can hyaluronic acid clog pores

Understanding the Role of Hyaluronic Acid in Managing Acne-Prone Skin: Is Hyaluronic Acid Good for Acne?

If you struggle with persistent breakouts or acne, you’ve probably tried almost every product with the hope to fight off your blemishes and once again getting back your skin. Several popular skincare ingredients are swashed for their “miracle acne-curing” properties. Anybody, even those who don’t have much time looking into skincare at all, have probably once heard of these ingredients like Salicylic Acid, Benzoyl Peroxide. 

In recent years, with the rise of social media, you may try any popular skincare ingredients to cure your acne. However, it may work for one person doesn’t mean that it will work for you. It seems like you are doing an endless search to find the right one. When you think that you might have tried every product that is available on the drugstore aisles, it is hard to just continue chasing. But don’t give up! Because there’s a solution out there waiting for you. And that happens to be Hyaluronic Acid!

What is Hyaluronic Acid?

Hyaluronic Acid is a naturally occurring substance in your body, like many popular skincare ingredients. It plays an important role in your skin structure and keeps your skin well-lubricated and hydrated.

Not only is Hyaluronic Acid potentially vital when it comes to keeping you looking young, but it’s also a good ingredient for hydration. Using Hyaluronic Acid after applying another product on your face might help it absorb better. If HA sounds familiar to you, it’s probably because it can hold as much as 1000x its weight in water so a lot of products made for heavy-duty hydration make use of that fact.

In the skin, Hyaluronic Acid is present in the extracellular matrix and helps to retain skin hydration by binding to water molecules. As we age, our bodies produce less hyaluronic acid, which can lead to drier and more sagging skin.

In addition to its role in keeping tissues hydrated, Hyaluronic Acid also helps when healing wounds and tissue repair. It has been proven to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can help to protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. 

Hyaluronic Acid Benefits 

Hyaluronic acid is popular for its incredible benefits in skincare products, including its ability to hydrate and plump the skin. It works by attracting and retaining water molecules, which helps to moisturize the skin. This also makes the skin look more supple, firm, and youthful-looking.

Some of the key benefits of hyaluronic acid for the skin include:

  • Hydration: Hyaluronic acid has an excellent ability to hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water, making it a marvelous hydrating agent for the skin. It can help to replenish the skin’s moisture barrier, which is essential for maintaining healthy, youthful-looking skin.
  • Anti-aging: As years pass, our skin loses moisture, elasticity, and volume, which can form wrinkles, fine lines, and sagging skin. Using Hyaluronic acid can help to restore moisture and volume to the skin, which can lead to a glossier and younger look.
  • Improved skin texture: When your skin is hydrated enough, it will have a smoother and softer texture, making it easier to apply makeup. And Hyaluronic acid can help with that as it provides the skin with the moisture it needs to appear smooth and supple.
  • Reduced appearance of pores: Pores appear when the skin is lacking hydration. And the more dehydrated skin is, the larger and more noticeable pores get. Hyaluronic acid can easily solve the problem. It decreases the appearance of pores by providing the skin with enough hydration to look smoother and more refined.
  • Hyaluronic Acid for acne scars: Hyaluronic acid may help reduce the appearance of blemish scars lingering on your face for years. Acne scars can be caused by inflammation that damages the collagen in the skin, resulting in pitted or raised scars. Hyaluronic acid can help to fill out and plump up the skin, which can reduce pitted scars. Additionally, it can help to improve the texture and skin tone, which can also reduce the visibility of acne scars

Is Hyaluronic Acid Good for Oily Acne-Prone Skin?

While hyaluronic acid sounds miraculous with its extraordinary advertisements on every social platform, there is no proof that this particular acid can cure acne. Yet, it is needed in a skincare routine for oily acne-prone skin, as the skin needs to be hydrated every day for better results, even the oiliest one. 

Hyaluronic acid serums alone can’t be an acne treatment product, and hyaluronic acid won’t eliminate wrinkles from your face. Instead, hyaluronic acid helps your skin retain moisture as it is important for oily skin to maintain healthy and moisturized skin. When the skin is dehydrated, it would produce more oil, which may cause pores to be clogged and breakouts.

Aside from using HA, you should use other acne ingredients for maximum effectiveness. Keep in mind to use a non-comedogenic moisturizer to prevent further clogging of pores.

