Surprising Benefits Of Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic acid, also known as hyaluronan, is a clear, gooey substance that is naturally produced by your body.
The largest amounts of it are found in your skin, connective tissue and eyes.
Its main function is to retain water to keep your tissues well lubricated and moist.
Hyaluronic acid has a variety of uses. Many people take it as a supplement, but its also used in topical serums, eye drops and injections.
Here are 7 scientifically backed benefits of taking hyaluronic acid.
How To Use Azelaic Acid
Azelaic acid may be used alone or paired with other soothing and brightening ingredients like niacinamide, hydroxy acids or antioxidants, says Zeichner. “It generally can be combined with other products because azelaic acid is a stable molecule,” he says. Frank, who is also author of âThe Pro-Aging Playbook,â likes to pair azelaic acid with hyaluronic acid to provide moisture. Campbell prefers pairing azelaic acid with a moisturizer and a gentle cleanser or sulfur wash if you have acne or rosacea.
Downie recommends applying azelaic acid at night, as the final step in your skin care routine to prevent it from smearing. She advises using it as a spot treatment for inflamed or dark areas of the skin, blending the acid out, so it doesn’t leave a sharp demarcation. Wait at least 15 minutes before lying down in bed and sleeping on your back for absorption purposes. “If you smear the azelaic acid and you’re very sensitive to it, what that means is that you could wind up with a dark spot and a light circle around it. It will look like your dark spot is doing a hula hoop â it’s gonna look crazy,” she says.
Dermatologists we consulted say that prescription-strength versions are better than OTC products because they have higher concentrations of azelaic acid. However, if youâre still interested in testing out an OTC azelaic acid, consider a few of their suggestions along with one of our picks.
Is Hyaluronic Acid Good For Dry Skin A Formula To Defy Expectations
One of the most common benefits of hyaluronic acid for skin is that it makes the wrinkles in your face less noticeable. Using a drying lotion or serum to eliminate oily skin often exacerbates the situation. It causes overactive glands in your face to make more oil, which is a normal response to prolonged dehydration.
However, when you use an organic and gentle hydrating formula, like hyaluronic acid, you so the skin has enough moisture to where the face no longer needs to work so hard to maintain needed moisture.
The most popular hydrating agents include Phytessence Wakame, grapeseed oil, and babassu. Many of these work by simply elevating your skins humidity level, but others work by providing you with antioxidants and soothing natural substances.
Unfortunately, some of these formulas leave a residue behind after they are used. This residue is irritating to the pores and can cause irritation, even if you are using a non-aqueous formula.
The problem with most formulas made entirely from plant derivatives is that they are generally too dense to be absorbed by your skin. Plant derivatives tend to form a greasy film on the surface of the skin, which blocks absorption.
The answer to how is hyaluronic acid good for dry skin? You want a formula that interferes with the biochemical processes in your skin that cause moisture to become insoluble and thus unavailable. This is exactly what the clinical research performed on the substance reveals.
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Oral Hyaluronic Acid Supplements
Interestingly, theres even some evidence that hyaluronic acid works as an anti-aging skin care treatment when its taken orally.
In a 2017 study of healthy Japanese men and women between ages 22 and 59, researchers found that oral hyaluronic acid helps to inhibit skin wrinkles, with users showing a reduction in wrinkle volume ratio after eight weeks of use.
In its oral form, hyaluronic acid is available as a dietary supplement. Its often combined with vitamins, minerals and other ingredients for optimal skin and bone health.
What Are Ha Injectables

Injectables like JUVÉDERM and Restylane use a gel form of hyaluronic acid to add volume to the dermal layer of the skin. With a few pricks of a needle, the gel plumps sunken areas, smooths fine lines, and decreases shadowsthen slowly dissolves over the course of one year. In fillers, hyaluronic acid is bound in a gel carrier which holds it in place where it is injected, says Mariwalla. The hyaluronic acid creates volume because it draws in water to the area, creating a filling effect.
Side effects are minimal: you may experience some swelling or bruising that can last for two or three days. The most important thing to remember when getting any kind of filler or injectable os to go to a trained and board-certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon. Injectables do come with their own riskit can be injected too superficially, or in rare cases, into a blood vessel, says Nazarian.
Since hyaluronic acid is something our bodies already produce, it’s considered safe for use in all types of injectables. Take the liquid nose job, for example. Nazarian says dermatologists use filler to “even out bumps in the nose and improve the shape, or even to improve foot pain in patients who have lost the cushioning in their heels. It can be injected into the feet to improve the padding on the bone and decrease pain.”
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What Are Acne Scars Anyway
Acne scars are marks left over by acne, usually cystic acne. This type of acne is often painful and breaks the skin deeply enough to leave lasting scars. Cystic acne usually requires harsher and more intense prescription treatment regimens to clear up.;
An acne scar usually looks like a discolored mark on your skin where it was clearly previously broken out. These scars are frustrating and troublesome to deal with and can sabotage your confidence even after a breakout is long gone.
