Hyaluronic acid and acne - What you need to know

Anyone struggling with acne is super careful about the skin care products they use. After all, every “wrong” product could cause another breakout – and lasting scars to deal with.

So it’s no surprise that acne sufferers are wary of skin cares favorite child, hyaluronic acid. I can relate, I’ve been struggling with skin issues for a long time myself!

At the same time, I’m a big fan of hyaluronic acid for skin care. So today, I want to take the time and look at how acne and hyaluronic acid play together!

Can hyaluronic acid cause acne?

The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 30 ml

First of all, I want to get the biggest worry of any acne sufferer out of the way. Hyaluronic acid in itself will NOT cause acne. It’s not comedogenic, and, in it’s correct form, also inflammatory.

But if you’ve been wondering if hyaluronic acid can break you out: it could play a role in your newest breakout.

Sounds contradictory? It’s not really.

Can hyaluronic acid cause purging?

Adding hyaluronic acid into your skin care routine can break you out if you pair it with the wrong ingredients. One of the effects of hyaluronic acid is to make the skin more permeable, thereby increasing the effect of other products you use afterwards.

So while hyaluronic acid by itself won’t cause purging, you need to be very mindful which products you combine it with!

Another reason why your skin might get worse after using HA is if you’re using it wrong. In the worst case, it might end up drying your skin instead of moisturising it. And, dry skin is more susceptible to irritation.

If you’re not sure about this, read my guide to using hyaluronic acid in your skin care, where I explain all of these things more in detail.

Can hyaluronic acid help acne?

Okay, so now that we’re not scared about making the acne worse, the next question is: Is hyaluronic acid maybe even good for acne?

And, in a roundabout way, it actually can!

While no doctor will prescribe hyaluronic acid for acne as a main medicine, it can help acne sufferers in a few ways.

Firstly, if used correctly, it can counter the often drying effects of acne creams and medications. It’s known as the perfect humectant for a reason!

If you’ve ever used BPO, tretinoin, or something similar, you probably know the pain of dry, cracking skin. Using an HA serum can really reduce these symptoms!

Secondly, hyaluronic acid might help speed up wound healing and could even help fight off bacteria!

Asterwood Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum for Face – Plumping, Anti-Aging & Hydrating – Fragrance-Free, Pairs Well with Vitamin C Face Serum & Hylunaric Acid Moisturizer, 29ml/1 oz

Hyaluronic Acid Serum for Skin 100% Pure Anti Aging Serum Intense Hydration Moisture Non greasy Paraben free, Wrinkle Reducing and Brightening Serum (Pro Formula) 2oz

Cerave Hyaluronic Acid Serum for Face with Vitamin B5 and Ceramides | Hydrating Face Serum for Dry Skin | Fragrance Free | 1 Ounce

Will hyaluronic acid help acne scars?

Lastly, we need to talk about the role hyaluronic acid can play in treating acne scars. And yes, it can help with those, too!

Hyaluronic acid & atrophic scars

Atrophic scars, those “holes” that acne can leave in your skin, are hard to treat at home. And, unfortunately, hyaluronic acid will not make them disappear.

BUT, because of its’ plumping effect, it can definitely make depressed scars significantly less noticeable. Granted, that’s a temporary effect, but it’s definitely a very affordable option to smoothen out the surface of your skin.

Hyaluronic acid & hyperpigmentation

Image of hyperpigmentation - a type of acne scarring where hyaluronic acid can speed up the healing — An example of hyperpigmentation

What about hyperpigmentation? Those annoying dark spots that stay long after the breakout has happened.

Turns out, hyaluronic acid can speed up the fading of hyper pigmentation. Again, it won’t do the fading on it’s own. Instead, it will make brightening ingredients like niacinamide or vitamin C more effective, thereby helping to get rid of hyperpigmentation indirectly.

So can hyaluronic acid help acne scars? Yes!

On it’s own the effects will only be temporary, but when combining it with active ingredients, it does help acne scars for the long term too!

Should you use hyaluronic acid for acne?

So, in summary, it’s safe to say that while hyaluronic acid won’t cure your acne, using a serum is still a good idea. Simply make sure to be mindful of other products you combine it with. (Again, this guide to using hyaluronic acid in skin care will help!)

Lastly, if you found this helpful, please share it with someone else!

Hyaluronic acid and acne – What you need to know