Which Acid is Best for Acne?

When it comes to acid, you may think about some scary experiments related to burning. However, if you choose the right one with the right dose, it may be magic to your skin. 

Acid has been widely used to treat acne, wrinkles, and scarring. However, not every acid is good for acne-prone skin. We have listed some that are the best for acne, remember that this is just for reference. 

  • Salicylic Acid. 

Salicylic acid has been popular for a long time in the world of skincare. It’s used to exfoliate the skin and keep pores clear, which helps reduce hidden acne. It appears in any serums and cleansers at concentrations between 0.5 and 2%. There is also much professional advice to use Salicylic Acid when curing acne. 

La roche-posay Effaclar Salicylic Acid Acne Treatment

  • Glycolic Acid
ClarityRx Cleanse As Needed 10% Glycolic Acid Facial Cleanser

Glycolic acid is the most popular alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) used in skin care. It is the smallest AHA that comes from sugar cane. AHA is used in many products due to its ability to get into the skin easily. It’s very effective at removing dead skin, reducing blemish scars, preventing acne, fading dark spots, and toning up. Glycolic acid is a fantastic anti-aging agent that seems to do it all.

  • Hyaluronic Acid 
THE ORDINARY Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 30ml

The benefits of this acid have been mentioned above, so in this section, we will list the best hyaluronic acid serums. Among all serums available on the market, we highly recommend the ordinary hyaluronic acid. It is the most popular serum among those containing HA, which has been used and received several good feedback. You may want to try it once. 

Ending

Hyaluronic Acid is a skincare ingredient that is popular for its extraordinary ability. It can be the savior for those who struggle with acne, scarring, or dark spots on the face and uneven skin. Nowadays, many skincare products contain this agent, remember to double-check before adding it to your cart. Anyway, Hyaluronic Acid is worth a try so don’t be hesitant, let’s go get one!

3-INGREDIENT DIY FACE MOISTURIZERS

In this post, I’ll walk you through some of the simplest and most effective DIY face moisturizers. I’ll break down the basic ingredients you’ll need to effectively moisturize your skin, and guide you through the steps to apply them in the most beginner-friendly way.

This post won’t cover DIY oil-and-water emulsions, like creams or lotions. While making a cream is not particularly complicated, I wanted to create a beginner-level guide with recipes that anyone—regardless of experience—can easily follow (even if you can’t boil an egg).

Though creating a cream can range from simple to more advanced, it always requires some special tools, a proper emulsifier to mix the water and oil phases, and a preservative. Since creams can be more involved, and not everyone wants to deal with all of that (honestly, I don’t always either), I’ll save that for a separate post.

Here, I’ll explain the difference between hydration and moisturization (and why you need both!) along with an easy way to achieve both without making a cream. After that, I’ll share the 3 most effective hydrators, followed by a simple recipe for creating a customized nourishing oil moisturizer tailored to your skin type.

You’ll only need 3 ingredients (one of which might even be water!) for your DIY face moisturizer.

MOISTURIZING VS. HYDRATING (& WHY YOU NEED BOTH)

The terms moisturizing and hydrating are often used interchangeably, but they actually refer to different things.

Hydrators are ingredients that add water to the skin (known as humectants). They help to plump the skin and keep it feeling supple. On the other hand, moisturizers are ingredients that provide emollients (oils) to the skin. These oils help smooth the skin and lock in hydration.

All skin types—dry, normal, and oily—need both hydration and moisture. Skin types are defined by the amount of sebum (natural oils) they produce, but regardless of sebum production, skin can still become dehydrated if it loses too much water.

Even if your skin is hydrated, if it lacks a proper protective barrier (meaning the skin’s natural oil production is insufficient), it can feel dry because the water will evaporate.

Hydrators and moisturizers can be separate products, or they can be combined into one. For example, a cream or lotion blends both water and oil phases, providing hydration (water) and sealing it in with moisture (oil).

However, you don’t need to go through the trouble of making a cream or lotion to create effective DIY face moisturizers.

HOW TO PROPERLY MOISTURIZE YOUR SKIN

To properly moisturize your skin, you need to provide both water and oil. You can do this with a traditional moisturizer (a cream), or for a simpler approach, you can use a hydrating toner (water-based) followed by a nourishing face oil or fat to lock in that hydration, nourish the skin, and smooth it out.

