Can I use Salicylic Acid with Hyaluronic Acid and Niacinamide?
If you’re new to using skincare the thought of applying all three of these popular skin ingredients may feel very daunting. Does using three different powerhouse ingredients really have that much of an impact on the skin? Can you even use salicylic acid with hyaluronic acid and niacinamide? Well, that is exactly what we’ll be investigating today so stick around to find out more.
Can I use hyaluronic acid with salicylic acid?
Absolutely, hyaluronic acid and salicylic acid are perfectly safe to use together. This is because, although they are both carry the name acid, they do in fact work very differently on the skin.
Hyaluronic acid is a highly effective skin ingredient because of the humectant properties it contains. The significance of these humectant traits is how it can lock in moisture into the skin barrier. When the skin barrier contains the correct levels of water and oil it will not only give your complexion an all-over healthier appearance but will allow the skin barrier to protect itself from exposure to daily free radicals, such as pollution, UV rays and other environmental aggressors. The boost of hydration also results in any other ingredients that are very potent, such as salicylic acid, will not cause any skin irritation that is sometimes a common side effect.
As for using salicylic acid with hyaluronic acid and niacinamide the best way of applying the all effectively is starting with a exfoliating toner containing salicylic acid, followed with hyaluronic acid to hydrate and prevent skin irritation, then finally niacinamide to regulate the production of sebum of the skin.
Should I use niacinamide or salicylic acid first?
It is considered best to apply niacinamide to the skin before following this with salicylic acid. This is because niacinamide will work on the surface of the skin by drawing water in from the surrounding area and locking it into place. With a moisturised skin barrier, you will be able to counteract any dryness or skin irritation that often occurs when using salicylic acid. The popular BHA is highly potent and is praised for its ability to combat blemishes and acne, but can cause problems, such as dryness, mild irritation and if overused can strip the skin of vital oil it needs to remain healthy.
The natural oil found in the skin, also known as sebum, is usually the first thing to suffer from imbalance when we incorrectly use potent skin ingredients such as salicylic acid. Once the surface barrier experiences any oil lacking it automatically kicks start the sebum production. This results in vicious cycle of an overly oily complexion with frequent breakouts that will continue if you’re overusing formulas with high levels of salicylic acid. However, it’s not a case of doom and gloom, this is exactly why niacinamide is considered the best teammate for salicylic acid due to the fact it is able to regulate sebum production thereby keeping the harmony and balance on the skin surface.
Can you put niacinamide on top of salicylic acid?
Yes, you can, as long as the formulas allow you to apply your skincare products in this order. It is considered to gain the optimal results with your routine you must apply your products from the thinnest consistency to the thickest.
When applying niacinamide on top of salicylic acid, it is best to use a light-weight serum or exfoliating toner followed by a thicker gel-like serum enriched in niacinamide. You’ll find that the salicylic acid is able to rid the surface of the skin of any dead skin cells build-up as well as bacteria, dirt, and impurities that if left will work their way into the lower layers of the skin and clog the pores. Followed with niacinamide will result in the skin barrier gaining a boost of hydration.
Which is better salicylic acid or hyaluronic acid?
Both ingredients provide an array of skin benefits, both of which are unique. With hyaluronic acid being suitable for all skin types anyone can introduce it easily into their daily routine. As for salicylic acid, this potent powerhouse is considered too harsh for those with a dry and sensitive skin type should avoid using the BHA altogether.
Here is a little more information you can expect to see when using these ingredients.
Skin benefits of Salicylic Acid
Can slough away the layer of dead skin cells on the surface of the skin.
Is oil-soluble meaning it is able reach the bottom layers of the skin and unclog pores.
Revives a lack lustre complexion leaving a glowing finish
Reduce the appearance of acne, breakouts, and spots
Restores skin health and balance
Skincare benefits of Hyaluronic Acid
Contains humectant properties ensuring the skin remains continuously hydrated.
Makes the skin soft, supple with a youthful bounce
Reduces the signs of fine lines and wrinkles
Combats signs of discolouration and hyperpigmentation Enhances the lipid barrier of the skin helping it to remain healthy The best part about hyaluronic acid and salicylic acid is that you can use both together at the same time for optimal skin results. If you are wanting to find out more, check out our blog post about how to layer hyaluronic acid and salicylic acid. What should I use after salicylic acid? Any form of hydrating skin ingredients, such as hyaluronic acid or niacinamide. By using these moisturising and nourishing ingredients you are able to counteract any signs of dryness or irritation. For more information about salicylic acid and its skincare benefits, there is a full dedicated blog over on The Beauty Insiders. Do I have to rinse off salicylic acid? Not necessarily, this is very much dependant on the formula the salicylic acid is blended in to. For example, if you are using a cleanser or face wash containing the BHA is rinsed off, compared to a serum or skin treatment as these blends remain on the skin. This is an important factor to remember when using salicylic acid as if you are wanting to introduce it into your routine for the first time. Opting for formulas that rinse off will ensure you gain some skin benefits, without it stripping the skin and causing irritation, dryness, or allergic reaction. There you have a little more information about using all three powerhouse ingredients together. If you have any questions don’t hesitate to come and find me on Procoal’s Instagram.
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.
