Can BHA be used with Niacinamide?
When using powerful skincare ingredients like BHA, you often find that there are a lot of considerations when combining them with other powerful ingredients. That’s exactly what we’re going to explore today and try to figure out if it’s okay to use BHA with Niacinamide. So, after a quick summary of how each ingredient can benefit the skin, let’s jump right in and learn more about them.
What is Niacinamide?
Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3 that is found in many foods like fish, milk, green vegetables, and eggs. You’ll find it extracted from cereals like yeast and other grains used in skincare formulas. When mixed, it delivers impressive results even for those with sensitive and reactive skin. The main benefits of using Niacinamide are as follows.
Repairs and strengthens the lipid barrier. Niacinamide can do this by helping the skin produce ceramides, which strengthen the skin’s natural protective barrier and ensure it can retain moisture. Once the skin barrier contains the right amount of water, it can fight off damage from free radicals. This minimizes UV radiation, pollution, and oxidative stress on the skin.
Regulates oil production. Not only does Niacinamide help those with dry skin types, it also regulates oil production from the sebaceous glands. This helps keep the skin balanced and prevents excess sebum production.
Treats Hyperpigmentation and Evens Out Skin Tone. Surprisingly, Niacinamide can help improve the overall appearance of your complexion and reduce signs of hyperpigmentation. With active Niacinamide levels above 5%, many users notice improvements after 4 weeks; this result is attributed to increased collagen production.
Reduces the Appearance of Fine Lines and Wrinkles. Because Niacinamide provides continuous hydration to the skin, fine lines of dehydration can be completely reduced. You’ll also find that Niacinamide can increase collagen production by 54%, resulting in a plumper, more youthful complexion, and significantly reduced wrinkles.
These are just a few examples of the benefits you can expect from using Niacinamide. Don’t forget to learn more about this ingredient in this Beauty Insiders blog post.
What is BHA?
Beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs) are a family of acids derived from a variety of ingredients, including fructose and willow bark. While there are several different acids in the BHA family, salicylic acid is most commonly used in skincare formulas. Compared to their cousins, alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), BHAs are generally oil-soluble and have a smaller molecule size, which means they can penetrate deeper into the skin and work deep within the pores.
BHAs also provide a chemical exfoliant, i.e. they remove the layer of dead skin cells on the surface of the skin. By clearing this barrier on your face, you can prevent the formation of acne breakouts like blackheads and whiteheads while restoring your complexion and making it glow.
Now that you’ve had a quick lesson on skin ingredients, let’s move on to combining these powerful ingredients with the benefits you can expect.
Can I use BHAs, AHAs, and Niacinamide?
Yes, you can, but not at the same time. This is because it changes the pH of your skin, making it more susceptible to irritation and redness, and negatively affecting the effectiveness of other ingredients on your skin.
However, you can still use all three ingredients, just find a routine that works best for you and your skin. For example, one routine would be to use a cleanser with an AHA like glycolic acid in the morning and a toner rich in salicylic acid in the evening. Niacinamide can be used after any of the acids, twice a day. Just make sure to leave enough time between applications, about 10 minutes is enough.
What Not to Mix with Niacinamide?
As an ingredient in skincare, niacinamide is known for its versatility and ease of use with other ingredients. You may have noticed that there are several outdated articles explaining that niacinamide should be avoided in combination with vitamin C. Some people believe that these ingredients cancel each other out because they work in similar ways on the skin, so they can’t work effectively. This is not the case. Yes, vitamin C and niacinamide have similar skin benefits, but this does not lead to the negative effects that some people worry about. I recommend consulting a doctor or dermatologist first when mixing these active ingredients. Next, you can do a patch test 24 hours before applying the product to your face to avoid unnecessary irritation. Always wait at least 10 minutes between each application to allow the skin’s pH to balance and prepare for the next product.
Can BHA and AHA be used together?
Yes, but only if you use them correctly. There are several effective formulas that contain acids at the same time and produce impressive results. Whether you choose this one and whether it is the best product depends on your skin type.
What I mean by this is that if you have dry or sensitive skin type, you should avoid mixing BHAs and AHAs together. This is too harsh for the skin and can cause various side effects such as redness and irritation. To reap the benefits of both AHAs and BHAs, you can alternate between them in your daily routine. Each ingredient is formulated in different products, making it easier for you to use each in your daily routine while preventing your skin from over-stripping and losing the important oils and water it needs to stay healthy.
Is Salicylic Acid a BHA?
Yes, in fact it is the most well-known and commonly used BHA in skincare. Available in various percentage strengths in over-the-counter formulas, prescriptions, and professional treatments. Salicylic acid is a popular blemish treatment among dermatologists and is considered a skin savior by many people who are prone to acne and breakouts. However, keep in mind that due to its effectiveness, the acid may be too strong for those with dry and sensitive skin.Since salicylic acid penetrates deeper into the skin than other acids, it can have some negative side effects if used incorrectly or on the wrong skin type.
Now you know a little more about the use of BHA vs. Niacinamide. If you still have any questions about using these ingredients, don’t forget to reach out to one of our experts on Instagram.