Hyaluronic Acid Allergy: Causes, Side Effects, and Treatment

This resource is part of our series: Is Hyaluronic Acid Good for Oily Skin?

Dealing with a hyaluronic acid allergy can be an uphill battle.

The truth is, when it comes to skincare, this issue often becomes the #1 concern for many individuals...

A hyaluronic acid allergy.

These types of allergies do not always come from cosmetic treatments such as filler injections or plastic surgery, they can occur from using hyaluronic acid topically on your skin.

This resource will help you understand allergies related to HA, common symptoms, and how to deal with them.

What is a Hyaluronic Acid Allergy?

Hyaluronic acid allergy is an adverse reaction to the naturally occurring substance in the body that can affect skin hydration and volume.

However, not everyone reacts positively to it, which can result in adverse events.

An allergy to hyaluronic acid can occur when your immune system identifies this usually harmless substance as an invader or threat.

This reaction triggers various symptoms that primarily affect the skin due to its common use in skincare products like serums and topical moisturizers.

The Impact on Skin

Your skin might become red, swollen, or develop rashes upon exposure if you're allergic to hyaluronic acid. Studies have shown that these reactions are rare but possible nonetheless. (1)

Allergic vs Non-Allergic Reactions

• A true allergy involves an immunological response where antibodies attack substances that are seen as harmful (allergens).

In contrast, non-allergic reactions might just be irritated skin as a result of using certain hyaluronic acid products excessively.

How Do You Know If You are Allergic to Hyaluronic Acid?

Determining whether you're allergic to hyaluronic acid can be tricky.

Delayed reactions can occur, so signs of an allergy may not appear until a few hours or days after exposure.

• Skin redness: This is often one of the first signs. Your skin may turn pink or red shortly after applying a product containing this ingredient.
• Burning sensation: Some people report feeling like their skin is on fire soon after using products with hyaluronic acid.
• Rashes and bumps: If your body doesn't agree with this substance, it could react by forming rashes and small bumps on your skin's surface.
• Itching: Itchiness in areas where you've applied the product could indicate an adverse reaction as well.

If any of these symptoms occur post-application, stop use immediately and consult with a dermatologist or doctor.

Common Causes of Hyaluronic Acid Allergy

If you've used a topical cream that caused a skin reaction, it might be due to a hyaluronic acid allergy.

Additionally, excessive use of hyaluronic acid-based products may be the cause of a sudden skin reaction.

Your skin may react if there's too much product applied or when used frequently without giving your skin time to adjust.

Hyaluronan injections, often used as dermal fillers or joint pain treatments, have been reported to occasionally provoke allergic responses.

Some people who received injections of hyaluronic acid fillers have said that they experienced allergic reactions, especially over the injection site of the hyaluronic acid injection.

It's crucial, therefore, before any medical procedure involving HA application, that patients disclose their full health history.

Tips to avoid future outbreaks:

• Avoid excessive use of HA-infused skincare items. Allow your skin some breathing space between applications.
• Carefully review ingredient lists on labels prior to purchasing new cosmetics - even those marketed as hypoallergenic can contain potentially irritating substances.

Remember that everyone's body reacts differently, so what causes an adverse response in one person may not affect another.

Is Hyaluronic Acid Good for Acne?

Hyaluronic acid may help in the treatment of acne due to its ability to control excessive oil production in the skin, also known as excessive sebum production. When the skin produces too much oil, the pores can get clogged which may lead to more acne breakouts.

Dive deeper: Is Hyaluronic Acid Good for Acne?

Symptoms of Hyaluronic Acid Allergy

Be aware of the symptoms that may indicate an allergy to hyaluronic acid.

• Redness and Inflammation: Your skin may show signs of irritation, such as redness or swelling, after using items containing hyaluronic acid.
• Rashes: Small changes in the texture or hue of your skin, as well as tiny bumps, may be seen when a rash is present.
• Burning Sensation: A burning sensation is another common symptom that indicates an allergic reaction.
• Painful Skin Irritation: If you notice painful irritation upon applying skincare products with this ingredient, discontinue use immediately as this could signify an allergy.
• Hives and Swelling: Hives - raised welts on the surface of your skin - along with swelling might develop due to hypersensitivity reactions from the body's immune system.

More severe allergy symptoms may result in swelling of the tongue, throat, or lips. In this case, it is essential to contact a healthcare professional immediately for emergency attention.

Remember, these symptoms aren't exclusive; they vary greatly among individuals.

It's always best to consult your doctor or dermatologist if you suspect any adverse reactions following usage.

Natural HA Allergy Treatments and Preventatives

If you decide to look into ways to treat HA-related allergies, it will be best to speak to a healthcare professional or specialist in dermatologic treatment.

Here are a few common ways to treat hyaluronic acid allergies using natural substances.

