Can I Use Hyaluronic Acid and Niacinamide Together?
When it comes to skincare ingredients, it must be said that two skin heroes are indeed, hyaluronic acid and niacinamide. But the question we have is whether these powerhouses can be used together? That is exactly what we are planning to answer today, so let’s dive right in and find out more.
What is Niacinamide?
Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3 and provides impressive hydrating benefits for the skin. It can do this with the humectant properties it contains ensuring that water surrounding the skin and present in product formulas are locked into the skin keeping it fully hydrated and plumped. Another unique trait of niacinamide is its ability to regulate the sebum production making it a great ingredient for those who suffer from blemish-prone skin types.
What is Hyaluronic Acid?
Hyaluronic acid is another ingredient that provides impressive humectant benefits for the skin. By ensuring the skin is fully hydrated with the protective skin barrier strengthened and able to protect itself from exposure to free radical damage, such as UV rays, pollution, and environmental aggressors. You will also find that signs of dehydration are reduced leaving the complexion looking bright, vibrant and line free.
Now you have had a little refresher course on each of those ingredients, let’s investigate together more about using them together in your routine.
Can hyaluronic acid be used with niacinamide?
Yes, you can! Both hyaluronic acid and niacinamide can be used together, they are both water-based ingredients and are highly effective at ensuring the skin remains plumped and hydrated. When using these ingredients together it is considered to firstly apply hyaluronic acid to rejuvenate the skin and lock moisture into place, following this with niacinamide will also ensure the sebum production is regulated. You can find out more about using hyaluronic acid and niacinamide together over on our dedicated blog post.
What should you not mix with hyaluronic acid?
Unsurprisingly there are little to no ingredients that can’t be mixed with hyaluronic acid. Due to the fact it is suitable for all skin types as well as the ability to be teamed with other ingredients, including those known for being highly potent, such as retinol, salicylic acid, and glycolic acid. In fact, you’ll find these ingredients benefit from hyaluronic acid as a way of reducing any potential flare-up in dryness and irritation to the skin which is often caused by the exfoliating properties of the mentioned acids.
Do you use niacinamide before or after hyaluronic acid?
As I have already mentioned, when using both hyaluronic acid and niacinamide together it is considered best to apply hyaluronic acid first, to give a boost in hydration, followed by niacinamide to regulate sebum production. Alternatively, if you can apply hyaluronic acid enriched serum during your morning routine to keep the skin barrier strengthened and functioning properly. You can then follow this with niacinamide during your evening routine to rejuvenate and repair the skin. Whilst combating any skin damage caused from exposure to free radicals, such a pollution and UVB/UVA rays.
Which is better hyaluronic acid or niacinamide?
Both of these powerhouse ingredients are highly effective at improving the overall look and feel of the skin. Considering your skin type may help you decide which is better, due to the unique benefits of niacinamide of regulating oil in the skin making it a beneficial ingredient to use if you are prone to oiliness and suffer with frequent breakouts. The beauty of hyaluronic acid as I have already mentioned is its ability to be used with all skincare products and skin types. Of course, there is nothing stopping you from using both ingredients together to help retain moisture keeping complexions looking brighter, plumper, and smoother.
Can I use niacinamide every day?
You can indeed, in fact, it is known for being well tolerated by most people often resulting in them using it twice a day. You’ll find that you really reap the rewards of its hydrating benefits during the winter months by combating exposure to harsh climates and central heating. By using niacinamide twice a day you’ll also find that applying more potent ingredients, such as retinol and glycolic acid, you’ll be able to combat the common drying effects leaving you with vibrant, healthy skin that’s full of bounce.
Can I use hyaluronic acid every day?
Absolutely! Much like niacinamide you’ll find you are able to use it twice a day. There are a few pointers to remember when getting the best out of your hyaluronic acid enriched products. To get the most out of your hyaluronic acid products its best to apply them in the correct order starting with the thinnest consistency making your way up to the thickest. Therefore, you should apply hyaluronic acid before your moisturiser and SPF as these formulas are too thick and often create a physical barrier on the skin surface. For optimal results, apply hyaluronic acid to cleansed skin that is still damp enabling the humectant traits of HA to lock the moisture into the protective skin barrier.
Is niacinamide good for acne or hyaluronic acid? Although both powerhouses are effective and beneficial for acne prone skin, if you were to twist my arm, I’d suggest trying niacinamide. This is because the unique benefit of niacinamide having the ability to regulate the sebum production in the skin. This allows your skin to remain balanced with any signs of frequent breakouts being combated and reduced. This doesn’t however result in hyaluronic acid not being as effective on acne or blemish-prone skin. Quite often those who have an oily or blemish-prone skin use skin ingredients such as salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide and retinol, all of which are very effective, but tend to feel quite drying to the skin. This is when the hydrating benefits of hyaluronic acid can counteract this and keep the complexion plumped, moisturised, and healthy whilst the other ingredients work at targeting breakouts and blemishes. I hope that I’ve managed to answer some of your questions you have about using niacinamide and hyaluronic acid together. Don’t forget to come and follow us on Instagram for more!
