We’ve been doing a lot of research on The Beauty Insiders lately about how to layer and mix skincare ingredients, and today I wanted to delve a little further. Not only because these questions often pop up in our inboxes, but also because I thought I could give you all a clearer idea of whether or not you can mix Niacinamide and Glycolic Acid together.
What is Niacinamide?
Niacinamide is a form of Vitamin B3 that has a reputation for fighting a variety of skin issues including acne, pigmentation, ageing and rosacea. Niacinamide’s hydrating properties also help bind water in the skin so that its protective barrier can function properly. This is an important part of maintaining healthy skin because when your skin barrier is well hydrated it can fight off any free radical damage such as from pollution, exposure to the sun’s UV rays and central heating, among others. You’ll also notice your skin feeling repaired, rejuvenated and plumped up. Learn more about Niacinamide in our dedicated blog post.
Key Benefits of Niacinamide for Skin Care
Rich in antioxidant properties, it repairs and protects the skin
Skin is left hydrated and radiant
Reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while boosting collagen production
Helps soothe problematic skin, reducing signs of redness, acne, dryness and hyperpigmentation
Can balance oil production and reduce the amount of excess sebum on the skin
What is glycolic acid?
Glycolic acid belongs to the alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) family of chemical exfoliants and is derived from a natural source called sugar cane. It is one of the most commonly used acids and is found in a wide range of skin care products. It removes dead skin cells, which, if left on the surface of the skin, can build up over time, leading to a dull complexion and breakouts such as acne and blackheads. By clearing the skin of these impurities, bacteria and debris, you exfoliate the skin and reveal radiant new skin cells, which not only makes the skin look radiant and healthy, but also reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and shrinks the size of pores. . Glycolic acid can be a little too drying for sensitive skin types, so it’s best to consult a doctor or dermatologist to avoid unnecessary irritation. You can read our blog on glycolic acid to learn why it’s so beneficial for the skin.
Key Benefits of Glycolic Acid for Skin Care
Removes dead skin cell deposits that build up on the skin’s surface, which can cause spots and blackheads
Penetrates the skin and removes dirt, bacteria, and impurities from the pores
Improves the overall look and feel of skin texture and tone
Helps skin retain its vitality and radiance
Reduces the appearance of hyperpigmentation and dark spots
Can Niacinamide be used with Glycolic Acid?
Yes and no, like all skincare ingredients, glycolic acid and niacinamide are formulated with different pH levels. This can be a problem if you use them together in your daily routine, as the imbalance can lead to redness and inflammation of the skin. Therefore, it’s important to wait about 15 to 30 minutes between using these ingredients so that they have enough time to be optimally absorbed by the skin. For best results, it’s best to use glycolic acid first, in the form of an exfoliating toner, which I find to be the most effective, followed by a hydrating serum rich in niacinamide to combat the dryness that occurs when using the AHA jar.
Is glycolic acid used before niacinamide?
As I mentioned before, the easiest way to get the best results is to use glycolic acid before niacinamide. The acid exfoliates the layer of dead skin cells and clears the way for the niacinamide to absorb into the skin quickly and effectively. With niacinamide’s antioxidant, moisturizing, and sebum-regulating properties, you may find that it strengthens and repairs the skin’s protective barrier. This leaves the complexion plump, hydrated, youthful, and resilient.
This is based on the idea that you’re using an exfoliating toner infused with glycolic acid. There are other products formulated with this clever AHA. The best way to use it is to start with the thinnest consistency and work your way up to the thickest products. This is because the thicker consistency creates a physical barrier that prevents thinner products from penetrating the skin and reaching the areas where it’s needed most.
Can I use niacinamide every day?
Yes, Niacinamide is great for all skin types to incorporate into your daily routine, and you can use this moisturizer twice a day due to its well-tolerated profile. Using it regularly can deliver impressive results, as it not only nourishes the skin's protective barrier, you'll also find that it's gentle on your skin during the colder months when the temperatures start to drop and your skin is exposed to constant cold weather and central heating year-round. You'll also find it's easy to use other more potent ingredients, as Niacinamide reduces irritation and allows other ingredients to penetrate deeper into the lower layers of the skin.
Can I use glycolic acid every day?
Yes, it's absolutely fine to use glycolic acid every day, as long as your skin has built up a tolerance to chemical peels. If you're using this AHA for the first time or want to use a higher concentration, it's best to use it every other day at first to avoid irritation. The concentration of the formula can also affect whether you can use it every day. For example, in a toner, face wash, or cleanser, the percentage of AHA is lower than in a more potent serum or moisturizer. WARNING: The exfoliating power of glycolic acid can cause the skin to become very photosensitive. So always wear SPF 30 or higher sunscreen every day. Yes, even on cloudy and rainy days, because UVA is still there, and it's the sun's rays that cause the most aging damage to your skin! As with any skincare product, I recommend doing a 24-hour patch test on your forearm before applying it all over your skin.
What acids can be used with niacinamide?
Mixing and layering your skin ingredients allows you to use multiple ingredients, such as lactic acid, glycolic acid, and salicylic acid, as long as you follow the previous recommendations. This is best because not only will you fight impurities that can cause uneven skin texture, signs of aging, and hyperpigmentation, but you will also prevent your skin from becoming irritated and counteracting all the various benefits of these powerful ingredients. If you are using both acids and niacinamide for the first time, you can separate the two ingredients at different times of the day in your morning and evening skincare routine with your dermatologist's approval.
Do I use niacinamide before or after hyaluronic acid?
Both niacinamide and hyaluronic acid are water-based and act as humectants, or H. They act like sponges, drawing moisture into the skin and holding it there. If you are using them at the same time, it is best to apply hyaluronic acid first because it will attract the most moisture into the skin. Using niacinamide after will help regulate sebum production and moisturize the skin, making pores visibly smaller.
Can I use niacinamide after AHA BHA?
In any case. To reap the benefits of all the powerful ingredients used daily, I recommend using Niacinamide after any form of AHA and BHA as this can regenerate the skin and prevent dryness on the surface of the skin after a chemical peel. Remember, do not over-exfoliate or cleanse your skin as this can increase sebum production and cause an imbalance which can lead to spots, breakouts and acne.
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