Salicylic Acid or Niacinamide?
If this isn’t your first rodeo and you’re new to skincare, you might be wondering how you can fight blackheads with two skincare ingredients that work so differently.
That’s what we’re going to focus on today. So if you’re wondering whether you should use salicylic acid or niacinamide to get rid of blackheads, read on to learn more.
What is Niacinamide?
Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3 that’s found in many vitamin-rich foods, like kale, leafy greens, and almonds. With its impressive multitasking abilities, it plays an important role in keeping your skin healthy.
Niacinamide’s benefits for skin include its ability to hydrate, protect the skin from external aggressors, and retain moisture in the underlying layers of the skin. You’ll notice a noticeable reduction in signs of aging, like fine lines and wrinkles, and a noticeable improvement in skin tone and texture. One final benefit of Niacinamide is that it regulates the skin’s sebum production, helping to keep both oily and acne-prone skin types balanced, hydrated, and healthy. What is Salicylic Acid? Salicylic acid is one of the most commonly used beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) and is considered effective for acne-prone skin as well as other blemishes and breakouts. As a chemical peel, it removes dead skin cells and debris that accumulate on the surface of the face. The unique benefit of salicylic acid is that it is oil-soluble, which means it can penetrate oils, deep into pores and remove bacteria, dirt and excess sebum. Salicylic acid is less versatile than niacinamide, being more focused on exfoliating and reaching areas of the skin that are not affected by other chemical peels, such as the popular alpha hydroxy acids, glycolic acid and lactic acid. This BHA is so effective that you have to incorporate it into your daily routine properly yourself.
This is recommended to avoid unwanted side effects such as severe dryness, irritation and redness. People with dry and sensitive skin should consult a doctor or dermatologist before using salicylic acid on their face. People who are prone to oiliness should remember not to use too many products containing this acid as it can cause the outer layer of the skin to dry out and form streaks.
Does Niacinamide Help With Blackheads?
Yes, Niacinamide helps remove blackheads, but it doesn’t remove blackheads on its own, it works to prevent them from forming because it reduces inflammation, regulates sebum production, and minimizes the appearance of pores.
All while ensuring that the skin barrier remains fully functional with the correct water and oil levels. This is extremely important for the health of your skin and the overall appearance of your complexion because it reduces signs of damage and
prevents further damage.
Which is better, Salicylic Acid or Niacinamide?
This is one of the most difficult questions when it comes to these two powerful ingredients. The truth is, neither of them is better than the other as they each have unique benefits for the skin.
Salicylic acid is very effective at cleansing the complexion, ridding it of a barrier of dead skin cells and preventing active ingredients in other skincare formulas from being absorbed into the skin. It differs from
Niacinamide by increasing facial hydration while reducing imbalances in the outer protective barrier.
Does Niacinamide Help with Blackhead Removal?
As I mentioned before, Niacinamide has anti-inflammatory properties, which basically means that it targets any inflamed areas and prevents acne from developing into active spots and pimples.
While niacinamide can’t remove blackheads that have already formed on your skin, it can reduce their frequency, resulting in fewer spots and blackheads over time.
Can niacinamide and salicylic acid be used together?
Absolutely! These two ingredients work together to create an impressive combination skin, especially for oily and acne-prone skin. We often find that people with oily skin tend to overuse salicylic acid-rich products,
in the hope that they can use it to cleanse their skin.
Your question is that after cleansing, it is important to moisturize your skin. Then niacinamide can intervene and retain the moisture of the skin. Put these together and you will find that salicylic acid is good for your complexion, because she
with the help of niacinamide and its moisturizers, removes all impurities while eliminating signs of dryness.
Can salicylic acid remove blackheads?
In fact, 100% removal of blackheads is one of the main benefits of salicylic acid for the skin. The chemical exfoliation properties of BHA remove all impurities, bacteria, and surface debris before they can accumulate and form blackheads and other blemishes.
If you already have blackheads, you can remove them from your skin with a salicylic acid-rich skincare product, such as an exfoliating tonic or serum. With regular use, your complexion will become clearer.
But be careful: Don’t use salicylic acid too often, especially if you’re not familiar with the ingredient, as it can cause dryness, discomfort, and redness. If you have any concerns, I encourage you to consult your doctor, dermatologist, or licensed professional to find the best product for you and your skin.
Does Niacinamide Remove Acne Scars?
Niacinamide is an important skin nutrient that offers a variety of benefits, from improving skin hydration to reducing the appearance of acne scars. There’s nothing more frustrating than having acne and then realizing that the aftereffects of acne scars are still there. If left untreated, these scars can remain on your skin for a long time. Incorporating Niacinamide into your daily routine can help minimize the visibility of these dark spots and hyperpigmentation. Your skin will feel balanced, moisturized, and as healthy as it can be.
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.