Can You Use Niacinamide After a Glycolic Toner?
The trouble with skincare, is the fact that everyone’s skin type is different. Teaming that with an extensive number of different products and ingredients available, it can feel like an endless battle at times. Especially when you find yourself still trying to navigate your way around and figuring which ingredients can be layered, and which should be avoided.
So, with that in mind, let’s investigate further into whether you can use niacinamide after a glycolic toner. Before we dive in, here is a brief recap of what glycolic acid and niacinamide do for the skin.
What are the benefits of glycolic acid?
Derived from sugarcane and artificially created to be formulated into skincare products.
One of the most used acids from the family of chemical exfoliants called alpha hydroxy acids (AHA)
Works at exfoliating the outer surface of the skin from the build-up of dead skin cells
Effective ingredient for combating breakouts, such as blackheads, spots, and flare-up in acne
Brings a dull and lack lustre complexion back to life by sloughing away dead skin cells, bacteria, dirt, and other impurities.
Fine lines and wrinkles are noticeably reduced, and the overall complexion is improved
The skin becomes more absorbent ensuring other formulations penetrate further
You can find out more about the skin benefits of glycolic acid, over on The Beauty Insiders.
What are the benefits of niacinamide?
A form of vitamin B3, niacinamide is not only found in skincare formulas, but in supplements too
Contains humectant traits enabling the ingredient to draw moisture into the skin surface and locking it into place
Can regulate the sebum secretion making it a highly beneficial ingredient for those with oily and blemish-prone skin types
Helps to balance the skin barrier ensuring there is enough oil and water to combat the exposure to free radicals, such as pollution, UV rays, and other environmental aggressors
Helps to reduce the overproduction of melanin in the skin causing signs of dark spots and hyperpigmentation to be improved
Wanting to know more about niacinamide and what it can do for your skin? Check out our dedicated blog post.
Does glycolic acid go before niacinamide?
Yes and no, by this I mean it’s very much dependant on the formulation of the product containing these actives. As a general skin rule, when applying your skincare routine, you start with the thinnest and work your way up to the thickest.
What you may find is both niacinamide and glycolic acid are formulated into an array of skincare products. Having said that, many suggest using glycolic acid before niacinamide. This is because the AHA will exfoliate the skin, removing the barrier of dead skin cells from the surface. This will result in other products being absorbed fully and effectively into the skin.
One thing to bear in mind is to ensure you leave enough time in between applications to allow the pH levels of the skin to rebalance. This will not only avoid unwanted skin reactions but will also result in both active ingredients delivering optimal results. If you find yourself to mix these ingredients together, you may end up with negative skin reactions, such as redness, rashes, itchiness, discomfort, and flaky areas of skin.
What can I use after glycolic acid toner?
Once you have applied a glycolic acid toner, the best product to follow this with is a serum that enriched in with a hydrating ingredient, such as hyaluronic acid. As effective as glycolic acid is at exfoliating the skin, it can sometimes cause some mild irritation, no matter how much your skin has built a tolerance. To counteract this team, it with a formula packed with nourishing and water loving powerhouses to strengthen the skin barrier. This will keep your complexion glowing, but also protected, especially when you finish your morning skincare routine with a daily SPF of 30 and above.
What should you not use with glycolic acid toner?
You can use any type of ingredient with glycolic acid if you are layering your products the correct way. Simply ensure you’re leaving about 20 to 30 minutes to allow the pH levels of the skin to rebalance, or alternatively you can alternate the days you use your glycolic acid products with other ingredients, such as salicylic acid, vitamin C, niacinamide, and even retinol. If you are wanting to know more about, what can you not mix with glycolic acid, you can read more on our blog.
Is niacinamide or glycolic acid better?
Both ingredients deliver different benefits for the skin, so to determine which is better will have to consider what your skincare goals are. If you find your complexion is looking dull and lack lustre, you are prone to frequent breakouts, or you are showing signs of premature ageing such as fine lines and wrinkles. Well, in all honesty this can result in you using both ingredients. The easiest step to consider is your skin type and how sensitive it can be, performing a patch test on the skin before applying the product all over the skin will help you establish which ingredient is best suited for you and your skin.
How do you use niacinamide with glycolic acid?
This is dependent on your skincare routine and the products you use. The main point to remember is to avoid layering these ingredients on top of each other as this will lead to a flare-up in skin irritation and reactions. As I have already mentioned, ensure you leave enough time between applications to avoid any unwanted side effects.
There you have it, some more details about whether you can use niacinamide after a glycolic acid toner. Remember, if you have any concerns with introducing a new product or formula to the skin, consult with your doctor or dermatologist to find the best formulation for you. Don’t forget if you have any more skincare questions, come, and follow the Procoal Instagram. You’ll find me or one of the skincare experts in the direct messages, looking forward to seeing you there!
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.
