Can too much hyaluronic acid damage skin?

Author: Prof. Alvena Krajcik  |  Last update: Monday, July 14, 2025

But like all good things, moderation is crucial. Overloading your skin with HA can lead to the paradoxical drying effect or even irritation. Less is often more.

What happens if I use too much hyaluronic acid?

Too much Hyaluronic Acid, or straight Hyaluronic acid can and will draw the water right out of your skin. This is true of glycerin as well. These materials are ``humectants'' which draw moisture to themselves. This is especially true of dry, low humidity climates where there is no water in the atmosphere.

Can hyaluronic acid cause skin damage?

In general, hyaluronic acid supplements, topical products, and injections appear to be safe when people follow the instructions on how to use them.

Is it bad to use hyaluronic acid on your face every day?

The Bottom Line:

Remember to include hyaluronic acid gradually into your skincare routine, building up to twice daily use to gain the amazing skin benefits.

Is there a downside to hyaluronic acid?

The most common adverse effects associated with hyaluronic acid filler are pain, bruising, redness, itching, and swelling. These side effects are self-limited and typically last no more than seven days.

The Best Fix for Dry and Wrinkled Skin

Is hyaluronic acid hard on the liver?

10. Is Hyaluronic Acid Bad For Your Liver? In the case of patients with liver diseases, it is advised to avoid using HA as the increased levels of HA in the bloodstream can cause thrombosis. Hence, user discretion and medical supervision are advised.

What should you not mix with hyaluronic acid?

For instance, Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs), such as Lactic Acid and Glycolic Acid, and Synthetic Retinol are a pair that can easily cause irritation.

Is it better to use hyaluronic acid at night or in the morning?

If you have dehydrated skin, use hyaluronic acid serum both in the morning and at night. In the morning, it might help hydrate your skin and prepare it for the day ahead. At night, it might help repair and rejuvenate your skin while you sleep. Be sure to follow up with a moisturizer to lock in the hydration.

Why is my skin breaking out after using hyaluronic acid?

Generally, Hyaluronic acid is not known to cause acne. It is non-comedogenic, lightweight, and non-greasy. But some people may experience breakouts after using products that contain it. This may be due to the increased moisture in the skin, which can create a breeding ground for bacteria.

What are the complications of hyaluronic acid?

The most common complications are injection site reactions, including edema, pain, erythema, itching, and ecchymosis [14]. Other reported AEs are hypersensitivity reactions, infections, Tyndall effect, and surface irregularities and nodules [15-18].

What is an alternative to hyaluronic acid?

Best Natural Alternatives to Hyaluronic Acid
  • Aloe Vera. INCI: Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Powder. ...
  • Snow Mushroom. INCI: Tremella fuciformis polysaccharide. ...
  • Panthenol. INCI: Panthenol.

What are the long term effects of hyaluronic acid on face?

Although hyaluronic acid-based dermal fillers have a low overall incidence of long term side effects, occasional adverse outcomes, ranging from chronic lymphoplasmacytic inflammatory reactions to classic foreign body-type granulomatous reactions have been documented.

Is it bad to use multiple products with hyaluronic acid?

Remember what Zeichner said previously, it's okay to layer hyaluronic acid and you don't need to worry about using too much. For skin care on its own, the order in which you layer hyaluronic acid products is based on the consistency of the formulas.

How much hyaluronic acid is safe per day?

For oral supplementation, the recommended dosage is 120 mg per day, with supplements usually available in either 60 mg or 120 mg tablets. For dry eye treatments, drops are usually available in 0.3% solutions, although they may be effective from as low as 0.1%.

Can you use too much hyaluronic acid?

Hyaluronic acid is a very thin, watery substance and needs an occlusive agent to prevent evaporation. Overusing HA or using it in a way where it simply evaporates can cause further dehydration and irritation.

What is the best acid for aging skin?

A fantastic anti-aging product that does everything is glycolic acid. Glycolic acid is the most widely used alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) for skin care. Because it is the smallest AHA and is derived from sugar cane, it penetrates the skin the best.

Does hyaluronic acid cause weight gain?

For instance, when used in skincare products like serums and lip fillers, the water retention is beneficial for skin hydration, not for adding extra pounds. In joint health, the lubrication provided by hyaluronic acid is crucial for smooth movement and pain relief but doesn't translate to weight gain.

What is the rule of hyaluronic acid?

The Only Rule for Hyaluronic Acid? Always Apply It on Damp Skin! It might sound surprising, but when hyaluronic acid is applied to dry skin, it can have the opposite effect, leaving your skin even more dehydrated.

What is better for your face, retinol or hyaluronic acid?

Indeed, retinol is excellent for treating acne and imperfections, while hyaluronic acid is ideal for dehydrated skin. And it is also possible to combine them in your beauty routine to benefit from their full effectiveness. This moisturizing cream, to be used daily, has many advantages!

Who should avoid hyaluronic acid?

Allergic reaction: If you are allergic to Hyaluronic Acid, you should avoid using products that contain it. Medical conditions: If you're experiencing a medical condition, such as diabetes or a bleeding disease, or if you are pregnant or nursing, you should see a doctor before taking Hyaluronic Acid.

What cannot be mixed with hyaluronic acid?

However, there are certain ingredients that should not be mixed with hyaluronic acid: AHAs and BHAs: AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids) and BHAs (beta hydroxy acids) are chemical exfoliants that can help improve skin texture and unclog pores.

What happens when you stop using hyaluronic acid?

Potential for Increased Dryness and Flakiness

If you have dry or sensitive skin, stopping the use of an HA serum can exacerbate these conditions. HA serums help to maintain the skin's moisture barrier, and without them, you might experience increased dryness, flakiness, and irritation.

Is hyaluronic acid OK for mature skin?

The problem is, as the skin matures, it doesn't hold onto water as effectively, meaning that moisture is more easily lost — which is why adding moisture back in via a topical hyaluronic acid product such as Hydro Boost® is so important.

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