Can hyaluronic acid burn your skin? (2024)

Author: Allen Murray|Last update: Tuesday, May 3, 2022

“Acid” may be the last thing you want to put on your parched face, but hyaluronic acid isn't the kind that burns (like alpha or beta hydroxy acids, which work to exfoliate your skin). H.A. is a substance that occurs naturally in your body—in your joints, eyes, and—yes—skin.

Why does hyaluronic acid burn my skin?

Why could hyaluronic acid dry skin out? If you're applying hyaluronic acid to a very dry face, it can actually end up drawing moisture from the deeper levels of your skin, which in turn will cause more harm than good and leave your complexion feeling tight and uncomfortable.

Does hyaluronic acid irritate skin?

Hyaluronic acid

The ingredient itself isn't a direct trigger for sensitive skin, but some derms caution that it can inadvertently contribute to irritation. “It allows increased penetration of other topical skin creams, and this increased absorption may lead to increased irritancy in sensitive skin types,” says Palm.

Can hyaluronic acid make skin red?

Used as a topical skincare ingredient, hyaluronic acid is also well tolerated. Used as a dermal filler, hyaluronic acid may cause certain side effects, including pain, bruising, itching, redness and swelling.

Is hyaluronic acid supposed to sting?

Does Hyaluronic Acid Cause Irritation in Skincare? In some cases, yes, HA can cause irritation to the skin. It depends on three main factors: the sensitivity of your skin, application, and the type of HA you use.

Is Hyaluronic Acid Drying Out Your Skin? Making Your Skin Worse? Ask Marguerite

Can I be allergic to hyaluronic acid?

When taken by mouth: Hyaluronic acid is likely safe when used appropriately. Allergic reactions might occur but are rare. When applied to the skin: Hyaluronic acid is likely safe when used appropriately. Allergic reactions might occur but are rare.

Why does my serum sting?

According to Dr. Alexis Stephens, the consulting dermatologist for Urban Skin Rx, a stinging sensation is most likely the result of a compromised skin barrier. Your face might have become sensitized, which is often the result of overusing harsh products (like chemical peels and acids or retinoids).

What are the side effects of hyaluronic acid?

People who receive injections containing hyaluronic acid may experience the following side effects, which should clear up within a week :

  • pain.
  • redness.
  • itching.
  • swelling.
  • bruising.

Why does hyaluronic acid break me out?

In fact, excessive use of humectants, like hyaluronic acid, can worsen dry skin conditions. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) explains that, when your skin becomes dry, it actually produces more oil, which can lead to breakouts.

Can you use hyaluronic acid on broken skin?

Hyaluronic acid helps wounds heal faster by regulating inflammation levels and signaling the body to build more blood vessels in the damaged area ( 13 , 14 ). Applying it to skin wounds has been shown to reduce the size of wounds and decrease pain faster than a placebo or no treatment at all ( 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 ).

Is hyaluronic acid ok for sensitive skin?

Hyaluronic acid can work for people with any skin type — even those who have sensitive skin or are prone to breakouts. It's also safe to apply the acid to your skin if you're pregnant or nursing.

What should you not use hyaluronic acid with?

“Hyaluronic acid plays well with most ingredients, while caution must be taken when using retinol in combination with alpha hydroxy and beta hydroxy acids, benzoyl peroxide, and some types of vitamin C.” Linkner echoes the tip about avoiding vitamin C.

Should hyaluronic acid be applied to damp skin?

According to the experts, the hero ingredient actually needs to be applied to damp skin in order to work. In fact, applying it to a dry face can have the opposite effect of what is intended, and actually leave skin more dehydrated. "Hyaluronic acid is a moisture magnet," says Allies of Skin founder Nicolas Travis.

Why is my face burning and stinging?

According to Dr Alexis Stephens, the consulting dermatologist for Urban Skin Rx, a stinging sensation is most likely the result of a compromised skin barrier. Your face might have become sensitised, which is often the result of overusing harsh products (like chemical peels and acids or retinoids).

