How do Niacinamide and Salicylic Acid work together?
We all know how effective Niacinamide and Salicylic Acid are in treating a variety of skin concerns, but when they are used together, it can often be a little daunting. They struggle to find an effective combination of skin ingredients that work synergistically without causing irritation or reactions. So, with that knowledge, let’s dive into how to use Niacinamide and Salicylic Acid together.
But before we get started, let’s quickly review what these ingredients are and how they work on the skin.
What is Salicylic Acid?
One of the most commonly used BHAs in various skincare formulations, Salicylic Acid is naturally derived from willow bark, but can also be produced synthetically. It is able to penetrate the lipid layer of the skin while clearing away dirt, bacteria, and impurities from the outer surface. Salicylic Acid is known for being oil-soluble, making it a great ingredient for oily and blemish-prone skin.
What is Niacinamide?
Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3 that has similar moisturizing benefits to the popular Hyaluronic Acid. It attracts moisture around the face and locks it into the skin, making it plumper, more supple, and more youthful. It also has the unique benefit of being able to regulate the skin’s natural sebum production.
Can Niacinamide and Salicylic Acid be used together?
You absolutely can! In fact, the combination of these two ingredients is thought to create an effective combo for those who often break out. Salicylic acid clears impurities and clogs from pores, while Niacinamide balances oil levels on the surface of the skin, regulates sebum production (natural oils in the skin), and strengthens the skin barrier by increasing hydration, ensuring that the skin protects itself from damage that can prevent free radicals.
It’s not just those who are prone to skin blemishes who benefit from the combination of these ingredients. Since salicylic acid is a BHA, its oil-soluble nature allows it to penetrate deeper into the pores. If your dermatologist has given you the green light, this is a great way to deep cleanse your skin, as it’s one of the few ingredients that can easily penetrate into the deeper layers of the skin. When combined with Niacinamide, it not only acts as a humectant to provide the skin with much-needed moisture, but it also helps keep the barrier soft and smooth and improves its elasticity.
Should I use Niacinamide or Salicylic Acid first?
When it comes to whether you should use niacinamide or salicylic acid first, it’s thought that using a niacinamide serum keeps the skin barrier fully functioning and repairs signs of damage, allowing the skin to quickly absorb salicylic acid and fight possible signs of skin blemishes. Due to its moisturizing properties, the skin stays fully hydrated, helping to avoid skin irritation.
How to Use Salicylic Acid and Niacinamide?
When you use these ingredients together, you’ll often find them in skincare products you use on a daily basis, such as serums and moisturizers. This is much better for your skin because it means both ingredients stay on the skin longer, allowing this multi-tasking powerhouse to work its magic.
This also means that you need to consider the consistency of the products containing these ingredients, as this will determine when you should use them in your daily routine. The general rule is to apply products from thinnest to thickest, which is cleanser, toner, serum, face oil, moisturizer, and finally sunscreen.
Which is better, niacinamide or salicylic acid?
It can be a little confusing, considering that each ingredient can provide similar skin benefits, but has its own unique properties overall. The most important difference is their mechanism of action. By this I mean how they affect the different layers of the skin. While salicylic acid doesn’t help with hydration, it can remove the barrier of surface dead skin cells that often prevent moisturizers or serums from penetrating and reaching problem areas. In the end, it’s not that one ingredient is better than the other, but rather that the combination actually produces the best skin results.
Can Niacinamide be used with AHA BHAs?
Of course, if you introduce AHAs or BHAs into your routine, you must be wary of using any form of chemical peels as it can dry out the skin. Of course, some AHAs and BHAs can cause more problems than others, with glycolic and salicylic acid being the most effective. It’s always a good idea to do a 24-hour patch test before applying a product all over your skin to avoid unwanted allergic reactions. You must also follow the directions on the packaging as improper use of AHAs and BHAs can lead to flaking, dryness, redness, and skin discomfort.
That’s where Niacinamide can come into play to ensure that the skin remains hydrated and comfortable. With the hydrating properties I’ve already discussed, the skin barrier not only maintains a plump, healthy appearance, but it’s also able to reach its full potential, repairing any damage to the skin and preventing further exposure to harmful free radical damage, such as UV rays, pollution, and other environmental aggressors.
Can I Use Niacinamide Every Day?
Niacinamide can be used not just once a day, but twice a day! Due to its multitasking abilities and the fact that it’s safe for all skin types, using niacinamide twice a day will give you the most hydrated, healthiest, and happiest complexion you’ll ever have. You’ll also find that any products you apply afterward will be better absorbed and results will be seen faster if your skin’s hydration levels are right.
Can I Use Salicylic Acid Every Day?
This depends a lot on your skin type, as salicylic acid tends to cause drying effects on the skin. However, if you’ve properly incorporated this salicylic acid into your routine and built up your skin’s tolerance, using it every day shouldn’t cause any issues.
So now you should have a better understanding of how to use Niacinamide and Salicylic Acid together. If you want to learn more about using these two powerful things in your daily routine, you can read our dedicated blog post.
Don’t forget to follow us on Instagram and if you’re into skincare, check out the latest episode of “The Green Sofa” on our YouTube channel.
