Can You Use Niacinamide After a Glycolic Toner?
Navigating the world of skincare can feel like a maze at times. With so many products and ingredients, figuring out what works best for your unique skin type can be overwhelming.
One of the biggest challenges is understanding which ingredients can be layered together and which ones should be avoided.
If you’ve found yourself asking, “Can I use niacinamide after a glycolic toner?” you’re not alone. Many people wonder whether these two powerful ingredients can be combined to enhance their skincare routine.
In this article, we’ll break down the benefits of both glycolic acid and niacinamide, and help you understand whether these ingredients can be used together,
and how to incorporate them into your skincare routine for the best results.
What is Glycolic Acid and What Does it Do for Your Skin?
Glycolic acid is a member of the alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) family, which is a group of water-soluble acids derived from natural sources like fruits and milk.
Glycolic acid, in particular, is typically derived from sugarcane and is one of the most widely used AHAs in skincare products.
Its primary role in skincare is to exfoliate the skin.
Glycolic acid works by dissolving the bonds between dead skin cells on the surface, helping to remove these cells and reveal fresher, healthier skin beneath.
This exfoliating action makes it highly effective for addressing a range of skin concerns, such as:
Breakouts: Glycolic acid can help to clear up blackheads, spots, and acne flare-ups by exfoliating the pores.
Dull Complexion: By sloughing off dead skin cells and impurities, glycolic acid can bring life to a dull complexion and improve skin tone.
Fine Lines and Wrinkles: Regular use can help to smooth the skin’s surface, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Improved Absorption: Exfoliating with glycolic acid makes the skin more absorbent, allowing other active ingredients to penetrate more effectively.
If you’re looking for more details on the benefits of glycolic acid, be sure to check out additional resources on The Beauty Insiders.
What is Niacinamide and What Does It Do for Your Skin?
Niacinamide, also known as nicotinamide, is a form of Vitamin B3.
It is a versatile and powerful ingredient found in a wide range of skincare products. Unlike glycolic acid, which focuses primarily on exfoliation, niacinamide offers multiple benefits for skin health.
Some of its key benefits include:
Hydration: Niacinamide is a humectant, meaning it draws moisture into the skin and helps to lock it in, improving skin hydration.
Oil Control: Niacinamide helps regulate sebum production, making it ideal for those with oily or acne-prone skin.
Skin Barrier Support: It strengthens the skin’s barrier, which helps the skin retain moisture and defend itself against environmental aggressors, such as pollution and UV rays.
Brightening: Niacinamide helps to reduce the overproduction of melanin, which can improve the appearance of dark spots, hyperpigmentation, and uneven skin tone.
Niacinamide is a well-loved ingredient in skincare because it works for almost every skin type, from dry to oily, and addresses a wide variety of concerns.
Want to learn more about how niacinamide can transform your skin? Check out our in-depth guide on the ingredient.
Does Glycolic Acid Go Before Niacinamide?
The simple answer is yes, glycolic acid generally should go before niacinamide in your skincare routine. However, there are some nuances to consider when layering these two powerful ingredients.
As a general rule, when building your skincare routine, you should start with the thinnest products and work your way up to the thicker, more emollient ones.
Glycolic acid is typically applied in the form of a toner or serum, which tends to be lighter and thinner than niacinamide-based products. This means that glycolic acid should be applied first.
Glycolic acid works by exfoliating the skin, so applying it first helps to remove the layer of dead skin cells, allowing the subsequent products, including niacinamide, to be absorbed more effectively.
This ensures that the benefits of both ingredients are maximized.
However, it’s important to allow enough time between applications. After applying glycolic acid, give your skin about 15-30 minutes to rebalance its pH level before applying niacinamide.
If you layer these ingredients too quickly without allowing the skin to recover, it can cause irritation or reduce their effectiveness.
Can You Layer Glycolic Acid and Niacinamide Together?
While glycolic acid and niacinamide can generally be used together in your skincare routine, caution is necessary when layering them.
The main concern with combining these two ingredients is that they work at different pH levels.
Glycolic acid is acidic, and applying it before niacinamide can potentially cause irritation, redness, or other unwanted reactions, particularly for those with sensitive skin.
That said, if you’re determined to incorporate both into your routine, ensure that you’re using them in the correct order and allowing sufficient time between applications.
You could also consider using them on alternating days to avoid any potential issues.
What Can You Use After a Glycolic Acid Toner?
After applying a glycolic acid toner, it’s essential to follow up with a hydrating product to counterbalance the exfoliating effects of the acid.
Glycolic acid, while highly effective at exfoliating, can sometimes leave the skin feeling dry or irritated, especially if your skin has a lower tolerance to AHAs.
A serum or moisturizer containing ingredients like hyaluronic acid can help replenish moisture and strengthen the skin’s barrier.
Hyaluronic acid is known for its ability to attract water into the skin, helping to keep the complexion hydrated and plump.
To protect your skin further, it’s important to finish your routine with a broad-spectrum sunscreen. Exfoliating with glycolic acid can make your skin more sensitive to UV rays, so a sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher will help protect your skin from further damage.
What Should You Not Use with Glycolic Acid?
While glycolic acid is a fantastic ingredient for exfoliating the skin, there are some ingredients that may not play well with it.
When layering skincare products, it’s crucial to understand the potential interactions between different actives.
Here’s what to keep in mind:
Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid): Both glycolic acid and vitamin C are potent ingredients. When used together, they can cause irritation, especially for sensitive skin types.
It’s best to use them at different times of day (e.g., vitamin C in the morning, glycolic acid at night).
Retinol/Retinoids: Combining glycolic acid and retinol can cause dryness, redness, or peeling. Again, alternate their use or apply them at different times of the day.
Salicylic Acid: Using glycolic acid and salicylic acid together can be too harsh for the skin. These two ingredients can both exfoliate the skin, so it’s better to use them on separate days.
As long as you’re mindful of the pH levels and timing, glycolic acid can work well with most other skincare ingredients. If in doubt, consider alternating between products to prevent irritation.
Is Niacinamide or Glycolic Acid Better for Your Skin?
Both niacinamide and glycolic acid offer unique benefits for the skin, so determining which is “better” depends on your specific skin goals.
For Exfoliation and Acne: If you’re struggling with clogged pores, blackheads, or acne, glycolic acid will be particularly beneficial due to its exfoliating properties.
For Hyperpigmentation and Skin Texture: Niacinamide is ideal if you’re looking to brighten your skin tone, reduce dark spots, or strengthen your skin’s barrier.
In many cases, the answer is that you can benefit from using both. You can incorporate glycolic acid into your routine to exfoliate and niacinamide to calm and balance your skin.
It’s all about how you layer them and allowing enough time for each product to work.
How Do You Use Niacinamide with Glycolic Acid?
When using both niacinamide and glycolic acid, the key is timing. It’s best to apply glycolic acid first and allow your skin to rest for a while before applying niacinamide.
This approach ensures your skin’s pH has time to rebalance and minimizes the risk of irritation.
As with any new product, it’s wise to perform a patch test before incorporating both ingredients into your routine.
This will help you determine how your skin reacts to these products and if any irritation occurs.
Final Thoughts
So, can you use niacinamide after a glycolic toner? Yes, but with caution.
When used properly and with the right timing, these two ingredients can work together to enhance your skincare routine, giving you smoother, clearer, and more radiant skin.
Remember to be patient, give your skin time to adjust, and always consult with a dermatologist if you’re unsure about incorporating new ingredients into your routine.
