Can you combine Niacinamide with Glycolic and Lactic Acid?
I have no idea about you, but there are some mornings that I find myself resembling a mad scientist combining my skincare products. That doesn’t mean I will immediately abandon my cherished formulas. The conflict that we occasionally have, however, is the difficulty of layering these chemicals in the most effective way possible. We’ve taken a few moments here on The Beauty Insiders to answer the inquiries you have regarding the combination and layering of various skin components.
Today, the focus is on whether or not you can combine niacinamide with either glycolic or lactic acid. Below, we’ll discuss each of these ingredients in detail and the benefits they have for the skin. If you’ve already familiarized yourself with this, skip over to the following part in order to learn more about utilizing these powerhouses together.
What is Niacinamide?
A form of vitamin B3 that can be applied to the skin directly or as a supplement.
Including traits that imbue moisture with it, niacinamide can bind moisture to the skin, this will keep the protective barrier intact and hydrated.
Can control the production of sebum, which can be used as an effective ingredient in those who have breakouts and are dehydrated.
Maintains the outer layer of the skin in a plumped state and with health.
Get more information about niacinamide in our dedicated blog article.
What is Glycolic Acid?
Derived from sugarcane, glycolic acid is the most popular alpha hydroxy acid (AHA)
It functions on the surface of the skin by removing the layer of dead cells, debris, bacteria, and other environmental predators.
Enhances the skin’s texture, decreases the presence of fine lines and wrinkles, and revitalizes the appearance of a complexion that is tried and true.
Also, it can increase the production of collagen, which would lead to a thicker and younger appearance.
Get more information about glycolic acid in our dedicated blog article.
What is Lactic Acid?
Naturally occurring in dairy products, such as milk that is soured. Many instances of lactic acid in skin products, however, are actually created artificially.
Loose the bonds that hold together the dead skin cells by displacing them, and reveal the fresh, vibrant cells beneath.
Other acids have a tendency to dry out the skin, however, lactic acid possesses humectant properties that mean it can maintain the skin’s moisture and strengthen the barrier.
Other than this, lactic acid’s molecular size is large, which means it cannot penetrate into the skin too deep and cause any sort of irritation.
Get more information about lactic acid in our dedicated blog article.
Is it possible to utilize lactic acid and niacinamide together?
Yes, you can, both lactic acid and niacinamide have a high degree of compatibility. This is because of the moisture-humectant properties they share. It’s believed that the most effective way to reap the benefits of each of these ingredients is to utilize lactic acid first, followed by niacinamide. Several methods are available, but these are the most popular.
Use a toner that exfoliates the skin and is filled with lactic acid, allow 30 minutes for the skin to recover before applying a serum that contains niacinamide.
Alter the method by which you utilize each powerhouse, utilizing niacinamide during the morning as an antioxidant will shield the skin from the damaging effects of free radicals. Utilizing lactic acid during your typical evening regimen as the acid can enhance the skin’s sensitivity to the sun.
To prevent any adverse effects that you don’t want, you can switch days that you use both ingredients, using lactic acid on one day, then applying niacinamide the next day.
You can learn more about the combination of lactic acid and niacinamide on The Beauty Insiders.
Is it possible to utilize glycolic acid with niacinamide?
You can, but only if you utilize them correctly. By this, I mean that both substances have a different pH value. With glycolic acid having a higher and more acidic pH, when it encounters niacinamide, it produces an imbalance that results in the acid not being able to provide its full effectiveness. Also, there are some negative side effects, including redness, itchiness, flaky areas of skin, and irritation.
Using these ingredients, the proper method will prevent you from experiencing adverse reactions that you don’t want, and instead enjoy the benefits. This can be accomplished by waiting for 30 minutes between applications, this gives the skin enough time to return to its original pH and prepare for the next steps of your skincare regimen.
Is it possible to utilize niacinamide during the morning and glycolic acid during the night?
Absolutely, niacinamide is a powerful ingredient that can be applied to the skin during the morning. This is because it contains numerous antioxidant properties that ensure it can battle any exposure to free radicals: for example, central heating, pollution, ultraviolet light, and other environmental adversaries. This will maintain the skin’s barrier function properly while also providing a constant amount of moisture that is stored in the skin’s surface.
Many benefits associated with using glycolic acid during the evening, this acid is capable of removing the skin’s microorganisms, dirt, debris, and remaining makeup. Your skin will have no concern with the sun’s harmful effects, as it will be left exfoliated. Combining the evening’s breeze with a serum that contains hyaluronic acid, squalene, and other skin-loving components will promote the best appearance and feel of the skin.
Is the acidic component of glycolic greater than the acidic component of lactic?
Glycolic acid is more potent than lactic acid because of its molecular weight. They’re smaller than the larger ones located in lactic acid, this means that they have a greater capacity to penetrate into the lower layers of skin. This is beneficial for those who have oily or blemish-prone skin types, as glycolic acid can penetrate to the depths of the pores and remove any buildup of excess sebum, bacteria, or dirt. This is something that can negatively impact the skin’s sensitivity for those with a sensitive skin type, as Glycolic Acid will cause pain, inflammation, and negative consequences. Lactic acid is more beneficial to those who have a sensitivity tendency, as it only effects the outer layer of the skin. The extra benefit is the ability to compact moisture into the skin’s surface, this prevents the face from becoming dry and instead keeps it hydrated.
There, you learn more about the combination of niacinamide with glycolic and lactic acid. Don’t forget that if you have additional questions about these powerful ingredients, or regarding the skin, you can come find us on Instagram as well. I’m looking forward to meeting you at the event!