Below is a list of the best and most convenient hydrators and moisturizing oils for creating easy DIY face moisturizers. To use, start by choosing a hydrator from the list to apply as a toner after cleansing your face. While your skin is still damp, apply the face oil of your choice (from the moisturizing oils section). Gently massage it in until fully absorbed.

For added benefits, you can use a quick lymph-draining face massage to help the oils absorb and boost circulation.

MOST EFFECTIVE DIY FACE MOISTURIZERS

THE METHOD

Step 1: Choose one of the hydrating ingredients from the list of hydrators below.

Step 2: Select your carrier and essential oils from the moisturizing oils list.

Step 3: Combine and mix both in your hands before applying to your skin.

Alternatively, apply the hydrator first and follow up with the oil mixture while your skin is still damp.

…and that’s it – easy DIY face moisturizers!

HYDRATORS

Hydrators are ingredients that draw water to the skin (humectants), helping to smooth out wrinkles and lines by plumping the skin. This is the first step after cleansing your face, ensuring your skin gets the hydration it needs.

Pick one of the following hydrators for your DIY moisturizer:

Hyaluronic Acid (HA)
HA is naturally produced by the body to retain collagen and boost hydration. It helps skin heal, prevents water loss, and plumps the skin. You can buy HA powder and make your own, which is often more cost-effective than store-bought products.

  • Basic HA Gel Recipe:
    • 1g of HA powder (approximately 1/4 teaspoon)
    • 100g/ml of distilled water (about 1/2 cup)
      Combine the two and let sit for several hours or overnight. Stir to create a gel, and store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

Glycerin
Glycerin is a powerful humectant that attracts moisture to the skin. It also helps restore the skin’s barrier function, protecting against irritation and water loss. However, it should be diluted, as pure glycerin can have a drying effect.

  • Basic Glycerin Hydrating Toner:
    • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) glycerin
    • 100 ml distilled water
      Mix in a glass spritz bottle and shake well. Store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

Aloe Vera Gel
Aloe vera is both a humectant and a powerful skin healer, making it a great addition to your DIY moisturizer. It draws moisture to the skin and can be paired with other ingredients for deeper absorption.

  • How to Use:
    Apply a dollop of aloe vera gel directly to your skin, or use the inner flesh of a fresh aloe vera leaf to rub over your face and neck.

MOISTURIZERS

After hydrating your skin, you’ll need oils or butters to lock in that moisture and protect your skin’s barrier.

Basic Nourishing Face Oil Recipe:

  • 30 ml / 1 oz dark glass bottle with a dropper
  • Choose one or more carrier oils (see list below)
  • Add 6 to 12 drops (1% to 2%) of essential oils
    Shake well and apply half a dropper onto damp skin. Massage until absorbed.

If you prefer butters, melt a small dollop between your hands and apply after the hydrator.

Which Oils to Choose According to Skin Type:

  • Oily or Combination Skin:
    Use lighter oils to avoid clogging pores. Good options include tamanu, jojoba, grapeseed, rosehip, linseed, apricot kernel.
    Essential Oils: Lemon, basil, lavender, rosemary, tea tree, thyme.
  • Normal Skin:
    Opt for oils that are balanced, like pumpkin, almond, sesame, argan, jojoba, sunflower.
    Essential Oils: Lavender, geranium, chamomile.
  • Sensitive or Irritated Skin:
    Use soothing oils like jojoba, rosehip, linseed, or apricot kernel.
    Essential Oils: Chamomile, lavender, frankincense, geranium.
  • Dry Skin:
    Go for heavier, more protective oils and butters like olive, avocado, coconut, sweet almond, or any of the thicker butters (cocoa, shea, mango).
    Essential Oils: Chamomile, myrrh, sandalwood, clary sage.
  • Mature Skin:
    Focus on nourishing oils such as rosehip, argan, jojoba, tamanu, and pomegranate.
    Essential Oils: Lavender, frankincense, myrrh, cypress, neroli.

CONCLUSION

I’ve been using this DIY face moisturizer and it’s still my favorite. It offers endless customization and ensures that my skincare is always fresh and natural. I hope you find it as effective as I do!