Acne is one of the most common skin problems that everyone, no matter how old or young they are, experiences. People can have a hard time with breakouts, blemishes, and oily skin. In looking for an effective treatment, many find products and ingredients, including hyaluronic acid.
You may have seen hyaluronic acid in many skincare products, but is it really good for acne? In this article, we are going to explore how hyaluronic acid works, its benefits, and whether it can help improve acne-prone skin.
What is Hyaluronic Acid?
Hyaluronic acid, or HA, naturally occurs in our bodies. The primary locations of HA include the skin, connective tissues, and eyes. HA is famous for its marvellous ability to retain moisture; it can hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water! As a result, it plays a central role in keeping the skin hydrated, plump, and healthy.
In skincare products, hyaluronic acid is usually incorporated into serums, moisturizers, and masks. It will keep the skin’s moisture balance intact while giving the face a bright, radiant look. So how does this apply to acne?
How Does Hyaluronic Acid Help with Acne?
Acne occurs whenever pores or hair follicles have been blocked by oil, bacteria, and dead skin cells. This causes inflammation, along with pimples and potentially painful cysts. In itself, hyaluronic acid does not fight back against acne-causing bacteria as some other ingredients can (such as salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide), but it can certainly help acne-prone skin. Here’s how.
- Hydrates the Skin without Clogging Pores: Hyaluronic acid is non-comedogenic, which means it doesn’t clog pores. People who have oily or acne-prone skin are worse by heavy creams or oils that clog pores. HA hydrates in a light manner and is a great product for people who need moisture but don’t want pore congestion.
- Supports the Skin Barrier: Sometimes, a compromised skin barrier can be the worst factor for acne. A healthy skin barrier is that wall that shields your skin against harmful pollutants, bacteria, and irritants. Your skin is more prone to inflammation when the barrier weakens. Hyaluronic acid maintains and even repairs the skin barrier through proper moisturising and maintaining a healthy condition.
- Reduces Inflammation and Redness: Being soothing, HA would help decrease redness and inflammation resulting from acne. Although it may not erase the pimple, it helps in soothing the skin, therefore healing.
- Balances Oil Production: When your skin is dehydrated, it often produces more oil to compensate for the lack of moisture. This excess oil can clog pores and lead to breakouts. By keeping the skin properly hydrated, hyaluronic acid can help balance oil production.
Can Hyaluronic Acid Treat Acne Scars?
Acne scars can be the permanent reminder of previous breakouts. Hyaluronic acid cannot erase scars but improves their appearance. HA hydrates the skin, and it gives a more plump and smooth appearance to the skin. Thus, acne scars can appear less noticeable. For deeper scars, fillers that have hyaluronic acid are often recommended by dermatologists to temporarily fill up the scars.
Is Hyaluronic Acid Good for All Skin Types?
Of course! Hyaluronic acid works as excellent support for all skin types. When you have oily, dry, combination, or easily irritated skin, you benefit from HA. It will not irritate your skin and is gentle, meaning it is safe for skin that breaks out frequently or sensitive skin.
How to Use Hyaluronic Acid with Acne-Prone Skin?
If you want to use hyaluronic acid in your skincare routine, this is how you can make it effective:
- Choose the Right Product: Hyaluronic acid comes in various forms in the market, such as in serums, creams, or sheet masks. For acne-prone skin, a lightweight serum is the best choice. Thus, choose a product containing hyaluronic acid that is high up on the ingredients list.
- Use on Damp Skin: HA applies best on damp skin. After cleansing, pat your face gently with a towel. Then apply the HA serum while your skin is still slightly moist to better lock moisture in.
- Layer with Other Acne Treatments: You can use HA with other acne-fighting ingredients like salicylic acid or niacinamide. Apply your HA serum after your acne treatment to keep your skin hydrated and prevent dryness.
- Moisturize and Protect: Follow up with a lightweight moisturiser to seal in hydration. During the day, don’t forget to apply sunscreen to protect your skin from UV damage.
The Role of Other Skincare Ingredients
While hyaluronic acid may hydrate and support acne-prone skin, it is better in the presence of other ingredients. For instance, niacinamide, salicylic acid, and retinol help fight acne and improve the quality of the skin. What is glutathione? It is an antioxidant with tremendous power that can be effective in brightening your skin and removing dark spots due to acne. The inclusion of such products gives you an evenly toned skin.
If you have difficulties with dark circles or puffy bags under the eyes owing to sleepless nights or stress, the best serum for the eyes can be recommended for use. If you struggle with dark circles or puffiness under the eyes due to lack of sleep or stress, consider using the best under eye serum for your needs. Many eye serums contain hyaluronic acid to keep the delicate under-eye area hydrated and plump.
Conclusion
Hyaluronic acid is not an acne-fighting agent, but it certainly provides several advantages for breakouts. In addition to keeping the skin moist, thus helping to build up its barrier and reducing inflammation by lessening the overall inflammatory pathway, HA can even improve the health and appearance of affected skin with acne. It’s lightweight and non-comedogenic; hence, it can easily fit into any skin care system.
Hyaluronic acid can also be incorporated if you suffer from acne. Once mixed with other successful treatments, it will lead to healthy, clearer skin. Make sure to stay committed and consistent with your skincare routine because healthy, clear skin takes time!
From this understanding, a small move toward attaining a healthier skin regime may come to pass.
