Is Hyaluronic Acid or Vitamin C Better for Oily Skin?

Are you sick of dealing with oily skin? If so, you need not worry; we have the solution to this common problem.

Oily skin occurs when the skin’s sebaceous glands produce an abundance of sebum, (1) a waxy, (2) oily substance that protects and hydrates the skin. (3) An overabundance of sebum can cause greasy skin and block the pores and can result in acne. (4)

Diet, lifestyle choices, weather, and genetics along with the use of healthcare and beauty products can all play a role in the development of oily skin. (1)(5)

Knowing the best solutions to the issue at hand is crucial.

Vitamin C and hyaluronic acid (HA) are today’s most widely used skin care ingredients. Both can help control oily skin by reducing sebum production, but HA is better known for its moisturizing properties. (6)

A study published in 2017 found that hyaluronic acid helped control oily skin by reducing excessive sebum production, though the study had some limitations. (7)

However, since vitamin C has anti-inflammatory properties and can help treat acne issues, (8) which are more prevalent in oily skin, and may also aid in the greasiness associated with oily skin, it may be the better option.

The good news is both ingredients may be used together and may be beneficial for oily skin because even this skin type needs moisturization. Hyaluronic acid has that ability in addition to reducing excessive sebum production, and vitamin C help prevents excessive greasiness.

Read on to know more.

What Is Hyaluronic Acid?

Hyaluronic acid (HA) exists in human skin cells as a naturally occurring component of the human body. (9) It’s not acidic, despite the name, and acts as a humectant instead.

Because hyaluronic acid can hold water up to a thousand times its weight, hyaluronic acid can bind moisture to the skin, making it supple and healthy. (10)

Hyaluronic acid levels in the skin naturally decrease with age. (11)

Benefits of Hyaluronic Acid for Oily Skin

Here are some benefits of hyaluronic acid for oily skin.

1. Lessens oil production

Hyaluronic acid can reduce the size of the sebaceous glands (the glands that secrete sebum) and the amount of oil produced by oily skin on the face. Human sebaceous glands rely heavily on hyaluronic acid, making hyaluronic acid signaling a promising therapeutic option for conditions characterized by excessive sebum production.

It has been suggested that hyaluronic acid could be used to treat hyperseborrheic conditions (hyperseborrhea is a scalp problem caused by excessive sebum production).

A 2017 study found that hyaluronic acid injections resulted in less sebum secretion from the treated side of the skin compared to the untreated side. Results showed that hyaluronic acid significantly decreased sebum excretion in oily skin. Sebaceous gland sebum production is inhibited by hyaluronic acid signaling. (7)

People with oily skin need to keep drinking water as the skin is made more resistant to water and friction, thanks to sebum’s lubricating properties (the surface that prevents the absorption of fluids). (12)

2. Hydrates the skin

Hyaluronic acid is a top-tier hydrating ingredient that can keep the skin supple and hydrated. Since it acts as a humectant, it draws moisture from the air and deposits it on the skin’s surface.

Hyaluronic acid molecules are so effective at hydrating the skin and keeping it moist and dewy all day because they can attract water up to 1,000 times their weight. (10) It’s common knowledge that hyaluronic acid can hydrate deeper layers of skin. (10)

What Is Vitamin C?

Ascorbic acid, or vitamin C, is a water-soluble vitamin typically found in plant foods. The rich sources of vitamin C in African foods are generally fresh fruits and vegetables such as oranges, lime, lemon, tangerine, guava grapefruits, mango, kiwi, lettuce, amaranth, spinach, pepper varieties, cabbage, tomato, potatoes, etc. (13)

Vitamin C is an effective antioxidant that helps the body produce collagen and shields the skin from environmental damage.

Because of its anti-inflammatory properties, it is also beneficial for acne-prone skin, speeding the recovery of damaged skin and preventing the formation of new scars. The antioxidants speed up the healing process of breakouts and lessen redness and irritation.

Benefits of Vitamin C for Oily Skin

Vitamin C is an essential component of the more prominent family of alpha hydroxy acids and can quickly improve the appearance of your skin. Here are some of its benefits.

