
Can you use Lactic Acid and Niacinamide Together?
Lactic acid and niacinamide are two skin favourites that are highly effective at combating fine lines, wrinkles, and a dull looking complexion. But is it possible to use them together, or do they require a little more thought before applying them?
Before you panic, don’t worry as things will make a lot more sense by the end of today’s blog post so stay tuned! Not forgetting of course that if you have any questions come and follow Procoal’s Instagram, you can find me in there!
What is Lactic Acid?
One of the lesser known and used AHAs, compared to glycolic acid, lactic acid is derived from soured milk and fruit sugars. With a larger molecular size, it is unable to penetrate too far into the skin to cause irritation. It will work on the outer surface of the skin ridding it of dead skin cell build-up and impurities that can often clog the pores leaving the skin congested. It also contains unique humectant traits ensuring it can improve the skin’s natural moisture factor. This results in the skin having the ability to protect itself from environmental aggressors and free racial damage, such a pollution and UV rays. Check out our dedicated blog post about lactic acid for more information on this clever exfoliant.
What is Niacinamide?
This multitalented skin ingredient is able lock moisture into the skin surface, minimise the appearance of pores whilst targeting any concerns with dark spots and hyperpigmentation. By keeping the lipid barrier of the skin hydrated you’ll find your skin will remain at its healthiest state. The added bonus of niacinamide is the fact it regulates the sebum production meaning all skin types will benefit from introducing this talented humectant into your daily routine. Don’t forget to find out more about niacinamide over on The Beauty Insiders.
Does niacinamide go before lactic acid?
It is advised to apply niacinamide after lactic acid. This ensures the acid can work at exfoliating whilst niacinamide restores hydration back into the skin barrier. This is a result of each ingredient containing different pH levels. With niacinamide having a higher pH the less it absorbs into the lower layers of the epidermis, working mainly on the surface. With lactic acid having a lower pH level, meaning it is more acidic, it can penetrate further. Although it is a lot gentler compared to its potent cousins, such as glycolic acid and malic acid.
Different pH levels may sound like something that shouldn’t cause too much trouble, but quite often is the main cause of irritation to the skin. The skin has a naturally acidic pH level and can become imbalanced when certain active ingredients are applied. Always ensure you leave enough time in between applications allowing the pH level to rebalance and ready for further ingredient application. The optimal amount of time is considered 15 minutes or more which will help avoid unwanted skin irritation.
What can you not mix with niacinamide?
When it comes to skincare ingredients it is generally thought that niacinamide is one of the easiest to add into your routines. There are few ingredients it does play nicely with, but there is one that should be avoid and that is vitamin C. Both ingredients are packed with antioxidants and perform similar benefits for the skin which results in them competing if layered on top of each other. Having said that, you are still able to benefit from using both ingredients it’s just a case of alternating the time of day you apply them.
There’s more to find out over on our dedicated blog post about what can you not mix with niacinamide.
Can I use niacinamide every day?
Yes, you can! Due to the fact niacinamide can be tolerated by almost all skin types, in fact you can apply it twice a day, every day. You will often find niacinamide is formulated into water-based and gel like serums that are highly absorbent for the skin. It is particularly useful ingredient to have in your routine during the winter months as the humectant properties will draw moisture into the skin. Niacinamide can combat signs of dryness and dehydration which occurs during cold temperatures and central heating.
Can I leave lactic acid on overnight?
The short answer is no, although lactic acid is one of the gentlest alpha hydroxy acids and doesn’t cause too much irritation to the skin, it is best to not leave high percentages of lactic acid on the skin overnight.
For medical grade standard of 10% or higher, to get the best result and avoid unwanted reactions leave the product enriched in lactic acid on the skin for no longer than 10 minutes. This is the ideal timing to ensure the AHA works at hydrating and restoring the health and balance of the protective barrier without stripping the skin of oil or causing irritation.
Can you use niacinamide under eyes?
Yes, you can indeed! Niacinamide has found its way into many eye-cream formulas lately. With the risk of irritation being considerably low, niacinamide can work in the under-eye area safely, quickly and effectively. Dark circles are combated with the antioxidants properties whilst reducing the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and crow’s feet that are generally the main complaints of the eye area.
The skin around the eye area is more delicate and up to 40% thinner compared the rest of the face. I suggest that you firstly consult with a doctor or dermatologist to check you and your skin are happy with the formulation.
Is niacinamide better morning or night? The beauty of niacinamide is the fact you can use it twice a day. When it comes to teaming it with other ingredients, such as lactic acid, the added boost of hydration will counteract any slight imbalance to the skin barrier. So, if its plumped, hydrated skin with reduced redness and hyperpigmentation and pores notably less visible, then aim for applying niacinamide during your morning and evening skincare routines. I hope that I have answered any questions you had about whether you can use lactic acid and niacinamide together. Much like all ingredients and formulas to avoid skin irritation and allergic reactions it is best to perform a patch test for 24 hours before applying anything on the face. I would also advise that if you use a product that later makes your skin feel irritated you should stop using it and seek the help of your doctor or dermatologist.
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.