Is Hyaluronic Acid Always Good for Skin? What to Know Before You Use It
Hyaluronic acid (HA) is often called the “holy grail of hydration” — and for good reason. It can hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water and leaves skin looking plump, smooth, and dewy. But here’s the part that doesn’t get talked about enough: HA isn’t always good for every skin, in every situation.
Used incorrectly, it can actually backfire — leaving skin tight, dry, or even irritated. Let’s Glow Talk about the science behind HA, when it helps, and when it can hurt.
What Is Hyaluronic Acid, Really?
Despite its name, hyaluronic acid isn’t an exfoliating acid like glycolic or salicylic acid. It’s actually a sugar molecule naturally found in our skin, eyes, and joints that helps hold onto water and keep tissues hydrated.
In skincare, it functions as a humectant — meaning it attracts water into the skin’s top layers. This makes it one of the most common ingredients in serums, moisturizers, and masks designed to boost hydration.
The Pros of Hyaluronic Acid
When used correctly, HA can be a skin savior:
Hydration Boost: Instantly plumps and softens skin.
Barrier Support: Strengthens resilience against environmental stressors.
All Skin Types: Generally safe for acne-prone, sensitive, and melanin-rich skin.
Anti-Aging Benefits: Smooths the appearance of fine lines by rehydrating.
The Cons of Hyaluronic Acid
Here’s what most product labels don’t tell you:
Drying in Low-Humidity: If there’s no moisture in the air, HA can pull water from within your skin — making dryness worse.
Not Sealed In: Without a moisturizer on top, HA can evaporate and leave skin tight.
Formulation Matters: High molecular weight HA hydrates only the surface, while low molecular weight penetrates deeper — but can sometimes cause irritation.
Not a Standalone Hero: It won’t repair a damaged barrier or replace lipids your skin might need.
Hyaluronic Acid and Rosacea
If you have rosacea, hyaluronic acid can be a gentle, supportive addition to your routine. Rosacea-prone skin often struggles with dehydration, and HA can provide much-needed water-binding hydration. But — it must be used correctly:
Apply HA to slightly damp skin, then lock it in with a soothing moisturizer.
Choose sensitive-skin-friendly formulas — fragrance-free, alcohol-free, and without harsh actives.
Pair with barrier-strengthening ingredients like ceramides, niacinamide, or azelaic acid.
Product Example:
La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Hyaluronic Acid Serum — combines HA with vitamin B5 to hydrate and soothe. It’s lightweight, fragrance-free, and generally well tolerated by sensitive and rosacea-prone skin.
Best Practices for Using HA
To make hyaluronic acid work with your skin instead of against it:
Apply to Damp Skin — HA needs water to bind to.
Seal It In — Always follow with a moisturizer.
Check Your Climate — In dry air, pair HA with occlusives like squalane or ceramides.
Keep It Simple — Twice a day is enough; more isn’t better.
Pair Smartly — Works beautifully with ceramides, niacinamide, and peptides.
The Good Glow Philosophy
At Good Glow, I see HA as a supporting player — not the star. It’s wonderful when used thoughtfully, but hydration is about more than one ingredient. True glow comes from a balanced combination of:
Water-binding humectants like HA and glycerin
Lipid and ceramide-rich moisturizers
Consistent, gentle care tailored to your skin’s needs
Final Takeaway: Hyaluronic acid can be amazing — but only if used the right way, in the right routine, for the right skin. For sensitive or rosacea-prone clients, it can hydrate and soothe beautifully when paired with barrier-repairing care. But like every ingredient, it’s not a one-size-fits-all miracle.
Stay glowing,
Diana
Founder, Good Glow Skin Therapy
