Does Hyaluronic Acid Help Acne? Ultimate Guide For Clear Skin (2023)

Does hyaluronic acid help acne? Learn how you can use hyaluronic acid for your acne prone skin to hydrate, soothe, and reduce inflammation.

If you’ve been following me, you know I’ve battled acne for years. I tried everything—salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, retinol, you name it.

But what did I end up with? A wrecked skin barrier that left my face red, peeling, and still full of blemishes. That’s when I stumbled upon hyaluronic acid. Far from a quick fix, it was the hydrating lifeline my skin needed to bounce back.

Curious? Keep reading

Disclosure: Some of the links in this article may be affiliate links, which can provide compensation to me at no cost to you if you decide to purchase. These are products I’ve personally used, as well as are recommended by other skincare experts & enthusiasts.

What Is Hyaluronic Acid?

Hyaluronic acid, or HA for short, is more than just a trend; it’s a naturally occurring substance found in skin, connective tissues, and eyes.

And don’t let the word “acid” freak you out. Research supports its exceptional ability to hydrate the skin. It draws in and holds moisture, up to 1000 times its weight in water.

The result? Skin that’s not just hydrated but also smoother and more youthful-looking.

Hyaluronic Acid Benefits

So, why’s everyone talking about hyaluronic acid? First off, it’s super hydrating—think of it as a drink of water for your skin.

Hyaluronic acid also boosts your skin’s collagen, helping it stay firm and giving you that “I’ve had a full 8 hours of sleep” look, even if you haven’t.

As we age, we lose collagen, but research shows that hyaluronic acid can stimulate its production, reducing fine lines and wrinkles. But it’s not just about looking good, hyaluronic acid also protects your skin by fighting off pollution and UV rays.

And if your skin is sensitive or prone to breakouts, it’s got a soothing side too. So, whether you’re after that fresh-faced glow or just want healthier skin, hyaluronic acid should definitely be on your skincare radar.

And if your skin’s a bit on the sensitive side or prone to breakouts, it’s got soothing qualities.

How Does Hyaluronic Acid Help Your Acne?

So you’re probably wondering, can hyaluronic acid really make a difference for acne? Well, the answer is a definite yes! Acne isn’t just about too much oil or clogged pores; it also involves inflammation and an imbalanced skin barrier. Luckily, hyaluronic acid tackles all of these issues effectively.

Now, you might be thinking, “Wait, won’t moisturizing make my oily skin worse and aggravate my acne?” Let’s debunk this myth: moisturizing oily skin doesn’t make it worse. In fact, when your skin is dehydrated, it might produce more oil to compensate, leading to more breakouts. Hyaluronic acid comes to the rescue by hydrating your skin, preventing it from going into oil overproduction mode.

But the benefits of hyaluronic acid go beyond controlling oil. It also reduces redness and inflammation associated with acne. Research has shown that it has amazing anti-inflammatory properties, resulting in not only clearer skin but also a calmer complexion.

Moreover, hyaluronic acid’s ability to regulate moisture levels can prevent dehydration. Even oily skin can get dehydrated, which messes up the skin’s natural balance and makes acne worse. By restoring this balance, hyaluronic acid lowers the chances of breakouts.

And for those worried about acne scars, hyaluronic acid injections can help fill in those little dents, giving you smoother and more even skin.

Best Hyaluronic Acid Serums

Hyaluronic acid comes in different molecular sizes. Hyaluronic acid’s effectiveness isn’t just about one size fits all. Different molecular sizes penetrate skin layers differently.

Smaller molecules go deeper, while larger ones focus on surface hydration. The the best Korean serums usually mix these sizes, so you’re hydrating every layer of your skin.

How To Incorporate Hyaluronic Acid Into Your Skincare Routine

Here are a few tips on how to use hyaluronic acid into your skincare routine for acne.

Tip 1: Apply Hyaluronic Acid On Damp Skin

Did you know skincare products work better when you apply them on damp skin? Wet skin is more permeable, so skincare ingredients – as long as their molecular size is small enough – can more easily penetrate it.

This hack works wonders for Hyaluronic acid – especially if you live in a dry climate where your skin needs all the moisture it can get. 

The extra dampness helps your skin attract more moisture from the environment into your skin, leaving it softer and suppler.

Tip 2: Use Hyaluronic acid in both your morning and evening skincare routine.

In the morning, applying it before your Korean sunscreen and makeup helps to keep your skin hydrated throughout the day. In the evening, it aids in replenishing moisture while you sleep. Using hyaluronic acid twice a day ensures your skin stays hydrated around the clock.

Tip #3: Layer hyaluronic acid with other skincare products.

