Is hyaluronic acid good for acne? Discover how this trending skincare ingredient can help manage breakouts while keeping your skin hydrated and supple.
If you haven’t been formally introduced yet, hyaluronic acid (HA) is a celebrated skin care ingredient known for its eliteabilityto moisturize, help out with elasticity, signs of aging, and more.
Some folks add it to their acne arsenal to help manage breakouts.
We chatted with a derm to see if adding HA to your skin care cabinet is worth it when it comes to acne.
Does hyaluronic acid help acne?
HA is, amongother things, ananti-inflammatory, tissue-regeneratingsugar molecule also used forwound healing.
San Diego-based board-certified dermatologistMelanie Palm, MDsays HA is safe and effective foracne-proneskin. She also points out that it’s noncomedogenic, meaning it won’tclog your pores.
HA doubles down on its help with pores by helping to control sebum production — which Palm says can help manage alreadyclogged poresand breakouts.
Palm adds that by improving yourskin barrier, HA also lessensredness and irritationcaused by breakouts.
How to use hyaluronic for acne
Plam gives us a play-by-play for applying HA for acne below.
Does hyaluronic help acne scars?
HA on its own isnotyour go-to acne scar all-star.
Other ingredientsand treatments have a better shot at improving the look of scars than just topical HA.
However, Palm points tonewer researchsuggesting that HA filler (via injection) can improve the depth and appearance ofacne scars.
Plus, someother studiesfound that topical HA, when combined with CO2 lasers, can improve the look of acne scarring.
You’ll have to discuss these options with your dermatologist to see if it’s right for you. Laser resurfacing usually requires prep work and downtime. Plus, it can be pretty expensive.
You’ve got HA questions; we have answers.
Where can I buy hyaluronic acid for acne?
Literally almost anywhere. You can find HA serums onAmazon, atdrugstores, or you can peruse options at Ulta orSephora.
What’s the difference between hydraulic serum vs. hyaluronic cream?
“Those with acne-prone skin can benefit from a hyaluronic acid serum throughout the year but may consider adding a cream to their routine during the colder and dryer winter months,” Palm adds.
What are the side effects of using hydraulic acid?
“Adverse effects to topical hyaluronic acid are rare, and it’s a generally safe skincare ingredient for all skin types,” Palm tells us.
Palm still recommendspatch testingany new-to-you skin care product or ingredient to ensure you’re not allergic to it before slathering it all over your face.
Overall, HA is gentle and shouldn’t give you any fuss, but if you opt for an HA filler injection, then you run into the risk ofadverse effectslike pain, bruising, redness, itching, and swelling.
HA may help you manage breakouts thanks to its help with controlling sebum production. It’s a safe and gentle moisturizer, too, so those with acne-prone skin don’t have to worry about clogging those pores. Be sure to add other acne-fighting ingredients to your routine for your best shot at clear skin.