Why does my skin burn when I put moisturizer on?

Your skin is burning or stinging after application

If your face feels hot and tingly after applying your moisturiser, there's a good chance that it's too strong for your skin. Sensitive skins in particular are at risk of suffering from this, so choose your moisturiser with care.

Why is my face burning and red?

Flushed skin is a common physical response to anxiety, stress, embarrassment, anger, or another extreme emotional state. Facial flushing is usually more of a social worry than a medical concern. However, flushing can result from an underlying medical issue, such as Cushing syndrome or a niacin overdose.

What does skin purging look like?

Skin purging typically looks like tiny red bumps on the skin that are painful to touch. They are often accompanied by whiteheads or blackheads. It can also cause your skin to become flaky. The flare ups caused by purging have a shorter lifespan than a breakout.

What happens if you use too much hyaluronic acid?

Hyaluronic acid will draw moisture from wherever it can find it to hydrate the surface of your face, including the deeper layers of your skin if there is no humidity in the air." Which is to say, too much hyaluronic acid can leave skin thirstier, and dehydration lines more prominent.

Is it OK to use hyaluronic acid every day?

Yup! "Hyaluronic acid is safe and beneficial to use everyday for maintaining skin hydration," says Dr. Russak. You just need to make sure you're applying it correctly.

Is hyaluronic acid cancerous?

Hyaluronic acid, or HA, is a known presence in pancreatic tumors, but a new study from researchers at the University of Michigan Health Rogel Cancer Center shows that hyaluronic acid also acts as food to the cancer cells.

Should I stop using moisturizer if it burns?

“When skin burns, it's a pH issue,” explains Dr Marmur. “Skin is naturally acidic, so if a moisturizer stings, it has thrown the pH balance off, which is a sign it's not compatible.”

Are skincare products supposed to burn?

Skin care should not sting, tingle, or burn on a daily basis. If it does, you'll get redness, peeling, and flaking. “Those are signs of chronic inflammation,” says Karyn Grossman, MD, a dermatologist who practices in New York and Santa Monica.

How do you soothe an irritated face?

To help soothe itchy skin, dermatologists recommend the following tips:

  1. Apply a cold, wet cloth or ice pack to the skin that itches. ...
  2. Take an oatmeal bath. ...
  3. Moisturize your skin. ...
  4. Apply topical anesthetics that contain pramoxine.
  5. Apply cooling agents, such as menthol or calamine.

Are the effects of hyaluronic acid temporary?

However, she adds, any effects you see from using topical hyaluronic acid will be temporary and may even wear off by the end of the day. So if you like the way it makes you look, be prepared to use it every day. Hyaluronic acid products are great for pretty much every skin type, Dr.

Should I let hyaluronic acid dry before moisturizer?

As long as you have the serum sandwiched between slightly damp skin and a moisturizer, you're good to go. It really plumps up the skin and makes it look nice and moisturized, and stays moisturized, throughout the day. NT: You definitely want your skin to be wet or damp before applying a hyaluronic acid serum.

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Can hyaluronic acid burn your skin? (2024)

FAQs

Can hyaluronic acid burn your skin? ›

What are the risks of hyaluronic acid? In surface application, hyaluronic acid is a molecule that is generally well tolerated by all skin types and does not have a potential for sensitization. Normally, it does not present any undesirable side effects in cosmetics or cause hyaluronic acid burns.

Can hyaluronic acid irritate your skin? ›

Hyaluronic acid

The ingredient itself isn't a direct trigger for sensitive skin, but some derms caution that it can inadvertently contribute to irritation. “It allows increased penetration of other topical skin creams, and this increased absorption may lead to increased irritancy in sensitive skin types,” says Palm.

