Hyaluronic Acid can cause skin issues.

Hyaluronic acid (HA) has become ‘the magic ingredient’ in skincare, widely celebrated for its ability to hydrate and plump the skin. Found in serums, moisturizers, and even makeup, HA is often marketed as a miracle ‘solve all skin issue’ ingredient. However, while it has its benefits, it may not be suitable for everyone or every skin type. Here, we delve into some reasons why hyaluronic acid might not be as beneficial as it’s made out to be. 

Firstly – although HA is found naturally in the skin – in its natural state, it has a HIGH molecular weight, which is why it isn’t able to absorb through the skin if applied topically.

So to “solve” this dilemma, scientists hydrolysed it – meaning they broke it down into smaller particles that weigh a lot less, which is what we refer to as ‘low molecular weight HA.’ But the untold truth is, the low molecular weight HA in our skincare doesn’t pass through your epidermis to the dermis where your native HA resides. 

1. It can draw moisture out of your skin if you don’t live in a humid climate.

1. Hyaluronic acid is a humectant, which means it attracts water from its surroundings. In ideal climate conditions with high humidity, such as Australia’s state of Queensland which is incredibly humid most of the year – it draws moisture from the air to hydrate your skin. However, in dry or arid environments – even such as a heated or air-conditioned rooms – HA will pull water from the deeper layers of your skin instead (this is written in fine print in multiple dermatology publications) – from the the fresh plump cells lower in the epidermis – depriving them of moisture causing them to become dehydrated meaning they rise to the surface, dry, flat and lifeless making you apply hyaluronic acid – which then – you guessed it – causes the new cells to become dehydrated……… creating a vicious cycle

2.Overuse can disrupt the skin barrier

Using high concentrations of hyaluronic acid over long periods of time will disrupt the skin’s natural protective barrier. This will lead to increased sensitivity, irritation, and a inability to retain moisture – this means you start using it more in an attempt to hydrate the skin – causing the issue to worsen – as I said before creating a vicious cycle.

3.Over reliance on Hyaluronic Acid will make your skin dependant on it.

Over-reliance on HA products will cause your skin to become dependent on external hydration instead of it maintaining its own natural balance – this becomes a long term problem which can take a long time of diligent care to fix.

4.It can cause severe skin irritation

Although HA is generally considered safe and suitable for sensitive skin, some people experience irritation, redness, or breakouts after using it. This can be due to the molecular size of the HA, additional ingredients in the product, or an allergic reaction.

5.Not all Hyaluronic Acid is created equal

There are different molecular weights of HA, which affect how well it penetrates the skin.

While low molecular weight HA goes deeper into the skin, it cause inflammation in some people’s skin, plus if you do not live and work in high humidity – it will dehydrate your plump youthful cells – causing long term dehydration.

High molecular weight HA, on the other hand, sits on the surface of the skin and it will not deliver the deep hydration HA is touted to give.

6.It’s NOT a one-size-fits-all solution

All though it is said to be the best thing for all skin types. Hyaluronic acid is not universally effective for all skin conditions. For oily or acne-prone skin, HA can sometimes clog pores or exacerbate breakouts.

Additionally, those with extremely dry or compromised skin might find HA insufficient for their needs, as it doesn’t repair the skin barrier or provide long-lasting hydration without a strong occlusive layer to lock it in.

7.It is often overhyped

The skincare industry often markets hyaluronic acid as a “must-have” ingredient, but its benefits are limited compared to what’s promised. True hydration involves a combination of humectants, emollients, and occlusives. Relying solely on HA can lead to underwhelming results.

Alternatives to Hyaluronic Acid

I personally like these alternatives:

• Squalane: A lightweight oil that is naturally found in our skins that locks in moisture and supports skin hydration, it not only hydrates the skin but also boosts cell regeneration and oxygenation, helps prevent the formation of age spots, heals chapped and cracked skin helps prevent UV damage to the skin, and helps the skin to retain moisture. It also helps reduce the appearance of wrinkles, soothes dehydrated and ultra-sensitive skin, softens rough-textured skin without leaving an oily residue. It is also helpful in counteracting conditions related to eczema, psoriasis, and post-operative skin. This is why it is found in the Everything Skin Cream and the Everything Skin Balm.

• Aloe Vera: Provides soothing hydration without potential irritation, it is also anti-inflammatory, wound healing, antibacterial, collagen and elastin producing, soften skin and tightens pores.

• Ceramides: They create a barrier that helps prevent moisture loss — keeping skin hydrated, plump, and supple. The barrier also protects the skin from harmful irritants, bacteria, and other environmental toxins.

Conclusion

While hyaluronic acid is not a miracle ingredient and there are much better and more effective ingredients that will give you much better results – such as Aloe Vera and Olive Squalane that don’t have negative side effects such as long term chronic dehydration.

The most effective way to enhance your hyaluronic levels in your skin is by eating foods that make hyaluronic acid, and or by taking supplements that enhance your levels of hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic Acid can cause skin issues.

If you need help achieve glowing skin – book a glowing skin and wellness consultation via zoom with me!

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Yvette xx

Thank you for reading my blog!

Hi! 

I am Yvette van Schie, I am a holistic beauty therapist, skin nutritionist, skincare developer and makeup artist. I am passionate about sharing real beauty advice with a whack of reality.

For over 30 years I have worked with the best in the beauty and health industry as a trainer, educator  and product formulator and I still do – so my knowledge is diverse – I am not blinkered when sharing my information with you because everyone I speak to shares what they know, and I turn it into easy to digest information because I want my readers to feel empowered to make their own decisions and to feel that they are fully in control of their beauty and well being.