After a breakout of cystic acne is clear, scars may remain. This is where ingredients like hyaluronic acid come in. For lighter scarring, applying a topical treatment can help reduce its appearance. However, when scars are deeper, an injection may be more effective.;
Best Hyaluronic Acid Serums For Acne
Hyaluronic acid went from being everyones favorite ingredient to a somewhat controversial component in a matter of a year.
It was at its peak of popularity during 2019 and 2020 but then we learned that we dont in fact need a separate hyaluronic acid product and that even this seemingly innocent ingredient could potentially dehydrate and irritate your skin.
Hyaluronic acid is an excellent humectant that helps bind water into the skin, however, it only works when used on damp skin and in small quantities.
If used on dry skin, hyaluronic acid will just end up pulling moisture from the deeper layers of your skin and dehydrate it even more if not properly sealed with a good moisturizer.
The second reason why some people are avoiding hyaluronic acid completely is that theyve overused it in the past and they have experienced some side effects, such as irritation and even burning.
You probably didnt know that our bodies have an enzyme called hyaluronidase;that breaks down hyaluronic acid every 48-72 hours, meaning you dont need to apply this ingredient more frequently than that.
And lastly, you actually dont need a separate hyaluronic acid serum because most skincare products in the market contain hyaluronic acid, which means you probably get it from another product, so you dont need it in excess amounts, as, you guessed it, this can also lead to overuse and irritation.
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Summary Hyaluronic Acid Vs Retinol
The difference between hyaluronic acid vs retinol is mainly down to how they act on your skin. Hyaluronic acid hydrates your skin while retinol increases the rate that your skin produces new skin cells. However, hyaluronic acid can increase your skins natural exfoliation process and retinol can increase your skins natural production of hyaluronic acid.
If youre torn between using hyaluronic acid vs retinol you can just use both! They help boost each others effects and hyaluronic acid can reduce the irritation commonly experienced with retinol.
Hyaluronic Acid Skin Care Benefits: All You Need To Know
Hyaluronic acid, also known as sodium hyaluronate, is a golden anti-aging ingredient. A longtime staple through out the skin care industry, hyaluronic acid is naturally occurring in the skin and topical application reinforces its natural benefits. Hyaluronic acid is a humectant, meaning it pulls moisture to itself. Hyaluronic acid is used is many anti-aging products to hydrate dry skin, prevent fine lines and wrinkles, and combat dark circles.
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BEST FOR TREATING: Anti-Aging, Dryness, Dark Circles, Fine Lines and WrinklesSKIN TYPES FOR USE: AllSAFETY: Hyaluronic acid is safe for topical use in concentrations of up to 2% in skin care products GHS TIP: It can take up to 6 weeks of consistent topical use of hyaluronic acid before you begin to see improvements
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Does Hyaluronic Acid Help Acne
There isnt anything about hyaluronic acid that makes it particularly good for acne over any other hydrating skincare ingredients. In fact, glycerin is more frequently used in moisturizers targeted at acne-prone skin.
Research suggests that acne is associated with reductions in skin levels of ceramides and linoleic acid so moisturizers containing these ingredients may be more beneficial.
Other hydrating skincare ingredients that can double-up to help acne include:
The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 $7
Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5;is The Ordinarys superstar and continuous bestseller that;features three types of hyaluronic acid with different molecular weights .
These varying molecular weights are what allow the molecules to penetrate your skin at different depths.;
Besides, this product is also infused with pro-vitamin B5 , a powerful humectant that can attract and retain moisture and help heal dry and damaged areas.
Best for all skin types.
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Does Hyaluronic Acid Cause Acne 3 Easy Ways To Prevent It
Hyaluronic acid serums are often touted as essential to any anti-aging skincare routine but is this holy-grail ingredient right for your acne-prone skin? Does hyaluronic acid help acne? Or, more importantly, does hyaluronic acid cause acne?
There are two types of acne:
- Non-inflammatory clogged pores or comedones
- Inflammatory pimples or papules and pustules
Comedones are formed when dead skin cells clog your pores and trap bacteria inside. If the trapped bacteria multiplies your pore walls can become inflamed and cause the skin around it to become red and swollen .
There are two main ways that a skincare product or ingredient may cause your skin to break out:
Heres How To Navigate The Congested Hyaluronic Acid Skin Care Market And Avoid A Bad Breakout

This is a question that comes up often, from people dealing with acneic or congestion-prone skin. Theres a set of misconceptions which claim that people who suffer from acne should steer clear of hydrating or moisturizing ingredients, like Hyaluronic Acid. To bust that myth up front: this could not be farther from the truth! Acne sufferers absolutely need hydrants in order to balance their dermis, and win the battle against blemishes.
As with any pro, there are a few cons to be considered. Well break you down on the correlation between acne and hyaluronic acid, which precautions you should use, and how the two should ideally work synergistically!
