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Is Hyaluronic Acid Good for Acne-Prone Skin?
If you've got skin prone to acne, you'll know all about the curse of excess oil, clogged pores, and breakouts. So, you'd think the last thing you need would be additional moisturising, right?
Wrong.
Everyone's skin – regardless of skin type or concern, needs adequate and appropriate hydration. This principle applies just as much to oily and acne-prone skin as any other, because excess sebum (natural skin oil) production can push the skin's oil-to-water ratio out of balance, resulting in dehydrated skin that can't function properly.
Step forward hyaluronic acid, the hydration superhero.
INTRODUCING HYALURONIC ACID
Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring large carbohydrate molecule found throughout the body and especially in skin. Its particular party trick is the ability to absorb many times its own weight of water—up to 1,000 water molecules per molecule of hyaluronic acid—making it one of the best humectants going.
It also binds naturally to collagen, the protein that gives skin much of its structure.
Abundantly synthesised when we're young, production of hyaluronic acid naturally diminishes as we age, contributing to signs of skin dehydration and ageing. Topical augmentation using skincare products containing hyaluronic acid is a popular strategy to offset this.
Penetrating the epidermis (the outer layer of the skin), topically applied hyaluronic acid binds to the collagen molecules there and absorbs water to hold moisture within the skin. This hydrating action plumps the skin and visibly reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
THE ROLE OF HYALURONIC ACID FOR ACNE-PRONE SKIN
The benefits of hyaluronic acid go well beyond hydration and anti-ageing. So, individuals with acne-prone skin should absolutely embrace hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid as part of their blemish management strategy.
- It's gentle, suitable for all skin types, and well-tolerated, even by sensitive skin.
- And it combines well with other ingredients to soothe skin and relieve the excessive dryness sometimes experienced when using other blemish-fighting ingredients - such as salicylic acid (used for exfoliating dead skin cells).
Importantly, when hyaluronic acid helps create the barrier to lock moisture into the skin, it does so without clogging pores. This is a handy attribute when you've got acne-prone skin, when the last thing you want is clogged pores and acne breakouts. The key is to select products that are free from any comedogenic ingredients, not just the hyaluronic acid.
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INTEGRATING HYALURONIC ACID INTO YOUR ROUTINE
Understanding how to best incorporate hyaluronic acid into your skincare routine is key to enjoying its benefits.
Cleansing and Prepping your Skin
Always cleanse and tone skin first.
Layering with other Products
Using hyaluronic acid as a complementary product after applying other products is both hydrating and calming without negatively affecting the ability of those other products to do their job. In fact, hyaluronic acid can have a positive impact on their effectiveness.
Layering products in the correct order is just as important as using the appropriate ones. When layering serums with other skincare products, it’s best to apply hyaluronic acid after anti-blemish products have been fully absorbed. This allows the hyaluronic acid serum or gel to properly penetrate and increase the skin’s moisture levels before applying subsequent products, such as moisturisers or makeup.
Frequency and Dosage
Gentle and well-tolerated, hyaluronic acid is an ingredient that can generally be used once or twice daily, even with sensitive skin. You can tailor this to suit your unique skin type and requirements.
La Roche-Posay recommends avoiding products with a concentration of hyaluronic acid above 2% to avoid irritation or dryness.
HYALURONIC ACID VARIETIES: GELS, SERUMS, AND MOISTURISERS
Acne-prone skin can be oily or dry. Whatever your skin type, there's a hyaluronic acid product that'll go to work for you.
Hyaluronic acid is commonly available in three main formats - gel, serum, and moisturiser. Each has its own distinct advantages:
- Hyaluronic acid gel offers a luxurious and easily absorbed texture.
- A serum swiftly delivers the targeted ingredients.
- Moisturisers containing hyaluronic acid work to both add hydration to the skin and hold it in.
For oily skin, lightweight, oil-free hyaluronic acid products are the most appropriate. And for dry skin, a thicker, richer formula will provide the extra hydration necessary. Oily or dry, if your skin is acne-prone, a non-comedogenic (non-pore clogging) product is the way to go.
The following La Roche-Posay hyaluronic acid products are suitable for all skin types, but specifically formulated for those with sensitive skin. All of them are non-comedogenic.
Hyalu B5 Hyaluronic Acid Serum has a hydrating water-gel texture, which is also enriched with vitamin B5, madecassoside and glycerin. It intensely hydrates and re-plumps ageing skin and targets wrinkles, loss of volume and elasticity.
Around the more delicate eye contour area, try Hyalu B5 Hyaluronic Acid Eye Serum. It features two types of pure hyaluronic acid, plus vitamin B5 and a dermatological eye complex containing caffeine, niacinamide, and HEPES. Formulated to hydrate and re-plump the sensitive eye contour area, reduce the visible appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, and visibly improve dark circles for a more radiant and youthful look. Safe for contact lens wearers.
For a complete skin re-plumping routine, follow these serums with Hyalu B5 Hyaluronic Acid Anti-Ageing Moisturiser to seal in the hydration. Hyalu B5 Hyaluronic Acid Anti-Ageing Moisturiser is a unique hydrating, re-plumping formula with two forms of pure hyaluronic acid and vitamin B5 (also called pantothenic acid) to target wrinkles, loss of volume and skin elasticity.
Hyalu B5 Hyaluronic Acid Serum
Vitamin B5 & Hyaluronic Acid Anti-Ageing Serum For Sensitive Skin
HYALU B5 HYALURONIC ACID EYE SERUM
Vitamin B5 & Hyaluronic Acid Anti-Ageing Eye Serum
Hyalu B5 Hyaluronic Acid Anti-Ageing Moisturiser 40ml
Anti-Ageing Hyaluronic Acid Moisturiser
ANY SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS FOR USING HYALURONIC ACID?
As a naturally occurring substance, hyaluronic acid on its own is generally safe for most individuals. However, it's always worth performing a patch test on an unobtrusive area of your skin with the new product to ensure it's safe for your skin and identifies any potential sensitivities.
You may also wish to consult your healthcare practitioner before using any new skincare product, especially if you're pregnant or breastfeeding.
Summary
There’s no denying the benefits of hyaluronic acid for acne-prone skin. From its hydrating properties to its ability to calm skin and minimise adverse effects without clogging pores, hyaluronic acid is the one ingredient that should be an essential part of your skincare routine.
Frequently asked Questions
What is hyaluronic acid?
How does hyaluronic acid help acne-prone skin?
How can I integrate hyaluronic acid into my skincare routine?
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