By spending just thirty minutes on TikTok and other social media, you’re bound to come across claims about numerous different skincare products and trends. One ‘trend’ that doesn’t seem to be going anywhere is incorporating Hyaluronic Acid into your skincare routine. From smoothing fine lines and wrinkles to promoting a youthful glow and plumping the skin, social media skincare gurus have a lot to say about this product. Could hyaluronic acid even be beneficial for acne? The science says social media might be right.
What is Hyaluronic Acid? How Does it Work?
Hyaluronic acid is a natural substance your body produces. It consists of polysaccharides, which are groups of sugar molecules bound together. Hyaluronic acid is part of the extracellular matrix (ECM). This means it lies in the space between cells. Although this molecule is outside cells, it still heavily influences certain cellular functions.
From a biological standpoint, it contributes to tissue homeostasis by keeping them hydrated and lubricated. Sites on the surface of cells can bind to hyaluronic acid and activate different functions such as inflammation, collagen production, and wound healing.[1] You’ll find hyaluronic acid concentrated in the joints, skin, and fluid parts of the eyes.
What Does Hyaluronic Acid Do For You?
Research shows hyaluronic acid has a unique ability to retain water. Dermatologists say it can bind up to 1,000 times its weight in water.[2] This explains why hyaluronic acid potently hydrates tissues inside the body.
Aside from its influence on cellular functions mentioned above, hyaluronic acid can do the following:
- Lubricate the joints
- Treat dry eyes
- Reduce arthritis pain
- Reduce asthma severity[3]
The potent moisturizing capabilities of hyaluronic acid also allow it to provide skincare benefits when used topically. However, the level of benefit topical hyaluronic acid provides your skin depends on its molecular weight. High molecular weight hyaluronic acid products can bind to the most water but can’t penetrate the deeper levels of the skin. Lower molecular weight hyaluronic acid products bind less water but can penetrate deeper.
How Can You Add Hyaluronic Acid Into Your Skincare Routine?
If you’re interested in adding hyaluronic acid to your skincare routine, keeping the nuance of molecular weight in mind is important. Finding a product that contains hyaluronic acid in various molecular sizes may be beneficial. Hyaluronic acid products can come in different forms, such as serums or creams.
Due to its ability to bind to a large volume of water, applying hyaluronic acid to damp skin is best. As a general overview, here’s how to incorporate it into your routine
- Start by cleansing your skin.
- After cleansing, avoid drying your face and leave it damp.
- Apply your hyaluronic acid product of choice, such as Stemuderm.
- Apply other skincare products in your regimen, such as moisturizers and sunscreen.
- Use your hyaluronic acid product consistently for the best results.
If your hyaluronic acid product of choice is a cream or moisturizer, you can skip step number four. There isn’t much difference between hyaluronic acid serums and creams. It’s all about finding what is compatible with your skin type.
How Can Hyaluronic Acid Help Acne?
Aside from being a potent moisturizer, hyaluronic acid can help acne. Hyaluronic acid’s powerful moisturizing qualities partially contribute to its ability to help acne. The epidermal layer of the skin requires a certain level of moisture to carry out its functions. These functions include protecting the skin from environmental pollutants, microbes, and allergens.[4] Dysfunction of the skin barrier can lead to itchiness, irritation, inflammation, and even breakouts.
In addition to restoring skin barrier moisture, hyaluronic acid plays a role in lipid synthesis in skin cells. Sebum is a mixture of lipids and other substances your skin produces to coat and protect itself. However, excess sebum production is associated with acne. In research[5], when applied topically, hyaluronic acid led to a significant reduction in sebum production.
Due to its skin barrier-supporting properties and role in sebaceous gland function, hyaluronic acid can help acne.
Hyaluronic Acid benefits For Skin
The benefits of topical hyaluronic acid don’t stop at reducing breakouts. Hyaluronic acid is especially helpful for signs of skin aging. Hallmark signs of aging include dehydration, fine lines, wrinkles, and ultraviolet radiation (UV) damage. All of these can be partially attributed to the loss of hyaluronic acid content in the skin.
By restoring the skin’s hyaluronic acid content, we can successfully address a myriad of skin concerns. In one study, subjects with fine lines and wrinkles applied a formulation containing five types of hyaluronic acid twice daily for four weeks. At the end of the treatment period, there were statistically significant improvements in overall skin appearance, fine lines, wrinkles, texture, and skin moisture content.[6] Various other studies have validated and echoed these results.
It might be time to incorporate hyaluronic acid into your skincare routine if you’re looking to do any of the following:
- Smooth the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
- Plump the skin
- Reduce scarring
- Promote wound healing
- Achieve a radiant glow
Frequently asked questions
Review the sections below to find answers to common questions about hyaluronic acid and its benefits for the skin.
