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!

14 BEST DRUGSTORE FACIAL CLEANSERS

Choosing the right facial cleanser is an important step in the skin care process. However, with so many products on the market, finding the best facial cleanser for your skin can be confusing. Let’s learn about the top 14 types of facial cleansers most recommended by pharmacies, suitable for many different skin types through this article.

WHAT SHOULD YOU LOOK FOR IN A FACIAL CLEANSER?

According to New York-based dermatologist David Kim, choosing the right facial cleanser depends mainly on your skin type. However, one important thing all good facial cleansers have in common is their ability to remove “sweat, residue and pollutants without making your skin dry,”

Dry skin: If your cleanser makes your skin feel tight and lose its natural moisture, look for products with hydrating ingredients like ceramides, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid.

Oily skin: Try products that contain acids to help remove excess oil effectively.

Combination skin: In case your skin is oily on the forehead and dry on the cheeks, look for a balanced cleanser that both removes excess oil and moisturizes dry skin.

Sensitive skin: If some ingredients in regular facial cleansers irritate your skin, choose products specifically for sensitive skin, eliminating irritants such as perfume, alcohol,…

Regardless of your skin type, you can find a suitable facial cleanser without spending too much money. “There are great options [at the drugstore],” Kim says. “Cleansers shouldn’t be so expensive.”

HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU WASH YOUR FACE?

According to dermatologists, washing your face once or twice a day is essential to maintain skin health. However, the appropriate frequency depends on each person’s skin type and living habits.

“It is always important to wash the face at the end of the day to remove buildup of dirt, debris as well as excess oil and makeup from throughout the day,” recommends Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Marisa Garshick. However, for those with sensitive or dry skin, washing your face only in the evening may be a more suitable choice. So, when should you wash your face?

Morning: Washing your face in the morning helps remove sebum and sweat that has accumulated on the skin overnight, while also helping the skin get ready to receive the next skin care products.

Evening: Washing your face at night is the most important step in your skin care routine, helping to remove dirt, makeup and sunscreen.

BEST DRUGSTORE FACIAL CLEANSER

CETAPHIL HYDRATING GENTLE SKIN CLEANSER

Dermatologists recommend this gentle cleanser for dry, sensitive skin. It contains hydrating glycerin and niacinamide to soothe and protect the skin barrier, without stripping away natural oils. The non-foaming formula leaves your skin feeling comfortable and hydrated. Besides that, it is also one of the best cleansers for rosacea.

DIFFERIN CLEANSER DAILY DEEP 5% BENZOYL PEROXIDE

Struggling with persistent acne? This benzoyl peroxide cleanser is your go-to! It tackles breakouts and blackheads while absorbing oil and keeping pores clear. Gentle enough for daily use, it effectively fights acne without irritation.

ST. IVES SKIN SCRUB AVOCADO AND HONEY

This scrub buffs away dullness! It uses finely ground walnut shells to gently exfoliate dead skin cells, while avocado and honey keep your skin feeling hydrated and happy. If you have normal skin, swap this scrub in for your regular cleanser once a week to reveal a brighter, smoother complexion.

CERAVE HYDRATING FOAMING OIL CLEANSER

This award-winning 2023 cleanser is a must-have for your skincare routine! It starts as a luxurious oil, melting away makeup and impurities while deeply nourishing your skin. Then, as you add water, it transforms into a gentle lather that rinses clean, leaving your skin feeling soft, hydrated, and comfortable.

NEUTROGENA OIL-FREE ACNE WASH

For those battling blemishes and clogged pores, this oil-free formula is your new best friend. Salicylic acid, a powerful BHA, works its magic by exfoliating and clearing out trapped oil, dirt, and bacteria that contribute to breakouts. With consistent use, expect smoother skin, fewer pimples, and a brighter, more even complexion.

VANICREAM GENTLE FACIAL CLEANSER

This cleanser is perfect for those with sensitive skin! Free of sulfates, dyes, fragrance, parabens, and gluten, it provides a gentle clean without irritation. Dermatologist-tested and safe for eczema-prone skin, it won’t clog pores and leaves you feeling refreshed.

GARNIER SKINACTIVE MICELLAR CLEANSING WATER

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Ditch the harsh scrubbing! This micellar water gently removes makeup, dirt, sunscreen, and excess oil without irritating your eyes. It’s so versatile you can use it alone as a cleanser and makeup remover, or as the first step in your double cleansing routine.

AVEENO ULTRA-CALMING FOAMING CLEANSER

This gentle cleanser is a lifesaver for sensitive or irritated skin, whether caused by allergies, overdoing strong skincare, or anything else. It calms and soothes redness without irritating further. Plus, it’s hypoallergenic and won’t clog pores, thanks to its non-comedogenic formula. It even contains feverfew, a natural ingredient known for calming inflamed skin.

AVÈNE CLEANANCE CLEANSING GEL

Struggling with oily skin? This gel wash is your new best friend! It controls oil production and contains comedoclastin, a natural extract that fights redness and blemishes. Use it on your face or body for a refreshed, shine-free feeling.

LA ROCHE-POSAY LIPIKAR WASH AP+ GENTLE FOAMING MOISTURIZING WASH

This cleanser is a favorite among dermatologists for its super gentle formula. Packed with prebiotic thermal water, shea butter, and hydrating ingredients like glycerin and niacinamide, it cleanses even very dry skin without stripping away natural moisture. So mild it’s suitable for babies and eczema-prone skin, this cleanser leaves your face feeling comfortable and soothed.

OLAY REGENERIST REGENERATING CREAM CLEANSER

Forget fancy cleansers for wrinkles (anti-aging serums are the real heroes there). However, a cleanser with an amino-peptide complex, glycerin, and exfoliating salicylic acid can brighten dull skin, smooth uneven texture, and leave you feeling clean.

WELEDA SKIN FOOD FACE CARE NOURISHING OIL-TO-MILK CLEANSER

This cleanser is a dream come true for soft, supple skin! Combining sunflower seed oil and chamomile flower extract, it starts as a luxurious oil and transforms into a gentle milk. This unique formula effortlessly removes makeup, dirt, and oil, leaving your skin feeling clean, refreshed, and oh-so-touchable.

BURT’S BEES FACIAL CLEANSING OIL

Perfect for those with normal or dry skin, this coconut and argan oil blend gently melts away makeup and impurities without leaving a greasy residue. Your skin will feel luxuriously soft and smooth after every use.

UNTOXICATED CLEAN START FACIAL CLEANSER

Newcomer brand Untoxicated offers a gentle facial cleanser online at a drugstore-worthy price. This cleanser is perfect for sensitive skin as it’s free of common allergens and packed with hydrating ingredients like ceramides and hyaluronic acid. You might not find it on drugstore shelves yet, but it’s definitely worth checking out online.

TIPS ON FACIAL CLEANSING FOR SKINCARE

  • You should choose a facial cleanser that suits your skin type and needs.
  • Use warm water to wash your face, do not use water that is too hot or too cold.
  • Gently massage your face when washing your face.
  • Moisturize your skin after washing your face.
  • Consult a dermatologist if you have sensitive skin or skin problems.
  • Use facial cleanser twice a day, in the morning and at night.

CONCLUSION

Choosing the right facial cleanser is an important step in skin care. Hopefully with the list of 14 types of facial cleansers recommended by pharmacists and notes when using, you can find a product that suits your needs and skin type. Remember, everyone’s skin is different, so you should experiment and find the products that work best for you. Wishing you always have healthy and radiant skin!