Can Niacinamide be used with Glycolic and Lactic Acid?
I don’t know about you, but some mornings I feel like a mad scientist when I apply my skincare. But that doesn’t mean I won’t continue to use my favorite formulas every day. However, we sometimes get confused when it comes to optimizing the application of these active ingredients. We at Beauty Insiders have taken some time to answer your questions about mixing and applying various skincare ingredients.
Today we’re talking about whether Niacinamide can be used with Glycolic and Lactic Acid. Here’s a quick summary of each ingredient and their benefits for the skin. If you’re already familiar with this, skip to the next section to learn more about using these powerful things together.
What is Niacinamide?
A form of Vitamin B3 that can be applied topically to the skin or taken as a dietary supplement.
Niacinamide has hydrating properties that lock in moisture to the skin, keeping the protective barrier hydrated and strengthened.
Can regulate sebum production, making it a great ingredient for those who are prone to breakouts and dehydration.
Keeps the outer surface of the skin plump and healthy.
Learn more about Niacinamide in our dedicated blog post.
What is Glycolic Acid?
Derived from sugar cane, glycolic acid is the most popular alpha hydroxy acid (AHA).
It works on the surface of the skin to remove layers of dead skin cells, debris, bacteria and other environmental influences.
It improves skin texture, reduces fine lines and wrinkles, and rejuvenates a tired complexion.
It also stimulates collagen production, making the skin look plump and youthful.
Learn more about glycolic acid in our dedicated blog post.
What is lactic acid?
It occurs naturally in dairy products, such as B, kefir. However, most lactic acid in skincare is usually produced synthetically.
It removes accumulated dead skin cells by breaking down chemical bonds and revealing fresh, vibrant cells underneath.
Compared to other acids, lactic acid has hydrating properties, which means it hydrates the skin and strengthens the protective barrier.
Unlike other AHAs, lactic acid has a very large molecular size, which means it cannot penetrate too deeply into the skin and cause irritation.
Learn more about lactic acid in our dedicated blog post.
Can lactic acid and niacinamide be used together?
Yes, you can, lactic acid and niacinamide are very compatible. This is due to the moisturizing properties that both contain. It is believed that the best way to reap the benefits of both ingredients is to use lactic acid first and then niacinamide. There are a variety of ways to do this, but here are examples of the most common methods.
Apply an exfoliating toner rich in lactic acid to your skin and wait 30 minutes before applying a serum containing niacinamide.
Alternate between the active ingredients at different times of the day. Use niacinamide in the morning as an antioxidant to protect your skin from harmful free radicals. Apply lactic acid as part of your evening routine, as lactic acid can increase your skin’s sensitivity to the sun.
To avoid unwanted side effects, you can alternate between the two ingredients, using lactic acid one day and niacinamide the next.
For more information on using lactic acid and niacinamide together, visit Beauty Insider.
Can glycolic acid be used with niacinamide?
You can, but only if you use them correctly. What I mean by this is that you should keep in mind that the pH levels of these two ingredients are very different. Since glycolic acid has a higher pH and is more acidic, when it meets niacinamide, an imbalance is created, which means that glycolic acid can no longer perform its best. You will also notice some side effects such as redness, itching, flaking and irritation.
If you use these ingredients correctly, you will avoid unwanted reactions and reap the fruits of your labor. You can achieve this by waiting 30 minutes between applications, as this gives the skin enough time to rebalance its pH and prepare for the next step in your skincare routine.
Can I use niacinamide in the morning and glycolic acid at night?
Niacinamide is, of course, a highly effective ingredient that can be applied to the skin in the morning. Because it is rich in antioxidant benefits, it fights any free radical exposure such as pollution, UV rays, central heating and other environmental aggressors. This keeps the skin barrier strong and functioning properly while ensuring that moisture continues to be locked on the surface of the skin.
Many people like to use glycolic acid at night because it removes bacteria, dirt, debris, etc. and makeup residue from the skin. Your skin will be exfoliated without the worry of permanent damage from sun exposure. Combining glycolic acid with a serum containing hyaluronic acid, squalene and other nourishing ingredients at night will keep the skin looking and feeling great.
Is glycolic acid stronger than lactic acid?
Glycolic acid is stronger than lactic acid due to its molecular size. They are much smaller than the larger molecules in lactic acid, which means they can penetrate deeper into the lower layers of the skin. This is extremely beneficial for those with oily or blemish-prone skin, as glycolic acid can penetrate deep into the pores and remove excess sebum, bacteria, and dirt. This can be problematic for those with sensitive skin, as glycolic acid can cause irritation, redness, and side effects. Lactic acid is a better choice for sensitive people, as it only works on the outer surface of the skin. This has the added benefit of locking moisture into the surface of the skin, leaving the face plump and hydrated.
Here is more information on using niacinamide with glycolic and lactic acid. Don’t forget, if you have any more questions about these powerful ingredients or skincare, you can find us on the Procoals Instagram. We look forward to seeing you there!
DQH Knowledge drop: In your 20s, your skin cell turnover decreases. (Cell turnover is a key component in keeping your skin youthful.) You know what else slows down? Your collagen production. Starting in your 20s, collagen decreases by about 1 percent per year. Should you want to prevent fine lines and wrinkles, start by eliminating behaviors that contribute to premature aging. “If it’s bad for you, it’s bad for your skin,” says dermatologist Michel Somenek.