What happens if you use too much hyaluronic acid on your face? ›

Can You Overuse Hyaluronic Acid? No, it is advised not to overuse HA. It is a humectant (draws moisture from the environment); excess HA in skincare can cause retention of more hydration than needed. Research suggested that overuse of HA can cause redness and inflammation.

What are the side effects of hyaluronic acid on the skin? ›

There are no known side effects to topical lotions and creams with hyaluronic acid, as it's already present in your body. Still, you could have an allergic reaction to a specific formulation or brand. Potential side effects of hyaluronic acid dermal filler include: Bruising.

How should my skin feel after hyaluronic acid? ›

"The more HA, the more water absorption, and the dewier skin will be with fewer fine lines and wrinkles." Here's the thing: If your skin doesn't have much moisture to begin with, HA won't be very effective on its own. In fact, it could leave your complexion feeling even drier.

What does a reaction to hyaluronic acid look like? ›

These reactions range in severity and time after treatment and range from swelling and erythema to pain, nodule formation, pigmentation, and abscess formation. Specifically, HA-based fillers are usually well-tolerated, although skin induration and injection-site reactions are not uncommon with their use.

What not to use with hyaluronic acid? ›

They'll Irritate Your Skin

Some skincare ingredients can combine to irritate your skin. For instance, Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs), such as Lactic Acid and Glycolic Acid, and Synthetic Retinol are a pair that can easily cause irritation.

Can you have a bad reaction to hyaluronic acid? ›

An increasing number of reports have appeared regarding side effects to these products. It is now known that reactions to Hyaluronic acid are related not only to technical faults of the injections, but also to immune responses, including delayed hypersensitivity and granulomatous reactions.

How do I know if I am allergic to hyaluronic acid? ›

Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing. Increased redness, swelling, or pain where the medicine was applied.

Is it OK to put hyaluronic acid on your face everyday? ›

The hero ingredient of any skincare routine, hyaluronic is perfectly safe to use every day. In fact, most experts would encourage you to apply it twice a day, every day, as part of your morning and evening rituals.

Who should not use hyaluronic acid on face? ›

If you are receiving radiation therapy, don't use hyaluronic acid on your skin. Hardening of skin and connective tissue (scleroderma): Applying hyaluronic acid to the skin might make skin ulcers worse in people who have a condition called scleroderma. If you have scleroderma, don't use hyaluronic acid on your skin.

Who should avoid hyaluronic acid? ›

However, people who have a history of severe allergic reactions, such as anaphylaxis, should be cautious when using hyaluronic acid. Its effects during pregnancy and while breastfeeding remain unknown, so women may want to avoid taking hyaluronic acid supplements during these times.

What is better than hyaluronic acid? ›

Polyglutamic Acid vs.

While they're both effective hydrators, polyglutamic acid has better performance and additional benefits to moisturize that hyaluronic acid does not have.

What happens if you don t moisturize after hyaluronic acid? ›

Mistake 1: Using Hyaluronic Acid Without Moisturizer

If the skin is already dry and HA is applied in a formula that doesn't add moisture (think cleanser, toner, or light serum), it will pull moisture from wherever it can, like from deep within your skin, where it can then evaporate into the air if not sealed properly.

How long does it take for your skin to adjust to hyaluronic acid? ›

For example, although Hyaluronic Acid may work within minutes to plump skin, it takes around a couple of months in general to drastically improve hydration levels and skin condition.

How long should hyaluronic acid sit on your face? ›

Sublime's verdict: Hyaluronic acid-based products to be applied on damp skin and let it absorb for a minute before layering.

How do you get rid of hyaluronic acid rash? ›

Used as a dermal filler, hyaluronic acid may cause certain side effects, including pain, bruising, itching, redness, and swelling. These usually only last for a few days and may improve with a cold compress or ice pack.

Does topical hyaluronic acid cause inflammation? ›

It's worth noting that although HMW HA is anti-inflammatory, it still triggers an immune response when applied topically. The skin essentially recognizes it as part of the body's natural wound-healing mechanism and gets to work.

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