1. Soothes the skin

Acne and overall skin health improvements can be seen after supplementing with vitamin C due to the vitamin’s anti-inflammatory effects. It reduces acne-related redness and itching.

Acne and breakouts are among the worst skin problems for people with oily skin. Vitamin C’s anti-inflammatory activity makes it helpful in treating acne vulgaris and rosacea (a skin condition characterized by flushing and, in severe cases, the development of tiny, red, pus-filled bumps on the face and hyperpigmentation). (14)

Vitamin C applied topically may help clear acne by calming the inflammatory lesions. Acne, cysts, and other skin breakouts can form from blocked oil glands.

2. Protects oily skin from damage

Vitamin C alleviates redness and restores the skin’s natural radiant glow. In addition, vitamin C’s antioxidant property shields the skin from environmental assaults such as UV radiation and chemical compounds in cosmetics.

Air pollution worsens the appearance of acne by drying out the skin, increasing oil production, and causing inflammation. Environmental pollution has been linked to an increase in oily skin and acne, and some research suggests that the effects of pollution are exacerbated by sun exposure.

Vitamin C can help eliminate oxidants such as those found in environmental pollutants or after being in the sun. (15) Sunburn occurs when the skin is suddenly exposed to UV radiation, triggering a robust inflammatory response in the skin’s typical redness, swelling, and increased temperature.

3. Exfoliates the skin for radiance and health

Vitamin C provides protection against UV rays and pollution. It is an alpha hydroxy acid that helps remove dead skin cells from oily skin and leaves behind radiant, healthy skin.

Since alpha hydroxy acids are chemical exfoliants, they can remove dead skin cells and debris from the skin’s surface. When these dead skin cells accumulate, it can make your skin look dull, and blemishes such as blackheads and spots are more likely to develop.

How to Use Both Vitamin C and Hyaluronic Acid on Oily Skin

Combining a hyaluronic acid serum and a vitamin C antioxidant serum is also beneficial. These ingredients can have a synergistic effect, boosting their positive impact on the skin even further.

Both products should be applied after the toner has been used. Always start with the thinnest product and work to the thickest. That’s why vitamin C applications must precede hyaluronic acid ones. It is recommended to wait a few minutes in between applications to allow the vitamin C to be absorbed into your skin.

When applied after vitamin C, hyaluronic acid forms a protective layer. (6) Vitamin C may exacerbate dry skin; aftercare hyaluronic acid use will aid in hydration restoration. There’s also the option of seeking a product that contains both ingredients.

However, before beginning any new skin care routine, it is highly recommended that a patch test be conducted. Apply a small amount of the hyaluronic acid and vitamin C serum to a discrete (but easily observable) part of your face to see if you have any adverse reactions.

Keep an eye out for adverse reactions such as redness, irritation, or hives for the next 48 hours. After that, if your skin hasn’t shown any sensitivity, you can apply the products to your face without worry.

When testing a new facial product, it’s best to take things slowly. Vitamin C and hyaluronic acid are examples of active ingredients that might irritate your skin. Buffer these serums between your toner and moisturizer in the beginning, and use them twice a week.

You should perform this routine right before bedtime (to better understand if your skin is sensitive to any of these products). If your oily skin still looks and feels greasy after using vitamin C serum, you can stop using it.

Additional Tips for Oily Skin

The following are some of the measures dermatologists recommend taking to reduce oily skin:

• Wash your face before bed, upon waking up, and after working out.
• You are strongly advised to opt for oil-free, noncomedogenic skin care products.
• Cleansing products that contain oil or alcohol should be avoided. Your skin may react negatively to these.
• Moisturizers should be used consistently.
• Do use sunscreen when going outside.
• Go for a water-based, oil-free cosmetic.
• Makeup should not be worn to bed.
• Resist the urge to touch your face constantly all day. (16)

General Queries Related to Hyaluronic Acid and Vitamin C for Oily Skin

Final Word

Hyaluronic acid and vitamin C are both beneficial for oily skin.

Vitamin C may not have the same effect on skin elasticity as hyaluronic acid, but it has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that make it effective against acne and environmental damage. Thus, it is the better option for oily skin.

However, using both hyaluronic acid and vitamin C is always a good idea.

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