DQH Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C?
It’s easy to create a skincare routine, but knowing how to use it is another thing entirely. In most cases, if you’re not getting the desired skin results, it could be due to the layering of conflicting ingredients. So, is it possible that salicylic acid and vitamin C are such ingredients? Or are these active ingredients the duo that’s been missing from your skincare routine? If you want answers, stick around because today we are going to explain the benefits of salicylic acid and vitamin C and how they can be used in your daily life.
What are the benefits of salicylic acid for skin?
Salicylic acid is one of the most commonly used beta hydroxy acids and is favored by many people with oily, acne-prone skin. This acid is derived from willow bark, and unlike its water-soluble relatives (called alpha-hydroxy acids), salicylic acid is oil-soluble, which means it can penetrate deeper into the lower layers of the skin. Once it reaches the lower layers, it can help unclog pores of excess sebum, dirt, bacteria, debris, and impurities. This results in clearer skin tones and greater definition.
Not only does salicylic acid benefit the underlying layers, but the outer surface of the skin benefits as well. When applied to the skin, salicylic acid removes the buildup of dead skin cells. This is accomplished by breaking the bonds that hold dead cells to the surface. Over time, this can cause the complexion to look dull and prone to acne, blackheads, and other blemishes.
If you’d like to learn more about salicylic acid and how it can improve your skin, check out this dedicated blog post from a beauty insider.
What are the benefits of vitamin C for skin?
Vitamin C is considered one of the most powerful antioxidants, which means it is very effective at fighting free radicals and preventing them from causing further skin damage. Examples of free radicals include pollution, central heating, UV rays and harsh climate. They attack proteins, fats and cell membranes as soon as they come into contact with the skin, causing signs of premature aging such as fine lines and wrinkles as well as hyperpigmentation, flaky patches of skin and loss of elasticity.
Many people usually prefer to use vitamin C in their morning routine as this ingredient gives the complexion a radiant glow. You’ll also find that vitamin C can target areas of hyperpigmentation, plumping the skin and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
The thing about vitamin C is that there are a lot of outdated studies going back to the 1950s that describe vitamin C as an unstable skin component. Thanks to improvements in modern technology, this is no longer the case as all products now contain a stable form of vitamin C.
Visit The Beauty Insider to learn more about vitamin C. So please check out our blog post.
Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C?
Yes, you absolutely can. In fact, it’s thought that using salicylic acid before using vitamin C ensures it penetrates faster and works faster.
This is an efficient way to utilize two power sources, and the reason has to do with pH. For example, the skin’s natural pH is about 4.7, making it slightly acidic. Salicylic acid and vitamin C are also both acidic, and you’ll find that vitamin C is absorbed quickly into the skin. Therefore, using salicylic acid beforehand can increase the acidity of the skin and allow vitamin C to penetrate into the skin faster.
While this is considered an effective way to combine two powerful ingredients, you need to be aware of your skin type and how it reacts to certain active ingredients. Even people with perfect, normal skin can experience skin sensitivity and irritation. Therefore, always consult a doctor or dermatologist before using any new products on your skin.
It’s also important to follow skin application rules. In this case, you need to use the product correctly to ensure you get the best results for your skin. If you’re not sure what I mean, the basic rule for skin is to start with the thinnest consistency and work your way up to the thickest consistency. This prevents a barrier from forming on the surface, preventing other active ingredients from penetrating the skin.
Can I use salicylic acid at night and vitamin C in the morning?
Yes, absolutely, this is considered the most effective way to get returns without any adverse side effects. This is because there is enough time between applications to ensure that the skin’s pH levels return to balance.
You’ll also find that Vitamin C is rich in antioxidants and is perfect for use in the morning to ensure your skin is protected and looking its healthiest. Due to the small size of salicylic acid molecules, it is an acid that is able to reach the deepest parts of the skin. While this is effective at keeping skin clear, it also increases the risk of irritation and photosensitivity. Therefore, many people prefer to use powerful BHAs in their evening routine without exposure to UV rays, pollution, or harsh weather.
Warning: If you avoid using sunscreen every day, none of these ingredients will do what your skin needs. The combination of chemical peels and powerful ingredients increases the risk of further damage to the skin’s surface. Use SPF 50 every day to keep your skin protected and your lipid barrier healthy, even on cloudy days, keeping your skin in top condition.
