Can hyaluronic acid treat rosacea?

Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory skin disease recognizable by the diffuse redness it causes on the face. Progressing in flare-ups and presenting different stages, it generally begins with telangiectasias, which is a dilation of small blood vessels, often accompanied by tingling and hot flashes. It is important to manage rosacea from its onset as it can progress to more severe forms (ocular rosacea, rhinophyma...). While it is not yet possible to cure rosacea, solutions exist to reduce facial redness and improve the quality of life of patients.

Thanks to its moisturising and anti-inflammatory properties, hyaluronic acid could have effects on rosacea. Indeed, in vitro studies have shown that this active ingredient could influence the immune response by acting on various receptors such as CD44, TLR2, and TLR4. Research conducted with human keratinocytes also revealed that cells treated with hyaluronic acid produced fewer interleukin-8 and tumour necrosis factor (TNF-α), inflammatory agents involved in the pathogenesis of rosacea. Moreover, hyaluronic acid is a gentle active ingredient, suitable for sensitive skin and capable of rebuilding a damaged skin barrier.

Furthermore, several clinical trials have demonstrated that the application of hyaluronic acid-based skincare products can help to reduce redness of a mild rosacea . In 2013, 14 patients suffering from rosacea applied a cream containing 0.2% hyaluronic acid salts daily. After 4 weeks, the papules, erythema, burning sensations, and skin dryness decreased by 47%, 51.7%, 65%, and 78.8% respectively. After 8 weeks, scientists noted an overall improvement in rosacea in 11 patients (78.6%).

Another study focused on the effects of a serum concentrated at 0.4% hyaluronic acid. For 4 weeks, 539 individuals with a persistent facial erythema, including 64 with rosacea, applied this product to their face every day. At the end of the study, redness had completely disappeared in 37.3% of them. Furthermore, the serum succeeded in eliminating irritations in 74.7% of the participants and reduced sensations of heat by approximately 75%.

Finally, the same serum with 0.4% hyaluronic acid was tested over a 30-day period in another clinical trial involving 20 patients suffering from rosacea. The participants themselves evaluated the effects of the treatment: 75% noticed a reduction in redness and 85% noted an improvement in facial lesions, while none experienced any side effects.

While hyaluronic acid treatments can to some extent alleviate the symptoms of rosacea, they should not replace a treatment prescribed by a dermatologist.