Are you also juggling between the do’s and don’ts of mixing skin care ingredients? Among so many available products, it can be a daunting task to decide which combo of ingredients would eliminate your skin woes and give that much-coveted glow and petal-soft skin. Salicylic acid and niacinamide are the superhero ingredients in skin care that target many skin problems. But before you decide to include these power ingredients in your skin care routine, it is good to understand their compatibility. Scientific research studies reveal that pH value of salicylic acid lies between 3 and 4 whereas niacinamide has a pH value of 5 - 7.5. Niacinamide can increase the pH value of salicylic acid if it is applied immediately after salicylic acid. As a result of this, mixing salicylic acid and niacinamide can decrease their effectiveness for skin and also trigger skin irritation and redness. We are here to decode all the confusion about salicylic acid and niacinamide and make it easier for you to perfectly layer them on your face.
Niacinamide
Niacinamide (vitamin B3) is a water-soluble vitamin that offers a wide range of benefits for your skin. It is considered great for all skin types. The major benefits of using niacinamide include skin brightening action, anti-aging properties, and reinforcement of the skin barrier. Niacinamide stimulates the synthesis of the major skin barrier named ceramides. It also helps to refine skin texture by minimizing the appearance of enlarged pores.
Niacinamide is considered an effective ingredient to treat melasma and hyperpigmentation. A research study published in British Journal of Dermatology has demonstrated that topical 5% niacinamide worked greatly to reduce hyperpigmentation and improve skin texture.
Niacinamide visibly decreases fine lines and wrinkles by boosting collagen production and neutralizing free radical damage. It has been observed that niacinamide is a powerful antioxidant that guards your skin against sun damage and other extrinsic factors.
Niacinamide works brilliantly for people having oily and acne-prone skin types. Anti-inflammatory properties help to provide relief in inflammation and redness caused by acne. While sebum regulating properties of niacinamide prevent overproduction of sebum that cause acne formation.
Salicylic acid
Salicylic acid is a Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA). It is the most important ingredient in acne treatment products. The oil-soluble properties of BHA enable its penetration into the pores of your skin to remove dead cells, bacteria, and other impurities.
Anti-inflammatory and anti microbial properties of salicylic help to kill acne bacteria and fix inflammation .Various research studies have confirmed that salicylic acid offers great results to treat acne vulgaris.
Salicylic acid has gentle exfoliating action on the skin which slough off dead cells and encourages cell renewal. Salicylic acid offers anti aging benefits. When used regularly, it helps to prevent whiteheads and blackheads from forming.
If you are dealing with inflammatory acne or have acne prone skin, using skin skincare products with salicylic acid can be beneficial.
How to use salicylic acid with niacinamide?
Your skin can embrace the benefits of both niacinamide and salicylic acid when there is a correct wait time among both. If you want to use both ingredients for your skin, make sure to maintain a gap of 25-30 minutes. Additionally, you can use both ingredients at different times of the day. Whether you decide to use niacinamide or salicylic acid in your morning skin care routine, it is essential to wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen. Above all, before picking your skin care products, it is good to know what your skin actually needs.
P.S.
Clogged pores are considered the biggest enemy of your skin. When your skin pores are congested, they can lead to whiteheads, blackheads, acne, rough skin texture, and dull complexion. Irrespective of your skin type, dermatologists advise using skin care products that do not cause clogging of pores to attain healthy and naturally glowing skin . Using non-comedogenic, sulphates, and paraben-free skin care products is a perfect choice to keep your pores clean and skin breathable.
