Can you Use Peptides with Niacinamide?
The beauty industry is continuously evolving meaning there is always something new to try! It can either be trending ingredients that have burst onto the scene improving everyone’s complexions, or others that have been around for a while and are simply gaining the praise they deserve!
When it comes to the ingredients, peptides and niacinamide with each of them providing impressive skin benefits it’s no wonder the question “can you use peptides with niacinamide” has been popping up repeatedly. If you’re unsure about what peptides are and how they benefit the skin, check out our blog post.
Can you not mix niacinamide and peptides together?
Yes, you can! It is considered perfectly safe to use niacinamide and peptides together. Because niacinamide can be used on almost all skin types, including those with mild sensitivity it is able to work with effectively with other skincare ingredients. The humectant traits of niacinamide enable it to draw in the water surrounding the skin and locking it into the natural protective barrier. With the skin microbiome able to fully function and remain at its healthiest state ensuring it is able to protect itself from exposure to free radicals, such as UV rays, pollution, and other environmental aggressors.
If you are wanting to get a better understanding of what you can’t mix with niacinamide you can check out our blog for more information.
Can I use niacinamide with copper peptides?
Yes, indeed you can, copper peptides provide impressive antioxidant benefits to the skin ensuring it is protected from free radical damage whilst repairing any that has already occurred. They can stimulate the production of elastin and collagen in the skin helping to give the complexion a smoother finish with fine lines and wrinkles visibly reduced. With the added benefit of copper peptides also ensuring wounds heal quicker and teaming them with niacinamide will have impressive results. With niacinamide generally considered a highly hydrating ingredient that can be teamed with a great deal of other effective skincare ingredients (apart from vitamin C).
Copper peptides are known for increasing the blood circulation which is why it is so effective at healing wounds and other skin damage. One common side effect is how it can increase the redness or potential flushing of the face which can cause a great deal of irritation if you already using an ingredient that exfoliates the skin.
I have suggested in previous blog posts is how important it is to perform a patch test for 24 hours before applying any new ingredient or formulation on the face.
What goes first peptides or niacinamide?
The general rule of thumb when it comes to skincare application is by starting with the thinnest consistency and finishing with the thickest. This helps gives us all a clearer understanding of how to apply our skincare products. One other factor that many of us don’t take into consideration is the fact our skin has a 24 hour circadian rhythm. This basically means our skin’s needs change depending on the time of day it is.
For example, during the AM it requires protection from free radicals, such as UV rays, pollution, and environmental aggressors. Once the evening comes, the skin focuses on repairing and rejuvenating itself, many opting for formulas with higher potency as there is limited exposure to free radicals and plenty of time for the skin to recharge whilst you sleep.
Are peptides better than niacinamide?
Yes and no, this is because each ingredient performs different benefits for the skin. Peptides and niacinamide each target different concerns in the skin and by using them separately or layered on top of each other will result in an all-over improved complexion.
Here are some examples of concerns each of these ingredients can help,
Opt for Niacinamide if you have:
Hyperpigmentation, dark spots, sun damage and post acne scarring
Mild acne and breakouts
Redness and blotchiness to the skin, such as rosacea
The first signs of ageing, such as fine lines, wrinkles, and crow’s feet
Opt for Peptides if you have:
Loss of firmness and signs of sagging of the skin
Deep set and prominent wrinkles on the skin surface
Luckily for all of us we are able to team these powerhouse ingredients together and use them twice a day during your morning and evening routine.
Are ceramides or peptides better? There is no right or wrong answer to this as they both provide unique and effective benefits for the skin. Whether you choose to use them together or separately, you will be amazed with how your skin will look and feel. Skincare benefits of Ceramides Keeping the skin surface hydrated and moisturised Ensuring the skin barrier is fully functioning Improving the all over appearance of the skin Helping the skin to become firmer Enables the skin to protect itself from exposure to free radicals With the added boost in hydration and help with protecting from further skin damage, you’ll find that ceramides provide notable results with not only improving the health of the skin, but they also teach the skin to develop its own ceramides. This results in a smoother, healthier, and younger looking complexion. Skincare benefits of Peptides Improve the appearance of the skin tone Diminished signs of ageing such as fine lines and wrinkles Restores protein in the lower layers of the skin Provides cell communicating benefits aiding a boost in collagen production Helps to maintain a smooth, healthy looking skin surface As previously mentioned, there are various peptides found in skincare formulations, all of which deliver their own unique benefits. The bonus is you are in fact able to use both ceramides and peptides together for a powerful skin boost. Do peptides really do anything? The short answer is yes, but only when used correctly. Due to the molecular size of peptides being so small they are able to penetrate into the deeper layers. Although peptides benefit the skin in various ways I have already mentioned, they are prone to breaking down rapidly. Because of this finding the best product that ensures you reap the rewards of using peptides in your skincare routine. For example, opting for a lightweight serum will result in the peptide not having to compete with the barrier of a thick cream that sits on the outer surface of the skin. If you are wanting to really pack a bunch when it comes to your skincare routine, opting to layer active levels of peptides with other potent skincare ingredients, such as niacinamide will result in an all-over improved finish to the skin. So, there you have a little more information about using peptides with niacinamide. Don’t forget, as always, if you have any questions come and follow Procoal’s Instagram.
