Can I use Niacinamide after using a glycolic acid toner?
The problem with skin care is that everyone has a different skin type. Combine that with the plethora of different products and ingredients available, and it can sometimes feel like a never-ending battle. Especially if you’re still trying to navigate and figure out which ingredients to layer on and which ones to avoid.
So with that in mind, let’s take a closer look at whether or not you can use Niacinamide after using a glycolic toner. Before we dive in, let’s quickly summarize what glycolic acid and niacinamide do for your skin.
What are the benefits of glycolic acid?
Extracted from sugar cane, it’s artificially produced for inclusion in skincare products.
One of the most commonly used acids in the chemical peel family, the so-called alpha hydroxy acid (AHA)
Removes dead skin cells from the outer surface of the skin
Active ingredients fight breakouts like blackheads, blemishes, and acne
Restores a dull, lackluster complexion by removing dead skin cells, bacteria, dirt, and other impurities
Fine lines and wrinkles are visibly reduced, and overall skin tone improves
Skin becomes more receptive, allowing other formulas to penetrate deeper
For more information on the benefits of glycolic acid for the skin, visit Beauty Insider.
What are the benefits of niacinamide?
Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3 that is not only found in skincare products, but also in dietary supplements.
It contains humectant properties that allow the ingredient to attract water and hold it to the surface of the skin.
It regulates sebum production, making it an extremely useful ingredient for those with oily and blemish-prone skin.
It helps balance the skin barrier and ensures there is enough oil and water to fight the effects of free radicals such as pollution, UV rays, and other environmental aggressors.
It helps reduce the overproduction of melanin in the skin, thereby reducing signs of dark spots and hyperpigmentation.
Do you want to learn more about niacinamide and its effects on the skin? Read our special blog post.
Does glycolic acid come before niacinamide?
Yes and no, I mean it depends a lot on the formulation of the product containing these active ingredients. The general skin rule is to start with the thinnest and work your way up to the thickest.
You’ll find both niacinamide and glycolic acid in many skincare products. However, many recommend using glycolic acid before niacinamide. This is because AHAs exfoliate the skin and remove the barrier of dead skin cells on the surface. This allows other products to be fully and effectively absorbed into the skin.
Remember to allow enough time between applications so that the pH of the skin can rebalance. Not only will you avoid unwanted skin reactions, but both active ingredients will also work optimally. Mixing these ingredients together may cause adverse skin reactions such as redness, rashes, itching, discomfort, and flaking skin.
What to use after glycolic acid toner?
After using a glycolic acid toner, it’s best to use a serum that’s rich in hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid. Although glycolic acid is very effective at exfoliating, it can sometimes cause minor irritation, no matter how much tolerance your skin has built up. To combat this, it contains a formula rich in nourishing and hydrophilic ingredients that strengthen the skin barrier. This will keep your complexion radiant while being protected, especially when you complete your morning skincare routine with a daily SPF of 30 or higher.
What shouldn’t be used with glycolic acid toner?
You can use any type of glycolic acid ingredient if you layer your products correctly. Just leave it on for about 20 to 30 minutes to allow your skin’s pH to rebalance, or alternate glycolic acid products with other ingredients like salicylic acid, vitamin C, niacinamide, or even retinol. If you want to learn more about what not to mix with glycolic acid, you can read more in our blog.
Which is better, niacinamide or glycolic acid?
Both ingredients have different benefits for the skin. So, to determine which is better, you need to consider your skin care goals. If you find that your complexion looks dull, you’re prone to frequent breakouts, or you have signs of premature aging like fine lines and wrinkles, this may lead you to consider using both ingredients. The easiest step to consider is your skin type and how sensitive it is. By doing a patch test on your skin before applying the product all over your skin, you can determine which ingredient is best for you and your skin.
How to use niacinamide with glycolic acid?
This depends on your skin care routine and the products you use. The most important thing is not to stack these ingredients together, as this can cause skin irritation and reactions. As already mentioned, you should leave enough time between applications to avoid unwanted side effects.
These are some more details on whether you can use niacinamide after a glycolic acid toner. Remember: if you have questions about using new products or formulas on your skin, consult your doctor or dermatologist to find the best formula for you. If you have any other skincare questions, don’t forget to follow Procoal’s Instagram account. You can reach me or one of the skincare experts in a private message. I 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.