Is Hyaluronic Acid Good For Acne?
Hyaluronic Acid can be good for acne. As mentioned above, it can do this by restoring skin barrier function, balancing the skin's moisture content, and reducing excess sebum production.
Stemuderm anti-wrinkle cream contains hyaluronic acid and other synergistic ingredients, such as antioxidants and peptides. In addition to balancing your skin’s moisture content, Stemuderm provides potent anti-wrinkle and skin-plumping actions. If you’re looking for a comprehensive skincare formula that reduces the appearance of wrinkles, firms the skin and provides deep hydration, Stemuderm is your answer.
We’ve received some powerful customer testimonials about Stemuderm. Several people have said their skin instantly felt smoother, softer, and fuller. Some even noticed the disappearance of fine lines and wrinkles after using the product for a short time.
Although hyaluronic acid is beneficial on its own, using a formula containing other skin-supporting ingredients, like the ones in Stemuderm, can bring even more impactful results.
Does Hyaluronic Acid Work For Acne?
Hyaluronic acid can work for acne. When your skin is dehydrated, it overproduces oil and sebum to compensate for dryness. Excess sebum is a significant contributor to acne. Hyaluronic acid works for acne by deeply moisturizing the skin and preventing excess sebum production.
Those with acne-prone skin are often afraid to moisturize their skin in fear of clogging their pores. Not properly hydrating your skin can exacerbate the cycle of excessive dryness and increased sebum production. There’s no need to fear incorporating a potent moisturizer like hyaluronic acid.
Hyaluronic may also help acne due to its soothing properties. It may reduce redness and inflammation, thus reducing the appearance of breakouts.
However, there are other underlying causes of acne. We can’t guarantee hyaluronic acid will remove your acne on its own. Other causes of acne could include diet, certain supplements and medications, hormonal changes, stress, and genetics.
It can be helpful to consult with your dermatologist to discuss the potential contributing factors to your acne and if you could benefit from hyaluronic acid.
Hyaluronic Acid for Acne
As mentioned above, hyaluronic acid is good for acne due to its moisturizing properties and ability to regulate sebum production. Aside from helping with breakouts, hyaluronic acid can even help tackle scarring and hyperpigmentation from acne.
Due to its plumping and filling effect, hyaluronic acid can reduce the appearance of acne scars. In one study, patients with atrophic acne scars underwent treatment with topical hyaluronic acid and a CO2 laser. Atrophic acne scars are a type of scar that gives an indented appearance to the skin. At the end of the three-month treatment period, over 50% of patients reported significant improvement, while 16% reported excellent improvement.[7]
In another study8, patients with moderate to severe acne scarring underwent treatment with hyaluronic acid-based gel injections. Patients demonstrated improvements in overall facial appearance, atrophic scar appearance, and scar severity.
Although topical hyaluronic acid may not provide as drastic results as hyaluronic-based fillers and injections, the research still proves its potential to improve acne scarring significantly.
What Does Hyaluronic Acid Do For Acne?
Hyaluronic Acid can help acne. It helps acne not only by reducing breakouts but also by reducing inflammation and scarring from the acne itself.
Research[8] shows that lower molecular weight hyaluronic acid is anti-inflammatory while higher molecular weight hyaluronic acid is anti-inflammatory and regenerative. Topical hyaluronic acid has even been shown to speed up wound healing, decrease inflammation, and direct more blood flow to compromised areas of the skin.[9]
Hyaluronic acid can also help acne by fighting bacteria. A medical review[10] found that hyaluronic acid can provide long-term support for preventing bacterial growth and biofilm formation. A biofilm refers to a community of microorganisms, often pathogenic, that stick together and become embedded in an extracellular matrix that is hard to penetrate.
Hyaluronic is good for acne through several mechanisms, including:
- Controlling sebum production
- Balancing skin moisture content
- Reducing inflammation
- Promoting wound healing
- Increasing blood flow
- Offering anti-microbial support
Conclusion
We live in a world inundated by social media skincare trends. Some work, while some have no scientific merit. Hyaluronic acid is one skincare trend that isn’t going anywhere, considering the robust science behind its long list of benefits.
Hyaluronic acid can help acne, reduce fine lines and wrinkles, plump the skin, reduce inflammation, and enhance skin firmness and elasticity. This product is an excellent weapon to add to your skincare toolbox.
If you want to incorporate hyaluronic acid into your skincare routine, make sure to review the steps above and find a reputable product like Stemuderm. You can consult with your dermatologist or a healthcare professional for further guidance on the benefits of hyaluronic acid for the skin.
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