Whether you are a skincare geek or just a beginner to the skincare world, we are pretty sure you have heard of hyaluronic acid. It is an ingredient famous for its moisturizing properties, but do you know if hyaluronic acid works for acne?
Yes, hyaluronic acid helps reduce acne, albeit not directly as other ingredients targeted for acne. It does so by helping to improve skin hydration and texture. Dry skin encourages the overproduction of sebum (oil). This will clog pores and lead to acne formation. Hyaluronic acid prevents this by keeping the skin hydrated.
Hyaluronic acid can be used for all skin types. Therefore, it is a great ingredient to add to your skincare routine if you plan to tackle skin dryness and acne problems.
How Does Hyaluronic Acid Treat Acne?
Hyaluronic acid, also known as hyaluronan or simply HA, is a humectant on skincare labels. A humectant is a compound that works like a sponge. It draws in water from the air and holds it in the skin. Our body actually produces hyaluronic acid naturally to help cushion the joints, but as we age, its production is gradually reduced.
Interestingly, as it is a large molecule, hyaluronic acid doesn’t penetrate the skin. But it can hold up to 1,000 times its molecular weight in water! Imagine the difference it can make to the surface of your skin!
When applying hyaluronic acid to the skin, it imbues the skin with moisture. Then it draws in water from the environment to provide lasting hydration.
Benefits of Hyaluronic Acid to Acne-Prone Skin
- Hyaluronic Acid Provides Additional Hydration to The Skin
Skin that lacks hyaluronic acid and moisture in general, is prone to acne. This is because, without enough hydration, the new skin cells cannot replace and remove the dead skin cells. This results in the build-up of dead skin cells blocked pores, and eventually, acne formation.
Hyaluronic acid prevents this by providing moisture to the skin and helps with the skin cell turnover
- Hyaluronic Acid Retains Moisture in The Skin
Dry and combination skin also loses hydration quickly, encouraging the overproduction of oil. As you already know, excessive oil on the skin encourages acne formation. Applying hyaluronic acid helps the skin retain its natural moisture and keep it from becoming dry.
As it is water-friendly, hyaluronic acid attracts and binds moisture in the skin to keep it plump and fresh. This is also why many anti-ageing products have HA as one of the main ingredients.
Related: When Should I Start Using Anti-Ageing Products?
How Does Hyaluronic Acid Benefit The Skin When Applied Topically?
Interestingly, us living in Malaysia can benefit from using hyaluronic acid topically! Humid weather like we have in Malaysia is actually perfect for hyaluronic acid application. This is because it attracts water from the air and binds it to your skin, creating hydrated skin overall.
Humid weather means there is very high moisture content in the air. So the HA has heaps of water in the air that it can pull to your skin. Imagine how much moisture your skin can benefit from when you apply hyaluronic acid to it!
Related: Can Aloe Vera Get Rid of Acne Scars
Potential Side Effects Of Using Hyaluronic Acid To Treat Acne
When applied topically on the skin, most research agrees that it is likely safe when used according to the recommended dose. Allergic reactions might occur, but they are extremely rare for hyaluronic acid. Also, as HA is a natural substance produced in the body, HA should not be a problem.
How To Use Hyaluronic Acid For Acne?
Skincare products containing hyaluronic acid are mainly in the form of serums and moisturizers. Apply serum using the dropper provided after washing your face. Place the serum on your finger or directly to your face, then tap tap tap it to spread the serum evenly.
Target dry spots and areas for better results. Then, apply moisturizer after serum to help lock in the moisture better.
Learn how to use serums and moisturiser properly with myeppo Skincare School.
Myeppo Recommends: Hyaluronic Products
As hyaluronic acid is a trendy skincare ingredient, there are a lot of products in the market that contain hyaluronic acid as its main ingredient! Don’t feel overwhelmed, though. We are here to help!
Below are the best hyaluronic acid skin care products for you:
- Sale Product on saleThe Ordinary Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA Concentrated Serum (30ml)
RM70.00Original price was: RM70.00.RM60.00Current price is: RM60.00. - The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA (100ml)RM85.00
- Sale Product on saleIsntree Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel (50ml)
RM94.00Original price was: RM94.00.RM53.00Current price is: RM53.00. - Sale Product on saleCeraVe Daily Moisturising Lotion (236ml)
RM76.90Original price was: RM76.90.RM70.00Current price is: RM70.00. - Sale Product on saleCOSRX The Hyaluronic Acid 3 Serum (20ml)
RM99.00Original price was: RM99.00.RM70.00Current price is: RM70.00. - Sale Product on saleSKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Hyalu-Cica Brightening Toner (210ml)
RM89.00Original price was: RM89.00.RM59.00Current price is: RM59.00. - Sale Product on saleJumiso Snail Mucin 95 + Peptide Facial Essence (140ml)
RM90.00Original price was: RM90.00.RM55.00Current price is: RM55.00. - Anua Heartleaf Pore Clay Pack (100ml)RM68.90
- Sale Product on saleCeraVe Hydrating Cleanser (88ml)
RM39.90Original price was: RM39.90.RM30.00Current price is: RM30.00. - Sale Product on saleCeraVe Foaming Cleanser (473ml)
RM87.90Original price was: RM87.90.RM85.00Current price is: RM85.00. - Sale Product on saleHolika Holika Pure Essence Mask Sheet – Avocado (5 Pcs)
RM29.50Original price was: RM29.50.RM29.00Current price is: RM29.00. - Sale Product on saleIsntree Hyaluronic Acid Airy Sun Stick (22g)
RM100.00Original price was: RM100.00.RM65.00Current price is: RM65.00.
Final Thoughts
Hyaluronic acid is a fantastic ingredient in your skincare routine as it is suitable for all skin types and provides excellent hydration benefits.
Still unsure whether hyaluronic acid is right for you? Consider taking the myeppo skincare quiz here!
The myeppo skin quiz is a fun way to figure out your skin type and get a personalized skincare routine tailored to your unique skin. Click here to try it out.