There is a lot of noise associated with the various methods of skin care, at times this can be quite auditory. With the promise of clarity and concerns regarding the skin erased over the night, I wouldn’t be shocked to learn of your decision to throw all of your caution to the wind and apply everything to your skin. This may lead to issues, specifically if the products contain high concentrations of glycolic acid and niacinamide.
Both niacinamide and glycolic acid have the same effect on the skin. They both enhance the skin’s texture, increase the frequency of breakouts, reduce the appearance of aging (such as fine lines and wrinkles) and target areas of over-pigmentation.
Despite the common belief that it’s beneficial to overwhelm niacinamide with glycolic acid, there is a crucial aspect of skin care that you should always remember. What I want to say is how each product’s formula contains a different pH. Now, this may not seem to be significant, but the pH of the skin is typically unstable, causing it to become irritated, red, and dry. Different pH levels indicate that each ingredient takes different amounts of time to become absorbed into the skin; some take seconds to become absorbed, while others take minutes or even hours to do so. One simple method of remembering the duration of the process is to increase the pH of the product, which will require more time to absorb into the skin. With niacinamide having a higher pH than glycolic acid, it will take a lot longer to become absorbed into the skin, even then, it would not have a greater effect on the skin than glycolic acid.
If you’re still confused about how these ingredients can effectively work together, I’ll now address some of the common questions regarding the use of niacinamide and glycolic acid together.
Is it possible to combine glycolic acid and niacinamide?
Yes, you can, but make sure you utilize them correctly. What I mean by this is giving enough time between ingredients to avoid any problems. As I already discussed, the pH of niacinamide is higher and more basic than the acid glycolic. As a result, it’s recommended that you avoid using them simultaneously, this will lead to the greatest degree of success if you apply glycolic acid first, then apply niacinamide over the face.
If you’re interested in learning more about how to combine niacinamide and glycolic acid, you can check out our dedicated blog article.
How do you employ niacinamide and glicolic acid?
To utilize niacinamide and glycolic acid in conjunction with one another, you must give sufficient time between uses. This will not only facilitate the absorption of the ingredients into the skin, but it will also leave sufficient time to pass so that you have avoided any potential irritation. The order in which you apply skincare products is also of great importance when utilizing niacinamide and glicolic acid. You may already be aware of the necessity of reaping the benefits and having a effective regimen. This is accomplished by applying products from the thinnest degree of consistency to the thickest degree of consistency. This implies that you will utilize the acid glycolic in place of the serum niacinamide, which is typically found in products like exfoliating toners, instead of niacinamide, which is typically found in more serums and moisturisers.
What can’t you combine with niacinamide?
Despite the fact that niacinamide is highly hydrating, you should recognize that there are several active ingredients that should be eschewed when incorporated into your daily skin care regimen. You can learn more about it on our dedicated blog about what can’t be combined with niacinamide.
What is compatible with glycolic acid?
Two components can be combined with glycolic acid, however, before I share with you some of the most effective combinations, I recommend that you talk to a doctor or dermatologist in regards to any components you introduce to your skin.
Glycolic Acid and Salicylic Acid
This combination of powerful BHA and AHA is beneficial for people with oily skin that is susceptible to breakouts. Each acid works in a different layer of the skin, which ensures that any blockaded pores are removed while the layer of dead skin cells that are located on the exterior are sloughed away. These chemical exfoliants can eliminate the skin’s acne-causing dirt, which will leave you with a healthy, complexion.
Glycolic Acid and Lactic Acid
Despite the fact that glycolic and lactic acid are members of the same AHA family due to their different molecular weights, they can operate on different areas of the skin. Lactic acid has a large molecule size, which means that it primarily works on the outside of the skin, while glycolic acid can reach further into the skin and utilize its extra space to remove excess oil, bacteria and other impurities located in the lower layers.
Glycolic Acid and Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic acid is uncommon in the skin care industry and is beneficial to all skin types. It can increase the hydration level with its humectant properties that are responsible for locking water in the face, this results in a continual supply of moisture. This causes hyaluronic acid to be an ideal companion to glycolic acid, as it can counter the potential for irritation or dryness, the latter of which is associated with the potent AHA.
Here, you see some exemplary ingredients that complements glycolic acid. Before using any products on the skin, I recommend performing a 24-patch test on the inside of your forearm before applying it to the face.
Can niacinamide be incorporated into aHA?
Yes, but with consideration. As I already discussed, the pH of skincare formulations has a significant impact on the skin’s response. The high concentration of niacinamide causes it to take longer to absorb comparado to the potent and acidic HAs, such as glycolic acid, lactic acid and BHA, such as salicylic acid.
Is it possible to utilize the glycolic acid every day?
You may in fact, utilize the same amount of glycolic acid every day if your skin has developed a tolerance to it and is happy with the application. Those with a typical, mixture or oily skin type will derive the most benefit from the exfoliating effects of glycolic acid. If you’re prone to having a dry skin type, it’s best to avoid glycolic acid and instead utilize lactic acid or PHA as these acids are less harsh on the skin.
Is it possible to utilize hydrating products following the removal of glycolic acid?
Absolutely, following the application of glycolic acid, a moisturizer should be used to combat any dryness and form a protective barrier over the skin. This physical barrier on the external surface of the skin will prevent any environmental aggressors from causing any damage or misbalance to the protective barrier.
Now, with any luck, I’ve resolved some of the confusion surrounding the combination of niacinamide and glycolic acid, but if you have additional information, please feel free to contact us on Instagram.
