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!
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.