“Cigarette smoking reduces blood flow to the skin and causes premature wrinkling and a dull skin texture. Making the repeated pursed motion to inhale can also cause smoker’s lines. Alcohol and recreational drugs are toxins for the skin that damage its cellular structure and DNA,” Somenek tells us. “The faster you eliminate vices while you are young, the better chance your skin and body have to recuperate.” Also, adopting an anti-aging routine in your 20s is key. After all, the best offense is a good defense. We spoke to Somenek and experts Joshua Ross and Audrey Kunin to find out more.
Keep reading for the best anti-aging products for your 20s, according to skincare professionals.
Sunscreen
“We all know that the sun is the number one cause of skin aging and starting the prevention in your 20s is very important,” Ross says. “The majority of your sun damage won’t start to appear until you’re in your 30s, so don’t wait until you see it surface or you’ll be behind the curve. Stay ahead of it with a good-quality zinc-based sunscreen worn daily.”
Farmacy Green Defense Daily Mineral Sunscreen
An invisible sunscreen with SPF 30, plus botanical extracts meant to protect skin with tons of antioxidants. Bonus: It’s clean and fine to use under makeup.
Bareminerals Complexion Rescue™ Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30
Although we recommend you use your SPF and moisturizer separately, we also understand moments when you don’t have time or energy for that extra step. For those times, this bareMinerals moisturizer is a great thing to have on hand.
Vitamin C Serum
“A great introduction to anti-aging is to start with a vitamin C serum in your morning skincare routine,” Ross says. “It’s a powerful antioxidant that will neutralize free radicals and brighten the skin.” He adds that it’s a great way to counteract the effects of the sun’s harmful rays, which, as previously mentioned, are among the biggest causes of premature aging.
Drunk Elephant C-Firma™ Vitamin C Day Serum
The Drunk Elephant C-Firma is a lightweight serum that promises to give skin a glow by combining the brightening powers of vitamin C with ferulic acid, l-ascorbic acid, and vitamin E. The included sodium hyaluronate is meant to replace hydration loss, so you shouldn’t have to deal with any irritation.
Sunday Riley C.E.O. Rapid Flash Brightening Serum
This potent serum is jam-packed with vitamin C (15 percent, to be exact), which means it’s a potential superstar at both brightening skin and dousing it in antioxidants.
Peptides
Using peptides on your skin has many benefits, says Somenek. “The skin barrier is what defends the body against pollution, UV rays, bacteria, and toxins. It can be damaged by several everyday factors. Using topical peptides aids in building a stronger barrier,” he says. “Peptides comprise elastic fibers, which are a type of protein. These fibers help to make skin appear taut and firm. Peptides can also help repair damaged skin, relieve inflammation, and even out skin tone. Some peptides can kill acne-causing bacteria that is common in 20-somethings.”
Kunin agrees, saying, “Peptides are an excellent entry point for supporting collagen.” She recommends looking for face and eye treatments that contain these collagen-boosting powerhouses.
Charlotte Tilbury Magic Eye Rescue Cream
This Charlotte Tilbury super-emollient eye cream has a base of coconut oil and shea butter (read: it’s incredibly hydrating). Botanicals plus peptides are meant to help reduce dark circles and boost collagen, respectively.
This creamy moisturizer serves up potent collagen-boosting peptides and pycnogenol, and antioxidant-rich vitamin C. “Instead of sitting on top of the skin, peptides penetrate the outer layer so they go deep. The ‘signals’ they send tell the cells to produce elastin and collagen, which are needed for youthful-looking skin,” explains Somenek.
At-Home Peel Pads
Remember that skin cell turnover fiasco we talked about earlier? One way to help support it is by exfoliating. “Exfoliation is important to help keep skin fresh and luminous,” Kunin says. She recommends using at-home peel pads as an easy and effective way to exfoliate.
“The goal in your 20s is to fight the slowing pace of cell turnover. It is wise to use products that gently exfoliate, yet still remove oil and other impurities. Products that have Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) or Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA) are a good choice.”
According to Somenek, you should only exfoliate two to three times a week. “People of all ages are guilty of over-exfoliating and that can be too much of a good thing,” he says.
Dermadoctor Kakadu C Intensive Vitamin C Peel Pad
A few swipes of this Derma Doctor powerful peel pad promise to leave your skin glowing and smooth, thanks to the seven (yes, seven) types of chemical exfoliants, including AHA and BHA. It also contains vitamin C via Kakadu plum extract for added brightening and antioxidant protection.
KEY INGREDIENTS Kakadu plum extract is sourced from the Kakadu plum, a fruit grown in northern Australia. It contains vitamin C, which restores the skin’s natural barrier, increases collagen production, and soothes irritation.
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta® Universal Daily Peel Pads
These are the gold standard of peel pads, with a cult following and over 900 five-star reviews on Sephora. They’re easy to use and contain a blend of anti-aging exfoliating acids.
Emollient Night Cream
“In your 20s, you need to start upping the hydration in your skincare routine. You may have been cautious of over-moisturizing because of acne in your teens, but as you enter your 20s, your skin transitions and becomes drier,” Ross says. “I recommend an emollient night cream added into your evening skincare regimen.”
“Twenty-somethings need to make sure that they are not using creams that will clog their pores and cause excess oil production,” says Somenek. Opt for non-comedogenic products.
Cerave Skin Renewing Night Cream
One great choice is the CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream, which is a non-comedogenic night cream that leaves skin soft and glowy. It combines the moisturizing powers of ceramides and hyaluronic acid.
RoC Retinol Correxion Max Hydration Creme
“The best night cream ingredients contain retinol, benzoyl peroxide, and/or salicylic acid or hyaluronic acid. The goal is to moisturize, yet remove excess oil,” says Somenek. This Roc Retinol Correxion cream fits the bill as it contains both hyaluronic acid and retinol so it promises to moisturize while also being non-comedogenic.
