Can Salicylic Acid be used with Hyaluronic Acid and Niacinamide?
If you’re new to skincare, the idea of applying all three of these popular skincare ingredients might seem pretty daunting. Can using three different powerful ingredients really have that much of an impact on your skin? Yes
Can Salicylic Acid be used with Hyaluronic Acid and Niacinamide? That’s exactly what we’re going to explore today, so stay tuned for more.
Can Hyaluronic Acid be used with Salicylic Acid?
There’s absolutely no harm in combining hyaluronic acid and salicylic acid. Because while they’re both called acids, they actually work very differently on the skin.
Hyaluronic acid is a highly effective skincare ingredient due to its hydrating properties. The importance of these hydrating properties is that they lock moisture into the skin barrier. If the skin barrier is right
it contains a lot of water and oil, not only does it give your complexion an overall healthy appearance, it also allows the skin barrier to protect itself from everyday stressors caused by free radicals, such as pollution, UV rays, and other environmental aggressors.
The hydrating effect also means that other very effective ingredients, such as salicylic acid, won’t cause skin irritation, which is sometimes a common side effect.
As for the use of salicylic acid versus hyaluronic acid and niacinamide, the most effective approach is to use it first with a salicylic acid exfoliating toner, then with hyaluronic acid to moisturize the skin and prevent irritation, and finally with niacinamide to regulate the skin’s sebum production.
Should I start with niacinamide or salicylic acid?
It is believed that it is best to apply niacinamide to the skin before applying salicylic acid. This is because niacinamide works on the surface of the skin, drawing moisture from the environment and holding it in place.
With a moisturized skin barrier, you can offset the dryness or skin irritation that often occurs when using salicylic acid. Popular BHAs are very effective and praised for their ability to fight blemishes and acne, but they can cause problems such as dryness and minor irritation, and overuse can deprive the skin of the essential oils it needs to stay healthy.
When we abuse powerful skin ingredients like salicylic acid, the skin’s natural oils, also known as sebum, are often the first to suffer an imbalance. Once the surface barrier detects that there is a lack of oil, it automatically starts producing sebum. Overusing formulas high in salicylic acid can create a vicious cycle of excessively oily skin and frequent breakouts.
However, this isn’t a bad thing, so niacinamide is considered a perfect partner for salicylic acid, as it regulates sebum production, thus maintaining harmony and balance on the skin’s surface. Can niacinamide be added to salicylic acid? Yes, it can, as long as the formula allows you to use one skincare product at a time. To get the best results from your routine, you need to apply products from thinnest to thickest consistency. When using niacinamide in addition to salicylic acid, it’s best to use a lightweight serum or exfoliating toner followed by a thick, gel-like serum enriched with niacinamide. You’ll find that salicylic acid removes dead skin cells, bacteria, dirt, and impurities that build up on the surface of the skin, which, if left behind, can penetrate into the lower layers of the skin and clog the pores. Following up with niacinamide increases the hydration of the skin barrier.
Which is better, salicylic acid or hyaluronic acid?
Both ingredients have their own unique benefits for the skin. Since hyaluronic acid is suitable for all skin types, everyone can easily incorporate it into their daily routine. Salicylic acid, a powerful substance, is considered too irritating, so people with dry and sensitive skin should avoid salicylic acid altogether.
Learn more about using these ingredients here. Benefits of Salicylic Acid for Skin Removes the layer of dead skin cells on the surface of the skin. Is oil-soluble, which means it can penetrate the underlying layers of the skin and open up the pores.
Rejuvenates dull skin for a radiant glow Reduces the appearance of acne, breakouts and blemishes Restores skin health and balance Skincare Benefits Hyaluronic acid has hydrating properties, ensuring skin is continuously hydrated. Keeps skin soft, elastic and youthful Reduces signs of fine lines and wrinkles Fights signs of discoloration and hyperpigmentation Strengthens the skin’s lipid barrier and helps it stay healthy The great thing about hyaluronic acid and salicylic acid is that you can use both at the same time for optimal skin results. If you’d like to learn more, check out our blog post on layering hyaluronic acid and salicylic acid. What should I use after salicylic acid?
Various skin moisturizers, such as hyaluronic acid or niacinamide. By using these hydrating and nourishing ingredients, you can combat any signs of dryness or irritation. For more information on salicylic acid and its skincare benefits, check out The Beauty Insiders’ detailed blog. Do I need to rinse off salicylic acid? Not necessarily, and a lot of it depends on the formulation of the salicylic acid blend. For example, using a cleanser or face wash with BHA will rinse it off, unlike a serum or skin treatment, as these blends will remain on the skin. This is an important factor to consider if you are introducing salicylic acid into your routine for the first time. By choosing a rinse-off formula, you can get some of the benefits to your skin without causing dryness, irritation, dryness, or an allergic reaction.
