You may be familiar with the skincare hero that is hyaluronic acid. A cushiony lubricant found naturally in skin and joints, it can hold 1,000 times its weight in water—and many skincare brands are adding the ingredient to their formulas. What does that mean for your complexion? More hydrated skin. Since hyaluronic acid levels diminish as we age, attempting to replace it with lotions, creams, masks, and serums infused with the ingredient has become all the rage. But even better: Hyaluronic acid can be hugely helpful for acne-prone types. Here, Valerie Callender M.D., a board-certified dermatologist in Glenn Dale, MD and an Acne Store advisory board member explains the benefits of hyaluronic acid for acne.

1. Hyaluronic acid won’t clog pores

Hyaluronic acid is known as a humectant, which is an ingredient that draws moisture into the skin. For those prone to blemishes who may fear moisturizers will only lead to more breakouts, it’s a great source of hydration. “A hyaluronic acid serum is probably one of the best ways to hydrate skin when you have acne, and especially if you have very oily skin,” says Callender. “It really helps to soften skin without making it greasy or shiny.”

2. Hyaluronic acid helps bolster other hydrating ingredients

In addition to hyaluronic acid being at the top of Callender’s most moisturizing list, so are ceramides, the lipid (or fat) molecules also found naturally in skin. “Typically, if my patients are dry, I will have them use both—a serum that contains hyaluronic and then a face cream or lotion that has ceramides,” she adds. “It’s the perfect combination.”

3. Hyaluronic acid repairs skin’s barrier

When your skin is dry, it has cracks and fissures throughout. “When you have those openings, it’s easy for skin to get irritated, especially if you’re using acne medications,” says Callender. And you’re probably more likely to stop using those medications if your skin feels dry, tight, or sore. That’s important because, to be effective, an acne regimen needs to be used consistently. “If you stop using treatment products, you’re obviously not going to get results—most regimens need to be performed daily,” says Callender. The soothing hydration of hyaluronic acid helps acne. “Making that epidermal barrier healthy is really integral to the success of acne treatment because it helps with irritation.” You must seal or repair that epidermal barrier—and using a product with hyaluronic acid is often an effective solution.

4. You can prep every inch of skin with hyaluronic acid for acne treatment

“I’ll suggest using a moisturizer with hyaluronic acid to prepare a patient’s skin for whatever acne medication I’m going to recommend,” says Callender. Acne may not completely cover the face, but typically medication is applied evenly all over, so it’s important to keep the entire face hydrated and healthy amd able to tolerate prescription or over-the-counter treatments. “If we’re talking acne or hyperpigmentation and you’re targeting those specific areas, I want the surrounding skin to be able to accept whatever treatment I’m recommending—and remain healthy throughout the process.”

5. Hyaluronic acid heals skin

The goal is to clear up acne and create a glowing, healthy complexion without scarring or hyperpigmentation. But that can take time and requires the TLC of solid skincare habits. “It’s important during the healing process to keep skin moist and hydrated,” says Callender. “I love hyaluronic acid as an ingredient because it’s light and helps smooth skin.” The beauty of hyaluronic acid for acne and acne scars is that it is excellent for all skin types and something that can be incorporated into a routine long-term.