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.
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.
