How to Mix Salicylic Acid and Niacinamide Together?



So you want to combine salicylic acid and niacinamide? Well, I can't blame you, as both of these ingredients have an impressive array of benefits for the skin. But you can also use them together in daily life without any problem. With that in mind, let's learn more about how to combine salicylic acid and niacinamide. 

Which came first: salicylic acid or niacinamide? 

Using niacinamide before salicylic acid is considered the best idea. This is because the moisturizing properties of Niacinamide ensure that the skin's natural barrier contains the correct moisture levels. 

When the skin barrier is well hydrated and healthy, it protects itself from free radical damage. You'll also find that when skin is properly hydrated, it absorbs other ingredients quickly and efficiently, allowing active ingredients to penetrate deeper into the underlying layers. 

This makes Niacinamide a useful companion to use with Salicylic Acid, as it counteracts the drying effects that often occur when using Salicylic Acid in your skincare routine. 

What can't be applied with Niacinamide? 

It is best to avoid the combination of vitamin C and niacinamide. 

Both ingredients are rich in antioxidants and are extremely beneficial to the skin when used alone. However, when used together, their effectiveness is compromised, rendering them useless and failing to deliver the results they are lauded for. 

However, if you want to use niacinamide and vitamin C at the same time, the only way to do it is to apply it alternately to the skin. For example, if you use vitamin C in your morning routine, you can supplement with niacinamide in your evening routine. This allows enough time between uses to reap the benefits without causing irritation, dryness or skin discomfort. 

Can I use Niacinamide every day? 

Yes, it is possible. Applying Niacinamide to cleansed skin twice daily ensures hydration of the skin barrier and locks in moisture in the lower layers of the skin. 

Hydration and moisture are often the first things your skin loses, which not only leads to dehydration, fine lines and a dull complexion, but when exposed to free radicals like pollution, harsh weather and UV rays, you can also find your skin's barrier weakened. Exposure to radiation Radiation can damage the skin. Signs of skin aging, blemishes, and uneven skin tone and structure are all the result of this skin damage. 

Can salicylic acid be used with niacinamide and alpha-arbutin? 

Yes, you can. Don't let the complicated names of these ingredients confuse you, it's very easy to use them together. When using all three of this potent trio together, I recommend starting with an alpha-arbutin-rich exfoliating toner to slough off dead skin cells. 

Then use niacinamide to plump the skin's surface, and finish with a serum that contains salicylic acid, since niacinamide penetrates deep into pores without causing irritation. Now, if you are wondering what alpha arbutin is, I will briefly explain this powerful benefit. However, if you want to learn more, you can check out our Skin School blog post. 


What is Alpha Arbutin? 

A little-known skin ingredient, but one that definitely shouldn't be taken for granted! Arbutin is usually derived from plants and fruits such as bearberry, blueberry, cranberry and wheat. It works on the outer layer of the skin to fight the signs of hyperpigmentation, reduce the appearance of scars, and prevent the production of melanin, which can cause dark spots to become more pigmented. 

You'll find arbutin in two forms: alpha arbutin and beta arbutin. Compared to alpha-arbutin, which is generally considered too unstable to be used in formulations, alpha-arbutin 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. It's the easiest and most effective way to achieve optimal skin results while moisturizing and keeping your skin's natural barrier at its healthiest. 

Niacinamide is generally considered suitable for all skin types. However, if you've never used it and plan to incorporate this ingredient into your routine, it's best to talk to your doctor or dermatologist first to make sure you and your skin are happy with this new addition. You can also reassure yourself by doing a 24-hour patch test before applying the formula directly to skin. 

Niacinamide or salicylic acid which is better for acne? 

Both of these ingredients are considered beneficial for anyone prone to blemishes and breakouts. Salicylic acid works best because it's oil-soluble and penetrates pores to fight excess sebum, dirt, bacteria, and debris that often lead to breakouts. 

Although Niacinamide works very differently on the skin than the powerful BHA (salicylic acid), it has unique and highly effective properties in fighting acne-prone skin. This property is the ability to regulate sebum production and keep the barrier balanced, replenished and functional. The bonus is, you can use both Niacinamide and Salicylic Acid for a powerful blemish and acne combo. 

Is Niacinamide Bad For Oily Skin? 

Not at all, because, as already mentioned, niacinamide is able to regulate the sebum production of the skin. This helps balance the skin's surface and control sebum production on the skin's surface, making breakouts, pimples and blemishes easier to manage. Often, oily skin types tend to apply very potent and sometimes very aggressive active ingredients to the skin to remove water and oil from the surface. This is where Niacinamide steps in to hydrate and regenerate the skin.

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