Hyaluronic acid plays well with others, making it versatile for layering with different skincare products. Here’s how to make the most of its benefits:

• Cleanser: Start with an Korean cleansing oil to remove your makeup and grime from the day. Then, double cleanse with a water-based cleanser.

• Exfoliator: Exfoliate 2–3 times a week with salicylic acid to help remove dead skin cells and prevent future breakouts.

• Toner: Next, apply your Korean toner to balance your skin’s pH levels. This preps your skin to absorb all of your serums and treatments.

• Active Ingredients: If you use other active ingredients like retinol and vitamin C, apply them before hyaluronic acid. These potent ingredients can penetrate deeper into the skin when applied first.

• Hyaluronic Acid: Gently apply your hyaluronic acid serum or moisturizer as directed, allowing it to fully absorb into the skin.

• Moisturizer: Follow up with your Korean moisturizer to lock in the hydration provided by the hyaluronic acid and provide additional nourishment to your skin.

• Sunscreen (morning routine): Finish off your morning routine with a broad-spectrum sunscreen to protect your skin from harmful UV rays.

FAQ

Q: Can I use hyaluronic acid if I have oily skin or acne-prone skin?

A: Absolutely. Hyaluronic acid is suitable for all skin types, including oily and acne-prone skin. Its lightweight texture helps to hydrate the skin without adding extra oil or clogging pores. In fact, its moisturizing properties can help balance oil production and reduce the likelihood of breakouts.

Q: Can I use hyaluronic acid with other active ingredients, such as retinol or AHAs?

A: Yep. Hyaluronic acid pairs well with many other skincare ingredients. If you’re using active ingredients like salicylic acid and retinol, apply them before hyaluronic acid. These actives can penetrate deeper into the skin when applied first, while hyaluronic acid helps to lock in moisture and provide hydration. You can also use hyaluronic acid with other irritating products like retinol and azeliac acid because it helps reduce irritation.

Q: Can I use hyaluronic acid during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?

A: Hyaluronic acid is generally considered safe for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. However, it’s always a good idea to consult with your healthcare provider or dermatologist before introducing any new skincare products during this time, as individual circumstances may vary.

Q: Can hyaluronic acid help with acne scarring?

A: Hyaluronic acid won’t make your acne scars vanish, but it can certainly make them less noticeable. It hydrates and plumps the skin, subtly reducing the look of those scars.

Pair it with something like CO2 laser resurfacing, and you’re in for even better results, according to research. I recommend consulting with a dermatologist to see how to best treat your acne scarring.

Q: How long does it take for hyaluronic acid to work on acne?

A: Some people see a difference in a matter of weeks. Skincare isn’t an overnight thing. It may take up to one – two months until you’re able to notice results. Remember, consistency is key.

Q: Is vitamin C or hyaluronic acid better for acne?

A: Both vitamin C and hyaluronic acid can offer benefits for acne-prone skin, but they work in different ways. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that helps brighten the skin, even out the skin tone, and promote collagen production, which can aid in acne scar healing. I love Korean Vitamin C serums because are not only effective, but are also gentle on your skin. They are formulated with calming and hydrating ingredients like vitamin E, ferulic acid, centella asiatica, hyaluronic acid.

Hyaluronic acid, on the other hand, focuses on hydrating and plumping the skin, helping to balance moisture levels and maintain skin health.

Q: Is retinol or hyaluronic acid better for acne?

A: Retinol and hyaluronic acid serve different purposes when it comes to acne.

Retinol, a form of vitamin A, is known for its ability to regulate skin cell turnover, unclog pores, and reduce acne breakouts. It targets the root causes of acne and helps promote clearer skin over time. Bakuchoil is the gentler cousin of Retinol.  When it comes to Bakuchiol vs Retinol, Bakuchiol is a plant-based alternative that offers similar anti-aging benefits as Retinol, but with a lower risk of irritation, making it suitable for sensitive skin types. 

Hyaluronic acid, on the other hand, is primarily focused on hydration and maintaining moisture levels in the skin. It can support overall skin health but may not directly target acne.

For acne concerns, retinol or Bakuchoil is often recommended as a more specific and effective treatment, while hyaluronic acid can be used alongside it to provide hydration and balance.

Q: Does hyaluronic acid clog pores?

A: Hyaluronic acid is generally non-comedogenic, meaning it is unlikely to clog pores and cause breakouts.

Conclusion

Hyaluronic acid is one of my favorite skincare ingredients to hydrate, soothe and improve my skin barrier. It’s a must for my acne prone skincare routine.

Let me know your experience with hyaluronic acid for your acne-prone skin + your favorite hyaluronic products! Looking forward to hearing from you.