Uses of Hyaluronic Acid for Acne-Prone Skin

Our skin begins to lose hyaluronic acid from the early age of 25. The body uses this active ingredient extensively to boost several functions, such as maintaining skin, joint and eye health. Over the years, the knowledge of its decrease in availability has led to an unrestricted demand for its anti-aging and hydrating benefits. But can hyaluronic acid also be used for acne?

Yes, hyaluronic acid boasts a string of benefits for individuals with acne prone skin. While not a one-stop solution for treating acne holistically, this active ingredient can be a strong contender in your skincare routine. Follow along as we illustrate this in the article below.

Keynotes:

• Hyaluronic acid is a humectant, extensively used in the skincare industry to hydrate and plump the skin.
• It helps regulate sebum, reduce inflammation, heal woulds and provide structural support to fill scars and fine lines.
• While not a one-stop solution for acne, it can be used in an acne-prone routine to moisturize and smooth the skin texture.
• Follow a holistic skincare routine with exfoliating actives, hyaluronic moistuiser and sunscreen to boost moisture retention and reduce irritation.

The answer to the question “Is hyaluronic acid good for active breakouts and acne-prone skin?” will meet you with a positive response. While the active ingredient is not a go-to solution for treating moderate to severe breakouts, hyaluronic acid can act as a supportive system to maintain skin health.

Hyaluronic acid can leverage its effectiveness for acne by tackling some of the root factors that lead to these lesions. Take, for instance, sebum production. When injected into the skin, hyaluronic acid has been shown to influence the lipid synthesis. By reducing its pathways, hyaluronic acid helps regulate excess oil production in the skin, which is a known aggravator of acne.

Being a humectant, the active ingredient also supports hydration, thereby retaining moisture in the skin. This helps create a sound skin barrier function, which builds the body’s defense mechanism against external stressors such as pollutants, irritants, heat, and microorganisms. A compromised skin barrier is not only vulnerable to these triggers but also exacerbates inflammation, leading to acne type lesions.

Beyond these capabilities, hyaluronic acid also boasts wound healing and cell differentiation properties. The ingredient delivers structural support to impacted cells or skin, allowing the specialized cells to migrate and jumpstart wound healing. This permits hyaluronic acid to reduce inflammatory responses related to acne by facilitating a conducive environment. This fosters tissue regeneration for optimal skin health.

Hyaluronic acid can be a great addition to skin care routines tailored for acne-prone and oily skin. Let’s skim through some of the hyaluronic acid benefits for acne you may experience with consistent use:

Hydration Without Clogging Pores

Hyaluronic acid is typically a well-tolerated product across most skin types, which makes it a stellar addition to several skin routines. These aim towards maximizing its properties for anti-aging, hydration and rheological benefits (related to moisture retency, flow and structure).

Hyaluronic acid is hydrophilic in nature, which helps attract moisture to the cells and retain it without congesting the pores. This gentle treatment of the skin allows the ingredient to be easily tolerated by individuals with oily and acne-prone skin types as well.

The depth at which the ingredient works, however, depends on its molecular weight. Higher molecular weight hyaluronic acid limits its permeability, fashioning a thin protective layer over the surface of the skin. This allows for viscosity and stability when applied topically, greatly reducing transepidermal water loss (TEWL), which is a known aggravator of dryness and inflammation.

On the other hand, lower molecular hyaluronic acid seeps into the stratum corneum (skin surface) and epidermis, allowing for a holistic hydration. This creates a sound water balance between layers, supporting processes like ion flow, osmotic pressures and skin barrier function, without blocking your pores.

Healing Acne Scars and Reducing Redness

Hyaluronic acid fillers (HAF) are a leading professional treatment for deep-set blemishes, particularly atrophic or depressed scars. The treatment procedure physically fills these indents, restoring volume to the blemishes.

The molecular size, concentration, and cross-linking density all influence HA’s viscoelastic properties for the skin, contributing to its therapeutic effectiveness. This results in an appearance that reflects smoothness and an even skin texture.

Post-surgical scars can also benefit from topical HA, along with acne-related scars. The topical solution expedites tissue regeneration processes and boosts wound healing, which results in effective wound closure, revealing healthy skin. This process can also reduce inflammation and redness in the skin, providing a gentle yet effective treatment for acne-prone skin.

