Ever wanted to get skincare product recommendations from someone who has tried them all?

It’s okay that you don’t want to take any risks with your skin. But what works for someone else may not work for you. 

The good news is that there are a few skincare ingredients in the market that go along with every skin type and have no possible adverse effects. 

Two of them are Niacinamide and Hyaluronic Acid. 

Plus, you can use them together in your skincare routine. 

What will be the results? 

This article explains it all; keep reading.

What do Niacinamide and Hyaluronic Acid do to your skin?

If skin healing and hydration had other names, it would be Niacinamide and Hyaluronic Acid, respectively! 

Here is a brief introduction to each -

Niacinamide, a type of Vitamin B3

Compared to other active skincare ingredients, Niacinamide penetrates into human skin most effectively.

Meaning it can easily pass through your stratum corneum (the outermost layer of your skin) and deliver its clinical effects. Here is how Niacinamide works on your skin -

• Niacinamide has antioxidant properties that decrease the yellow discolouration of the skin. Oxidation is a natural process which produces Amadori products in our skin. Excess production of Amadori can make the skin yellowish as we age. Niacinamide balances and prevents the overproduction of Amadori in your skin.

• Saves your skin from environmental damage. Niacinamide increases the barrier function of your skin like it adds an extra protective layer, helping your skin to encounter environmental damage.

• Reduces hyperpigmentation. A 2002 study says Niacinamide is an effective skin-lightening agent. The study was conducted on 18 individuals who had mild to moderate hyperpigmentation. They were given a product with 5% Niacinamide. After 4 weeks of usage, the individuals reported decreased hyperpigmentation and increased skin lightness.

Hyaluronic Acid

Hydration, hydration, and hydration! 

That’s all we hear about Hyaluronic Acid (HA). 

But why is it perceived that way? 

That's because Hyaluronic Acid holds water up to 1000 times its weight. 

So when you use a product containing HA, your skin starts retaining water, which makes your skin look hydrated, plump, and glowing. 

Well, this could convince anyone to add HA to their skincare regime. But, hold, there is more. 

A 2012 study says that HA is a key molecule in skin ageing. Along with hydration, HA can slow down intrinsic skin ageing (the natural process of ageing).

This is not a social media claim, several studies say HA decreases wrinkles and improves skin’s overall condition. 

In a 2017 study, 60 individuals were enrolled and were given a small sample size of HA. After 12 weeks of continuous usage, individuals reported improvements in wrinkles’ appearance. 

Additionally, Hyaluronic Acid…

• Promotes supple skin. Our skin already has HA, which helps in retaining moisture. However, due to environmental damage or other reasons (smoking or alcohol), HA in our skin declines. By applying a topical form of HA, you can help your skin retain more water which can make your skin smoother and radiant.

• Treats facial redness and eczema. A 2011 study says HA significantly improves symptoms of atopic dermatitis. Plus, HA appears to be a safe and effective treatment for managing mild to moderate facial redness, offering faster results and greater user satisfaction. 

What are the advantages of using Niacinamide and Hyaluronic Acid together? 

Not only is using Hyaluronic Acid with Niacinamide safe, but it is also very effective for treating skin concerns like wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, dullness, and sun damage. 

Let me put it this way,

To take care of a garden you need good fertilizer and a consistent water supply. 

Think of Niacinamide as fertilizer, as it promotes healthy cell growth and resilience. Whereas, Hyaluronic Acid is the watering can, promoting essential moisture to keep your skin plump and hydrated. 

Here are some more benefits of using this combination - 

• Improves the barrier function of your skin. Niacinamide stimulates the production of ceramides, enhancing the skin’s barrier function. HA adds water to the skin’s surface which further supports the barrier. As a result, your skin is more protected from environmental damage and the adverse effects of potent skincare ingredients. 

• Reduces signs of ageing. Niacinamide boosts collagen production, and HA retains the moisture in your skin, which plumps the skin and reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. 

• Improves skin’s overall texture. As aforementioned, Niacinamide is an effective skin-lightening agent, which reduces hyperpigmentation. Moreover, HA can enhance the skin’s elasticity, thereby preventing textured skin. A 2018 study says HA hydrates the outer layer of the skin, which makes the skin look hydrated and glowing. 

Does using Niacinamide and Hyaluronic Acid together have any side effects?

No, using Niacinamide and Hyaluronic acid together does not have any side effects. 

However, before using them together, watch out for the ingredient’s concentration. 

It is important to bear in mind that higher concentrations do not specifically call out for enhanced results. The consequences can be unpleasant as well.

If you are using Niacinamide for the first time, try starting with lower concentrations (such as 5%) so that the skin can get the hang of it.

Niacinamide at higher concentrations is not easily accepted by the skin and can cause adverse effects like skin irritation, or itching.

On the other hand, Hyaluronic Acid can easily work with any of the ingredients. Also, being such easygoing, it can work well in watering the layers of the skin at any given concentration as it is mild in nature and occurs naturally in the skin.

How to add Niacinamide and Hyaluronic Acid to your skincare routine?

You can use Niacinamide and Hyaluronic Acid at the same time. Here’s how to effectively add these ingredients to your routine - 

1. Cleanse your face. Start with a gentle cleanser to remove dirt and impurities.

2. Apply Hyaluronic Acid. Apply the product containing HA (creams or serums) to your face while it’s still slightly moist; this will help HA to retain moisture more effectively.

3. Apply Niacinamide. Let HA absorb in your skin, then apply the product containing Niacinamide.

4. Moisturise. End your skincare routine with a moisturiser to lock in the hydration.

5. Sunscreen (AM routine). If you are following this regime during the day, make sure to apply an SPF 50 sunscreen. Doing so will protect your skin from environmental damage and enhance the efficacy of Niacinamide and HA.