Is it Possible to Combine Glycolic Acid and Niacinamide? If you’re an enthusiast of skincare, chances are you’re well familiar with glycolic acid and niacinamide, two potent ingredients that have become stars in the beauty world. Considering the distinct advantages they each offer for the skin, can they be used together at once?
The answer is yes! In fact, combining glycolic acid and niacinamide can help exfoliate, brighten, and smooth the skin. However, there are some important things to keep in mind when using these two ingredients together.
In this article, we’ll explore whether it’s safe to use glycolic acid with niacinamide and share some tips for getting the most out of these two skincare powerhouses.
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Can I Use Glycolic Acid with Niacinamide?
Absolutely!
Using glycolic acid with niacinamide is a great idea if you want to improve your skin’s texture, reduce inflammation, and even out your skin tone. These two ingredients work in different ways to achieve these goals, but they complement each other very well.
Just remember to apply the glycolic acid first, and then follow up with the niacinamide product. By doing so, you’ll get the maximum benefits from both ingredients.
So, give it a try and see how your skin responds!
What is Glycolic Acid?
Glycolic acid is a type of alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) that is often used in skincare products due to its ability to exfoliate the skin.
It’s derived from sugarcane and is a water-soluble acid that works by breaking down the bonds between dead skin cells. This results in smoother, brighter skin with improved texture.
In addition to its exfoliating properties, glycolic acid can also stimulate collagen production, which can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles over time.
What is Niacinamide?
Niacinamide, also known as vitamin B3, is a water-soluble vitamin that has become very popular in the skincare world.
It has many benefits for the skin, including reducing inflammation, evening out skin tone, and improving the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
One of the great things about niacinamide is that it is suitable for almost all skin types, including sensitive skin. And it’s also known for its ability to strengthen the skin barrier, which can help to prevent moisture loss and protect the skin from environmental stressors.
How to Use Glycolic Acid and Niacinamide for the Best Results
Well, my opinion is that the best way to use glycolic acid and niacinamide together is to start by using a low concentration of glycolic acid (around 5-10%) and apply it to your skin once or twice a week to start. This will allow your skin to gradually get used to the acid and reduce the risk of irritation or sensitivity.
After you’ve applied the glycolic acid, wait a few minutes for it to fully absorb into the skin, and then apply your niacinamide product. Niacinamide can be used more frequently than glycolic acid, so you can use it daily if you like.
Remember to always follow the instructions on the products you’re using, and if you experience any irritation or discomfort, stop using the products and speak to a dermatologist.
Does glycolic acid go before niacinamide?
Absolutely, glycolic acid should be applied before niacinamide for the best results. This is because glycolic acid is an exfoliant that helps to remove dead skin cells, allowing the niacinamide to better penetrate and work its magic on the fresh skin cells. Applying the niacinamide first can actually reduce the effectiveness of the glycolic acid. So, to get the most out of both ingredients, apply the glycolic acid first and give it a few minutes to fully absorb before applying your niacinamide product.
What can you not mix with glycolic acid?
Well, there are some ingredients that you should avoid mixing with glycolic acid to prevent irritation or damage to the skin.
One of these ingredients is retinol, as both glycolic acid and retinol are potent and can be harsh on the skin, so using them together can cause dryness, redness, and peeling. Additionally, you should avoid mixing glycolic acid with other exfoliants like scrubs or other AHAs and BHAs, as this can lead to over-exfoliation and further skin irritation.
What can you not mix with niacinamide?
There are a few ingredients that don’t play nice with niacinamide, and you definitely want to avoid mixing them if you want to get the most out of your skincare routine. First and foremost, you’ll want to avoid using niacinamide with vitamin C, as they can cancel each other out and reduce the effectiveness of both ingredients. You’ll also want to steer clear of using niacinamide with any products that contain retinol or AHAs, as they can be irritating when combined with niacinamide. And if you’re using any products with benzoyl peroxide, you’ll want to keep those away from niacinamide as well, as they can react and cause redness and irritation. Trust me, it’s better to be safe than sorry when it comes to mixing skincare ingredients!
What is the best combination with glycolic acid?
Hyaluronic acid, which can instantly hydrate the skin without causing irritation, is the best combination with glycolic acid. Lactic or malic acid, niacinamide, vitamin C, salicylic acid, and BHAs are all beneficial ingredients to combine with glycolic acid. When combining glycolic acid and vitamin C, it is critical to apply the glycolic acid product first, followed by the vitamin C product.
If you liked this blog article about the question: Can I Use Glycolic Acid with Niacinamide, don’t forget to leave us a comment down below to tell us about your experience with these two ingredients.
