaluronic Acid For Acne
- How To Add Hyaluronic Acid To A Skincare Routine
- What Is The Best Way To Apply Hyaluronic Acid On The Face?
- Can Hyaluronic Acid Treat Scars From Acne?
- Does Hyaluronic Acid Have Any Side Effects?
- How Long Does It Take For Hyaluronic Acid to Work?
- Final Words
- Related Articles
What Is Hyaluronic Acid?
Hyaluronic Acid is a naturally occurring polysaccharide molecule that occurs in connective tissue throughout the body. It is often referred to as “glue” because of its ability to bind water molecules together.
It plays an important role in maintaining healthy skin by keeping the skin hydrated, plumping out wrinkles, reducing fine lines, and improving elasticity.
It is also known to have anti-aging effects on the skin.
How Does Hyaluronic Acid Work With Skin?
When applied to the skin, hyaluronic acid binds to water molecules in the skin cells, creating a gel-like layer around them. This prevents water loss from the cells and keeps the skin moisturized.
This allows the skin to maintain its normal pH level, which makes it less prone to bacterial infection. In addition, it also helps keep the skin smooth and soft.
When combined with other ingredients, like vitamin C, glycolic acid, retinol, and alpha-lipoic acid, hyaluronic acids can reduce scarring and improve healing time.
Is Hyaluronic Acid Good For Acne?
Hyaluronic acid can be useful in treating acne for several reasons. It controls sebum production which can reduce the likelihood of breakouts. It also reduces redness and makes acne look less ‘angry’.
How Does Hyaluronic Acid Work For Acne Treatment?
The active ingredient in hyaluronic acid is called sodium hyaluronate. It works by binding to the surface of cells and drawing extra fluid from the surrounding area. This draws more fluid into the cell, which results in less oil being produced.
The result is fewer pimples!
When applied topically, hyaluronic acid penetrates deep into the skin where it binds to the surface of the sebaceous gland. This prevents the sebum from reaching the hair follicles, preventing blockage and clogging.
This allows the pores to remain open so they don’t become blocked and inflamed. Topical hyaluronic acid may also reduce the size of existing blackheads.
When applied orally, hyaluronic acids help draw toxins and other impurities out of the bloodstream and lymphatic system. This increases circulation and flushes out dead skin cells and bacteria.
Addressing Acne Issues With Hyaluronic Acid
If you suffer from acne, there are two main things you need to do in order to avoid further breakouts. These are reducing the amount of oil you have on your face, and keeping the pores clear.
To achieve these goals, you will want to use products that contain hyaluronic acid to keep your skin moisturized and prevent clogging of the pores.
Whilst it might sound counterproductive to have a highly moisturized face if you suffer with oily skin, it will actually help your face to not produce extra oil.
When your skin is dry, it will compensate for this dryness by producing more oil. This oil is what clogs up the pores to produce acne.
Quick Rundown – Benefits Of Hyaluronic Acid For Acne
Whilst we have already told you why hyaluronic acid is great for acne, here is a quick list of the benefits of HA when dealing with an outbreak, or why it is good for skin just generally:
- Reduces inflammation
- Improves the appearance of scars
- Makes pores appear smaller
- Keeps skin hydrated
- Prevents clogged pores
- Reduces redness
- Helps maintain elasticity
- Can improve skin texture
- Doesn’t cause any side effects
How To Add Hyaluronic Acid To A Skincare Routine
There are many ways to add hyaluronic acid to your skincare routine. You can use it either day and night, or both! Unlike other skincare acids, it will not cause any issues with your skin barrier, and instead the more the better.
You should start with a cleanser that contains hyaluronic acid and then follow up with a toner. You can find both at your local drugstore.
A good hydrating cleanser will leave your skin feeling smooth and soft. A great way to make sure your face feels fresh all day long is to apply a serum after cleansing.
Serums containing hyaluronic acid will help seal in moisture and improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Once you’ve got your basic skincare regimen down, you’ll probably want to try some topical treatments to clear up any remaining blemishes.
You can find over-the-counter acne-specific products at your local drugstore, or speak to a dermatologist if you have particularly bad acne – especially if it is causing you mental stress.
Because acne medication and skincare products can dry out your skin during the healing process, hyaluronic acid will help to keep your skin soft, supple, and moisturized.
→ Can You Use Niacinamide with Hyaluronic Acid and Vitamin C?
What Is The Best Way To Apply Hyaluronic Acid On The Face?
When applying hyaluronic acid, you will want to make sure you don’t get too much into your eyes. Like most skincare products, if you do, it can cause irritation.
The best way to apply hyaluronic acid to your face is to first cleanse your face thoroughly using a gentle cleanser.
Then simply rub the product (such as a serum) into your skin in circular and upward motions until it has been completely absorbed.
Follow this up with a hydrating moisturizer.
You can also add the hyaluronic acid in the form of a toner or sprits too.
Once you have cleansed your face, whilst still slightly damp, use a cotton pad to pat the toner onto the skin. Let it sink in for a few moments and then add a serum (optional) and a moisturizer to seal it in.
If you prefer to use a spritz, after cleansing, spray the face with the hyaluronic acid sprits and again, follow it up with a moisturizer.
The useful thing about a spritz is that you can use it throughout the day for extra hydration and as a way to cool yourself down during the summer.
Can Hyaluronic Acid Treat Scars From Acne?
Yes, topical hyaluronic acid can be used to treat scars caused by acne. A study found that by using a hyaluronic acid filler and a dual-plane technique for two treatment sessions at a 4-week interval test patients saw “impressive improvement in the depth of the scars.”
The best thing you can do is to take care of your skin as soon as possible after an outbreak has cleared up. This will allow your skin to fully recover before applying any treatment.
It’s also important to remember that even though you’re using hyaluronic acid, your skin still needs time to heal. If you continue to put pressure on the area with too much skincare, you could end up getting another breakout.
Hyaluronic acid is one of the most popular ingredients in anti-aging products because it helps to plump up the skin cells and reduce the appearance of fine lines, hence it is great to deal with fresh acne scars.
This ingredient is often found in facial masks and eye creams, but it can also be added to lotions and body washes.
Does Hyaluronic Acid Have Any Side Effects?
Hyaluronic acids are generally considered safe to use. Allergic reactions might occur but are rare. They are non-comedogenic which means they won’t clog pores. They are also hypoallergenic so they won’t irritate sensitive skin types.
→ Comedogenic Ingredient Checker
They are also very effective when it comes to keeping moisture levels high. So, no matter what type of skin you have, hyaluronic acid is always going to work well for you.
How Long Does It Take For Hyaluronic Acid to Work?
The amount of time it takes for hyaluronic acid to work depends on how deep the problem is. If you’ve just got a small pimple, it may take anywhere between 2 weeks and 3 months for it to clear up. However, if you’ve got more severe acne problems, it may take longer than that.
In general, the deeper the problem, the longer it’ll take to get rid of. But don’t worry, this isn’t something that happens overnight. You need patience!
Final Words
Hyaluronic Acid is one of the most effective ingredients available for treating acne, and it can be used in conjunction with other acne treatments to ensure maximum results.
It will keep your skin moisturized and supple whilst strong acne products are used which may dry out your skin. It will also help to promote healing by keeping the area hydrated. This will also lessen the acne scar that is left.
If you have been struggling with acne, hyaluronic may be able to help. Use it regularly and see how it works for you.
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