DQH Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C?
It’s easy to create a skincare routine, but knowing how to use it is another thing entirely. In most cases, if you’re not getting the desired skin results, it could be due to the layering of conflicting ingredients. So, is it possible that salicylic acid and vitamin C are such ingredients? Or are these active ingredients the duo that’s been missing from your skincare routine? If you want answers, stick around because today we are going to explain the benefits of salicylic acid and vitamin C and how they can be used in your daily life.
What are the benefits of salicylic acid for skin?
Salicylic acid is one of the most commonly used beta hydroxy acids and is favored by many people with oily, acne-prone skin. This acid is derived from willow bark, and unlike its water-soluble relatives (called alpha-hydroxy acids), salicylic acid is oil-soluble, which means it can penetrate deeper into the lower layers of the skin. Once it reaches the lower layers, it can help unclog pores of excess sebum, dirt, bacteria, debris, and impurities. This results in clearer skin tones and greater definition.
Not only does salicylic acid benefit the underlying layers, but the outer surface of the skin benefits as well. When applied to the skin, salicylic acid removes the buildup of dead skin cells. This is accomplished by breaking the bonds that hold dead cells to the surface. Over time, this can cause the complexion to look dull and prone to acne, blackheads, and other blemishes.
If you’d like to learn more about salicylic acid and how it can improve your skin, check out this dedicated blog post from a beauty insider.
What are the benefits of vitamin C for skin?
Vitamin C is considered one of the most powerful antioxidants, which means it is very effective at fighting free radicals and preventing them from causing further skin damage. Examples of free radicals include pollution, central heating, UV rays and harsh climate. They attack proteins, fats and cell membranes as soon as they come into contact with the skin, causing signs of premature aging such as fine lines and wrinkles as well as hyperpigmentation, flaky patches of skin and loss of elasticity.
Many people usually prefer to use vitamin C in their morning routine as this ingredient gives the complexion a radiant glow. You’ll also find that vitamin C can target areas of hyperpigmentation, plumping the skin and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
The thing about vitamin C is that there are a lot of outdated studies going back to the 1950s that describe vitamin C as an unstable skin component. Thanks to improvements in modern technology, this is no longer the case as all products now contain a stable form of vitamin C.
Visit The Beauty Insider to learn more about vitamin C. So please check out our blog post.
Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C?
Yes, you absolutely can. In fact, it’s thought that using salicylic acid before using vitamin C ensures it penetrates faster and works faster.
This is an efficient way to utilize two power sources, and the reason has to do with pH. For example, the skin’s natural pH is about 4.7, making it slightly acidic. Salicylic acid and vitamin C are also both acidic, and you’ll find that vitamin C is absorbed quickly into the skin. Therefore, using salicylic acid beforehand can increase the acidity of the skin and allow vitamin C to penetrate into the skin faster.
While this is considered an effective way to combine two powerful ingredients, you need to be aware of your skin type and how it reacts to certain active ingredients. Even people with perfect, normal skin can experience skin sensitivity and irritation. Therefore, always consult a doctor or dermatologist before using any new products on your skin.
It’s also important to follow skin application rules. In this case, you need to use the product correctly to ensure you get the best results for your skin. If you’re not sure what I mean, the basic rule for skin is to start with the thinnest consistency and work your way up to the thickest consistency. This prevents a barrier from forming on the surface, preventing other active ingredients from penetrating the skin.
Can I use salicylic acid at night and vitamin C in the morning?
Yes, absolutely, this is considered the most effective way to get returns without any adverse side effects. This is because there is enough time between applications to ensure that the skin’s pH levels return to balance.
You’ll also find that Vitamin C is rich in antioxidants and is perfect for use in the morning to ensure your skin is protected and looking its healthiest. Due to the small size of salicylic acid molecules, it is an acid that is able to reach the deepest parts of the skin. While this is effective at keeping skin clear, it also increases the risk of irritation and photosensitivity. Therefore, many people prefer to use powerful BHAs in their evening routine without exposure to UV rays, pollution, or harsh weather.
Warning: If you avoid using sunscreen every day, none of these ingredients will do what your skin needs. The combination of chemical peels and powerful ingredients increases the risk of further damage to the skin’s surface. Use SPF 50 every day to keep your skin protected and your lipid barrier healthy, even on cloudy days, keeping your skin in top condition.
