My Skin Tips

Is Hyaluronic Acid Good for Acne?

The truth is that anti-acne agents deal with the consequences, while hyaluronic acid addresses the underlying cause - a lack of moisture.
Is Hyaluronic Acid Good for Acne?

No matter what type of skin you have, it can be prone to acne due to dehydration. Let me explain it. People with oily skin would rather suffer from overactive sebaceous glands. Excess oil can be produced to compensate for the lack of moisture. It clogs the pore, forming a little bump – a “dream place” for bacteria to multiply, thrive, and develop nasty acne. Dry skin is also predisposed to this issue. Without adequate levels of moisture, dead cells accumulate in the upper layer of the skin, blocking the pores with bacteria inside.

Balance is crucial, and the only way to make your skin healthy is to put moisture back by using the right beauty products. The best ingredient for boosting hydration is hyaluronic acid. You might be skeptical because of fear of worsening your condition. But we have collected the most recent scientific evidence to dispel your doubts.

What is Hyaluronic Acid?

Hyaluronic acid is a sugar molecule that is naturally present in the human body. In the skin, it is responsible for hydration and elasticity. The substance acts as a magnet for moisture, helping skin cells retain as much water as possible so that your skin feels plump and healthy. Commercial hyaluronic acid is mainly produced by bacteria in the laboratory and comes in several forms available in the market. The main difference between them is their molecular weight and stability, which correlate with efficacy. Why are we focusing on this? Hyaluronic acid is safe for all skin types, but it would be useful to know what specific form of HA suits your skin best.

  • For dry skin, My Skin Tips recommends picking a skin product with sodium hyaluronate. It has a small molecular weight that allows it to penetrate into the deep layers of skin.
  • For oily and combination skin, My Skin Tips suggests choosing a beauty product with hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid to avoid over-moisturizing. It has a higher molecular weight than sodium hyaluronate, so it mainly acts on the skin’s surface.

So, is Hyaluronic Acid Good for Acne?

Yes, hyaluronic acid is what you need to add to your beauty routine if you have acne-prone skin. It may sound unusual for those who think that salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, retinoids, and antibiotics are the only ingredients against breakouts. But the truth is that anti-acne agents deal with the consequences, while hyaluronic acid addresses the underlying cause – a lack of moisture.

According to a study from The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, using hyaluronic acid along with the anti-acne topical treatment can reduce irritation. It simply cools off inflammatory spots and decreases the redness associated with breakouts. There is also evidence that HA is effective in the treatment of moderate-to-severe acne scars. This ingredient fills in the gaps between cells, making skin smooth and clear. Finally, hyaluronic acid repairs a compromised skin barrier by stimulating collagen production. It is especially crucial for acne-prone skin, as the bacteria more easily settle on damaged skin.

Best Product Picks With Hyaluronic Acid

Our team collected the best hyaluronic acid serums to suit every pocket and any skin type. Before you pick one, it would be useful to check our previous article: “A Complete Guide on How to Use Hyaluronic Acid.”

PCA SKIN serum is pricey but worth every penny. Just look at the list of ingredients. It is infused with ceramides and niacinamide. Besides, the product contains different forms of hyaluronic acid – hydrolyzed HA, HA-Pro Complex, and sodium hyaluronate. That’s pretty cool because a combination of low and high molecular weight HA triggers multiple layers of the skin, leading to even better effects.

Get It on Amazon

Hada Labo is a time-tested Japanese brand. Its serum is chock-full of five high-quality different molecular-weight versions of hyaluronic acid. Whereas large molecules hydrate the skin’s surface, small molecules work in deeper layers. The serum is also unscented and free of colorants. Even people with sensitive skin can use it without fear of getting irritation.

Get It on Amazon

Why do so many people love The Ordinary? The brand sells affordable skin products formulated in a targeted way for specific needs. The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 is not an exception. This serum contains a next-generation hyaluronic acid crosspolymer, which can bind five times more water molecules than regular HA. Honestly, it bribes us. What about you?

Get It on Amazon

Acid Serum has three main advantages – large volume, unbeatable price, and impeccable quality. When applied to the skin, it gives instant hydration, smoothness, and fine lines reduction. The serum is infused with aloe to reduce inflammation and redness, apple extract to protect your skin from free radicals, and marine red seaweed to prevent excess oil buildup.

Get It on Amazon
About the author
Mari Bash

All Beauty in One Digest

Get expert skincare tips, ingredient insights, and product reviews

My Skin Tips

Great! You’ve successfully signed up.

Welcome back! You've successfully signed in.

You've successfully subscribed to My Skin Tips.

Success! Check your email for magic link to sign-in.

Success! Your billing info has been updated.

Your billing was not updated.