Hyaluronic Acid 101
Hyaluronic Acid has a variety of benefits which make it a smart choice for this exact purpose. This clear substance is naturally produced by your body; its found in your skin, connective tissue, and eyes, and functions to retain moisture and keep your body lubricated and hydrated. Its absolutely key for having a supple dermis: it binds to water and works to retain the dense and glowing complexion associated with healthy skin. This means that hyaluronic acid is used for everything from wrinkles to acne, and even post-sun hyperpigmentation.
Weve rounded up an in-depth list of hyaluronic acid benefits in our HA breakdown take a peek to get tips for bringing your skin care game to a whole new level!
Side Effects of Low Hyaluronic Acid LevelsWhy You Should Use Hyaluronic Acid for Acne
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The Inkey List 2% Hyaluronic Acid $8
The 2% Hyaluronic Acid is an easily-absorbed serum containing 2% Multi molecular Hyaluronic Acid that specifically works across multiple layers of the skin, bringing a dollop of hydration, plumpness, and smoothness.
But besides that, the serum also contains Matrixyl 3000, a peptide that mimics what natural collagen would do to your skin, essentially making the skin look plumper, fuller, and bouncier.
Best for all skin types.
Is Hyaluronic Acid Ok For Acne Prone Skin
As mentioned previously, hyaluronic acid naturally occurs in the skin and is not known to be irritating or cause any type of skin reaction. You may also find that adding hyaluronic acid to a skincare routine that is tailored to combating acne will in fact, help your complexion become clear and hydrated.
When using an acne battling skincare routine, you will find it frequently includes products containing salicylic acid, which has a reputation for sometimes making the skin very dry and tight. With the help of hyaluronic acid you are able to counteract any dryness or flaking of the skin and restore the moisture balance of the natural protective barrier. This in the long run will help any further breakout of acne as the barrier is fully functioning and has the ability to ward off any free radicals and other stresses that can penetrate the skin usually resulting in more spots and blemishes.
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Hyaluronic Acid As A Moisturizer
Hyaluronic acid occurs naturally in your skin.;
As an ingredient, its added to moisturizing creams for its ability to keep your skin soft and supple. This is because hyaluronic acid helps your skin hold water, which is essential to keep it from drying out. Again, dry skin is a major no-go for anyone fighting acne. To keep your skin soft and moisturized, daily use of moisturizers is essential. Hyaluronic acid makes a perfect addition to your moisturizing routine, since it keeps your skins water retention up.;
Cream moisturizers often include hyaluronic acid as an ingredient, but some users of the acid prefer to apply a serum. A serum is applied topically using a dropper. Whereas moisturizers with hyaluronic acid are typically heavier and creamier, a hyaluronic acid serum is normally a thin liquid with the acid as its primary active ingredient.
Best Hyaluronic Acid For Acne Prone Skin
Now that weve talked about how hyaluronic acid can help acne, lets look at the best hyaluronic acid products for acne prone skin. When you are acne prone, its important to look at ingredients to make sure theres nothing in the product that could clog pores and lead to acne. Here are acne-prone skin safe hyaluronic acid serums and products:
Versed Hydration Station Serum Booster
This lightweight hyaluronic acid serum by Versed packs a punch with tons of hydration. With two types of hyaluronic acid one for hydration at the surface and another just below it- it provides lightweight moisturizing without feeling heavy or greasy on skin. It can be used as a standalone product if desired but also mixes well with other products too!
With two different types of hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid in order to provide both light weight moisture up top and deeper down where needed most, its incredibly hydrating yet super lightweight! Plus Glycerin and Indian Cress Extract that work to draw even more moisture into the skin, this is the perfect lightweight hyaluronic acid serum for acne prone skin!
Timeless Hyaluronic Acid 100% Pure
Struggle with reactive skin that seems to breakout or react to everything you put on it? This Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum by Timeless has only 4 ingredients, so its perfect for those with sensitive or reactive skin. Although the ingredients are minimal, this serum will instantly plump skin full of moisture. It sinks in quickly and leaves skin feeling supple.
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Versed Skin Hydration Station Booster With Ha
If youre looking for a versatile product, this hyaluronic acid booster is just the thing. Use it solo or mix it into another serum, moisturizer or even face makeup to hydrate at the skins surface and deep down within the lower layers. It has the consistency of water, so it absorbs super quickly sans any sticky feeling.
What Are The Side Effects Of Hyaluronic Acid For Acne
This substance is a biocompatible product with multiple favorable results in the field of aesthetics. Its side effects are varied but avoidable in specialized hands.
Nowadays, there is more talk about the side effects because it is one of the most appreciated products to regenerate the skin and give volume to those areas where certain tissues have already been lost. Its use in the area of beauty and personal care has been increasing.
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The person receiving the substance must be aware of certain guidelines to avoid adverse reactions and obtain optimal results. Do you know what these recommendations are and what they are intended to avoid?Here are the details:
After applying hyaluronic acid for acne or other ailments, a series of indications should be followed to avoid side effects. These reactions are not always a direct consequence of the product but also appear because the patient has not taken proper care of himself or has not respected the indications of the professional.
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