Now that we understand how is hyaluronic acid good for acne-prone skin, here are some ways in which you can incorporate the ingredient into your skincare routine:

Combining HA with Actives

• Hyaluronic acid with Salicylic Acid:

  Salicylic acid is a popular beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) used extensively in the skincare industry for its exfoliating properties. It effectively cleanses dead skin cells, unclogs pores, and tackles excess sebum on the skin. When paired with hyaluronic acid, it helps support the exfoliation process by replenishing lost moisture in the skin. Thus, preventing dryness, which can trigger inflammation and acne.
  Individuals with oily skin types or oily T-zones can benefit from combining a salicylic acid cleanser with an HA moisturizer once (or twice) a day. In serum formulations, non-comedogenic salicylic acid agents such as the DermoPurifyer Triple Effect Serum should be applied before hyaluronic day cream for best results.

• Hyaluronic acid with Retinoids

  Retinoids, derivatives of vitamin A, are a well-known ingredient commonly featured in anti-aging and acne-prone skin care. The agent is a potent tool to combat comedones (acne), boost collagen synthesis and promote cell turnover.
  Combining HA with retinoids (prescribed by your dermatologist) can alleviate adverse reactions like purging, irritation, dryness and skin sensitivity. Apply the retinoid product over clean and dry skin (twice a week), followed by a hyaluronic serum or moisturizer to soothe the skin thereafter.

Choosing the right hyaluronic acid serum that delivers benefits for acne scars can be tricky in a saturated market. Hence, one should look for serums with different molecular formulations and supporting ingredients to provide holistic results.

Seek dermatologically proven products like Eucerin Hyaluron-Filler Moisture Booster Face Gel, which is designed to address the first signs of aging (fine lines and wrinkles), along with restoring moisture balance in your skin.

The product features a 3x Effect Moisture Booster formula that delivers 24 hours of hydration, leaving the skin plump and radiant. It does so by pairing HA with glycerin and provitamin B5. This replenishes the skin’s moisture levels without clogging one’s pores, making the hyaluronic acid serum a stellar choice for individuals with oily and acne-prone skin.

Besides incorporating a serum in your skin care routine, also make sure to protect your skin from external aggressors that cause premature aging and inflammation with high-performing sun protection.

Sunscreens such as Sun Face Hydro Protect Ultra-Light Fluid SPF50+ are formulated with soothing hyaluronic acid as well as anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial ingredients, which ensure tolerability across all skin types. This product, in particular, is ultra-lightweight on the skin and can be worn extensively, even in hot and humid climates.

Hyaluronic acid can play a supportive role in your treatment for acne. While not a direct solution, it helps promote hydration, structural support, wound healing and barrier repair. This creates a conducive environment that allows other exfoliating ingredients, such as salicylic acid and retinol, to effectively target lesions for smooth, hydrated skin.

1. Is hyaluronic acid good for acne-prone skin?

   Yes, hyaluronic acid presents several benefits for acne-prone skin like hydration, wound healing, cell proliferation, and volume to fill depressed acne scars. Such capabilities make it a go-to choice to support other exfoliating ingredients in your skincare routine.

2. Can hyaluronic acid help with acne scars and oily skin?

   Hyaluronic acid is a widely accepted agent for treating acne scars, in particular, atrophic scars. It provides structural support and soothes the skin, establishing a healthy skin barrier. On the other hand, its non-comedogenic characteristics relay hydration to the skin without clogging the pores, making it perfect for individuals with oily skin types as well.

3. What are the benefits of hyaluronic acid for acne treatment?

   Hyaluronic acid poses several benefits for acne treatments. These include wound healing capabilities, restoring moisture balance, reducing inflammation and strengthening the skin barrier to support the potential skin sensitivities brought upon by certain professional acne treatments.

• Nih.gov- Benefits of topical hyaluronic acid for skin quality and signs of skin aging
• Nih.gov- Hyaluronic Acid Decreases Lipid Synthesis in Sebaceous Glands
• Nih.gov- The role of hyaluronan in wound healing
• Nih.gov- Efficacy Evaluation of a Topical Hyaluronic Acid Serum in Facial Photoaging
• Sciencedirect - Hyaluronic acid and its biomedical applications
• Mdpi - Advantages of Hyaluronic Acid and Its Combination with Other Bioactive Ingredients in Cosmeceuticals
• Mdpi - Hyaluronic Acid in Facial Rehabilitation
• Jddonline - Treatment of Acne Scars With Hyaluronic Acid