• Immediately stop using the cream that caused the allergy
• Try antihistamines: antihistamines are a form of medication that is often used to treat allergy symptoms by blocking histamine receptors on cells.
• Beta glucan replenishment cream: Glucan Cream gets rid of free radicals, which lets its anti-aging features make wrinkles appear less deep and soothe your skin at the same time.*

Our proprietary blend contains four powerful types of hyaluronic acid to aid in healthy skin. It is so much more than just hyaluronic acid.

1: Sodium Hyaluronate

This works like a sponge to help the skin retain water, which makes cells more flexible and plump. HA is known for being able to hold an immense amount of water, as it can hold up to 1000 times its own weight.

2: Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate

This is an even smaller molecule of HA that can get deep into the skin to nourish it and absorb water. It also works better as an antioxidant than HA, protecting the skin from the sun and repairing it better after sun exposure.

3: Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate

Another type of hyaluronic acid stays on the skin to keep water from evaporating and retain moisture for a longer time. It's also less sticky and has a better look than regular HA.

4: Sodium Hyaluronate Cross Polymer

This cross-linked, water-filled HA gel forms a smooth layer on the skin's surface and releases the bound water. This keeps the skin moisturized for a long time.

Beta Glucan and Skincare

Skincare is a vast world, with an array of products promising to deliver the best results.

But have you heard about beta glucan in skincare?

The natural substance of beta glucan is a fiber-like molecule that works by activating each of the cells in your immune system such as macrophages, Neutrophils, and Basophils.*

Due to the body’s positive immune response to beta glucan, it is known to kickstart immunity and strengthen overall health and wellness.*

Beta glucan can be used daily as a supplement, or topically as a replenishment cream. Due to all of the topical skin benefits and scientific evidence supporting beta glucan, it makes sense to have it as a core skincare ingredient in our proprietary blend.

Suggested Reading: The Long-term Benefits of Beta Glucan

Science of Topical Application of Beta Glucan

To document official case reports, a clinical study for women was conducted over an 8-week period where beta glucan was applied topically.

The extensive skin testing revealed the following results in support of beta glucan skin cream:

• 27% improvement in skin hydration
• 56% improvement in facial wrinkles
• 29% improvement in overall skin firmness and elasticity

Benefits of Beta Glucan for Your Skin

In addition to anti-aging properties and their ability to penetrate deep into the skin, beta glucan replenishment cream provides the following benefits:*

Skin Nourishment

Provides intense hydration by locking moisture within layers of the skin and soft tissue. Beta glucan cream may provide more nourishment by accelerating the healing of skin inflammation and barrier function. (2)*

Skin Healing Properties

If you're dealing with irritated skin due to hyaluronic acid allergy, beta glucan might be just what you need. Hundreds of medical studies have shown that the immune system and beta glucan, when used together, may heal damaged tissue.*

Furthermore, we use Aloe Vera within our glucan cream, as Aloe contains more than 75 nutrients and over 200 biologically active molecules.

The substance has been shown to promote wound healing, enhancing its value in treating sensitive or damaged skin. (3)*

Nearly 700 written scientific and clinical studies back up the traditional health benefits of aloe. Our cream is made of 64% ACTIValoe® aloe vera and has no water in it.

Skin Hydration

Glucans also have strong hydrating properties, making them ideal for dry or sensitive skin types. These potent hydrators create a barrier on the skin's surface, trapping moisture and helping to maintain hydration levels throughout the day.*

Allergy Protection

Last but not least is beta glucan’s role as an allergy shield. Their unique structure allows them to combat allergens that could trigger reactions, such as hyaluronic acid allergies. (4)*

This makes beta glucan-based skincare products an excellent choice for those with sensitive or reactive skin.*

Find out more about beta glucan here.

Authentic Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera is one of the most well-known and widely utilized healing plants. Aloe vera has been used for almost 4,000 years to help people stay healthy. Research has shown that aloe is a great moisturizer and that it has molecules that reduce inflammation and kill germs.

Aloe has more than 75 nutrients and 200 biologically active molecules, such as enzymes, sterols, antioxidants, minerals, amino acids, and vitamins. It additionally helps promote skin wound healing.

Nearly 700 written scientific and clinical studies back up the traditional health benefits of aloe. Our cream is 64% aloe vera and has no water.

FAQs in Relation to Hyaluronic Acid Allergy

Can people be allergic to hyaluronic acid?

Yes, although rare, some individuals can develop an allergy to hyaluronic acid resulting in skin irritation or more severe reactions.

How do you know if you're allergic to hyaluronic acid?

Signs of a potential allergy include redness, itching, swelling, or discomfort at the site where the product was applied or injected (HA fillers or HA injections)

Can you have an allergic reaction to dermal fillers?

Allergic reactions may occur from ingredients within dermal fillers.

Conclusion

Managing a hyaluronic acid allergy can be quite a challenge. But, it's not an impossible task.

Having identified the allergy and its effects on your skin, you now know what to look for.

Beta glucan applied topically to the skin nourishes, protects, and may reduce inflammation.*

(*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease).