How do you layer salicylic acid and niacinamide?
So you want to layer salicylic acid and niacinamide? I can’t blame you, as both ingredients have an impressive array of benefits for the skin. On top of that, you can easily use them together in your daily routine. With that in mind, let’s take a closer look at how to layer salicylic acid and niacinamide.
Before we get started: If you want to learn more about what these ingredients do for your skin, you can check out our dedicated blog post.
What is niacinamide and what does it do for your skin?
What is salicylic acid? What does it do for your skin?
Which came first, salicylic acid or niacinamide?
Using niacinamide before salicylic acid is considered the best idea. This is because niacinamide’s moisturizing properties ensure that the skin’s natural barrier contains the right amount of water. When the skin barrier is well-hydrated and healthy, it can protect itself from free radical damage. You’ll also find that when the skin is properly hydrated, it can absorb other ingredients quickly and effectively, ensuring that active ingredients penetrate deeper into the underlying layers. This makes niacinamide a useful teammate when combined with salicylic acid, as it can counteract the drying effects that often occur when using salicylic acid in your skincare routine.
What Not to Layer with Niacinamide?
It’s best not to mix Vitamin C with Niacinamide. Both ingredients are rich in antioxidants and are very beneficial to the skin when used alone. However, when used together, their effectiveness is compromised, becoming useless and failing to deliver the results they are lauded for.
If you want to use both Niacinamide and Vitamin C, though, you can, just alternate between applying them to your skin. For example, if you use Vitamin C in your morning routine, you can alternate it with Niacinamide in your evening routine. This allows enough time between uses to benefit from the effects without causing your skin to become irritated, dry or uncomfortable.
Can I use Niacinamide daily?
Yes, you can. Using Niacinamide twice a day to cleanse and clear your skin will help to replenish the skin barrier and lock moisture into the underlying layers of the skin.
Moisture and hydration are often the first to be lost from the skin, which not only leads to hydration wrinkles and a dull complexion, but you’ll also find that any exposure to free radicals, such as pollution, harsh climates and UV rays, can damage the skin because the skin barrier is weakened. Signs of aging, blemishes, uneven skin tone and texture are all a result of this skin damage.
Can Salicylic Acid be used with Niacinamide and Alpha-Arbutin?
Yes, you can. Don’t be fooled by the complicated names of these ingredients, it’s very easy to use them together.
When using this powerful trio together, I recommend using an exfoliating toner with Alpha Arbutin first to remove dead skin cells. Then apply Niacinamide to plump up the surface of the skin, and as a final step use a Salicylic Acid Serum, which, thanks to the Niacinamide, can penetrate deep into the pores without worrying about irritation.
Now, if you’re wondering what Alpha Arbutin is, I’ll briefly explain this powerful benefit, but if you want to learn more, you can read our Skin School blog post.
What is Alpha Arbutin?
One of the lesser-known skin ingredients, but one that definitely shouldn’t be taken for granted! Arbutin is typically derived from plants and fruits like bearberry, blueberry, cranberry, and wheat. It works on the outer layer of the skin to fight signs of hyperpigmentation, reduce the appearance of scars, and prevent the production of melanin, which makes dark spots more pigmented.
You’ll find arbutin in two forms: alpha arbutin and beta arbutin. The latter is often considered too unstable and therefore not used in formulas compared to alpha-arbutin, which is actually completely safe for all skin types.
Should Niacinamide be used in the morning or at night?
Ideally, you should use niacinamide twice a day, morning and night. This is the easiest and most effective way to achieve the best skin results while staying natural and keeping your skin barrier hydrated and in its healthiest state.
Niacinamide is generally considered suitable for all skin types, but if you haven’t used it before and plan to introduce this ingredient into your routine, you should first consult with a doctor or dermatologist to make sure you and your skin are comfortable with this new supplement. You can also do a 24-hour patch test before applying a formula directly to your skin to alleviate any concerns.
Which is better for acne, niacinamide or salicylic acid?
Both ingredients are considered beneficial for anyone who is prone to blemishes and rashes. Salicylic acid is the most effective because it is oil-soluble and can penetrate the pores to fight excess sebum, dirt, bacteria, and buildup that often cause blemishes.
Although Niacinamide works on the skin very differently than a stronger BHA, salicylic acid has a unique and extremely effective property in fighting acne-prone skin. This property is its ability to regulate sebum production, keeping the barrier balanced, replenished, and functioning properly. The good thing is that you can use Niacinamide and Salicylic Acid together for a powerful combination in fighting blemishes and acne.
Is Niacinamide Bad for Oily Skin?
Not at all, as I have already mentioned, Niacinamide regulates the skin’s sebum production. This helps control oil production on the surface of the skin, making zits, acne, and blemishes more manageable, thus keeping the surface of the skin balanced. Oily skin types are often inclined to use very powerful and sometimes very aggressive active ingredients on the skin to strip away surface water and oil. This is where Niacinamide comes into play and replenishes and regenerates the skin.
I hope this clears up some of the confusion around the use of salicylic acid and niacinamide in laying hens. Don’t forget you can find me on the Procoal Instagram account so give us a follow.
