How to Layer Hyaluronic Acid and Niacinamide
The beauty industry is constantly changing, with a new ingredient, formula, or treatment to try every week. We are often dazzled by the choices and often overwhelmed by all the exciting new products. However, there are a few iconic ingredients that have earned a reputation for delivering the best results no matter how they are formulated. These ingredients are Hyaluronic Acid and Niacinamide. Maybe you have heard of them, and you may already be using them! But the question is whether you can use them together and how to best layer them when using them in your skincare routine. So let’s not hesitate to learn more about these moisturizing ingredients.
Can Hyaluronic Acid Be Used Together with Niacinamide?
Of course, both ingredients are easy to use, suitable for all skin types, and can provide similar but impressive results.
Niacinamide
Also known as Vitamin B3, this superhero ingredient regulates sebum production (the natural oil in the skin), helping to control acne or breakout issues. You will also find that this ingredient is effective in minimizing the appearance of pores and reducing signs of hyperpigmentation and dark spots.
Hyaluronic Acid
The main benefit of hyaluronic acid is its hydrating properties, i.e. it attracts and locks in moisture to the skin to combat areas of dryness and dehydration. This allows it to work continuously to keep your skin feeling comfortable, plump, and bouncy all day long.
By combining these ingredients, you’ll find your skin is hydrated, moisturized, and feels as healthy as it can be. Since the skin’s protective barrier contains just the right amount of water, it can fight free radical damage and quickly and effectively absorb any skincare products you put on it. Don’t forget, you can learn more about this in our blog post on using hyaluronic acid and niacinamide together.
What can I apply niacinamide on?
Fortunately, there aren’t many skincare ingredients that niacinamide can’t stack with. Vitamin C is the only ingredient to avoid, as the two ingredients have similar benefits and will end up competing with each other. With its conditioning and hydrating properties, you’ll keep your skin hydrated and feeling great. However, if your skin is particularly sensitive and you’ve found that using chemical peels like lactic and glycolic acid can cause skin irritation and redness, I can offer you some options that will help you get the benefits of your skin care routine without any of the unwanted side effects.
Use niacinamide in the morning after cleansing and toning, and before applying your daily sunscreen, especially if you’re pressed for time. They prepare the skin for the day and provide it with enough hydration to protect itself and stay healthy.
You can also apply niacinamide on other nights while you get your beauty sleep to repair and restore the skin.
Finally, there is no rulebook when it comes to layering niacinamide, and that’s because you need to consider the formula that the ingredient is in, which will determine where it’s applied in your skincare routine.
As I mentioned before, niacinamide is easy to add to your daily routine, although you certainly need to consult with your doctor or dermatologist and do a 24-hour patch test to make sure the formula and ingredients are right for you and your skin type.
In what order should I apply niacinamide?
This depends on the consistency of the product that the niacinamide is formulated with. Remember to apply your skincare products from thinnest to thickest layers, as this prevents thin products like serums from being able to penetrate the physical barrier of moisturizers or oils.
The highest levels of niacinamide are usually found in products like serums, face oils, and moisturizers. This also helps you retain moisture in your skin and forms a protective barrier over your skin, ensuring that all products and active ingredients can treat the underlying skin without interference.
You will also notice that your skin is soothed and any possible irritation or reaction is reduced, especially when you use retinol or other active ingredients, which help balance your skin and keep it healthy and happy.
Which one is better, Hyaluronic Acid or Niacinamide?
Both ingredients act as humectants, i.e. they provide the right amount of water to the skin’s protective barrier, ensuring that it is not damaged. Although they are similar, there are subtle differences that should be taken into account when using them. What I mean is that if your skin type is oily, then Niacinamide may be a good choice for you because it can effectively regulate the sebum production of the skin. For dehydrated or dry skin, Hyaluronic Acid helps retain moisture and keep the skin plump.
If you ask me for advice, I would use both, hydrating with Hyaluronic Acid first and then toning and balancing the skin with Niacinamide. Your skin will definitely love it!
Can I use Niacinamide every day?
Yes, you can, as long as you don’t use a Vitamin C serum in your daily routine. This is because both ingredients work similarly on the skin and can compete with each other and cause minor skin redness. If you want to use Vitamin C and Niacinamide in your daily routine, you can alternate between them in your morning routine or use Niacinamide at night to repair skin damage caused throughout the day.
I hope this gives you a better understanding of how these moisturizing ingredients work together and how to best apply them to your skin. While both ingredients are gentle on the skin, I recommend consulting a doctor or healthcare professional before applying to your face, especially if this is your first time using Niacinamide and Hyaluronic Acid in your skincare routine. Visit our Instagram and join the skin chat!
