Lets Understand How Can Niacinamide and Salicylic Acid be Used Together?

What is Salicylic Acid? How Does it Benefit Skin?

Salicylic acid, a Beta-Hydroxy Acid (BHA), is known for treating acne-prone skin. Its lipid—or fat-soluble properties allow it to penetrate deeply into the pores, helping diffuse the excessive sebum and dead skin cells that clog pores and cause acne.

Salicylic acid reduces the excessive production of prostaglandins that cause redness, swelling, and pain in the skin. Salicylic acid also has anti-microbial properties, which prevents microorganisms from settling on your face. All of these features collectively make it an extremely effective solution for acne treatment including blackheads, whiteheads, and pimples.

Besides acne control, salicylic acid is used as exfoliant, facilitating the removal of dead skin cells on the skin. This contributes to reducing dullness and leads to a smoother, brighter complexion.

What is Niacinamide and How Does it Support Healthy Skin?

Niacinamide or vitamin B3, strengthens the skin barrier protecting it from external microbial surroundings which leads to acne. Niacinamide constructs the skin barrier by increasing the production of ceramides. NiacinamIde stimulates lipid production which prevents skin from losing its moisture, which eventually hydrates, plump, and makes skin healthier.

Niacinamide works as an anti-inflammatory agent which reduces the effects of acne and rosacea. Niacinamide regulates sebum production and reduces oily skin, pore size and clogged pores that causes acne.

Niacinamide helps brighten skin and reduce hyperpigmentation by minimising transfer of melanosomes from melanocytes to keratinocytes. Niacinamide boosts collagen that leads to improved skin elasticity and reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It provenly improves age spots, fine lines, wrinkles and prolonged dark spots on skin.

Can Salicylic Acid and Niacinamide be Used Together?

Salicylic acid and niacinamide are known as the dynamic duo working wonders on your skin. If you are conflicted between what is better for your skin, do not worry, you can use salicylic acid and niacinamide together in your skincare regimen. The only difference between these two might be that niacinamide is suitable for all skin types whereas salicylic acid might not be beneficial for dry skin due to its effective exfoliant properties. 

They are usually used due to their complementary effects on oiliness, a huge reason behind acne. Niacinamide reduces oil settled on the surface of your skin. while salicylic acid reduces oil production and controls oil within your pores. Niacinamide is known for reduction of the glyceride and fatty acid levels of surface oil.

The combination of niacinamide and salicylic acid covers all four causes; oiliness, clogged pores, bacteria, and inflammation that contribute to acne and also treats increased oil production and reduced collagen; two main causes of enlarged pores. 

Niacinamide and salicylic acid strengthens skin barrier. Strong barrier prevents possible skin irritation from chemical exfoliants like salicylic acid. Neutralised salicylic acid with a pH of 6.5 is equally as effective as salicylic acid with a pH of 3.12 i.e., good for your skin pH(5 to 6) which lessens skin irritation. 

How Can We Use Salicylic Acid and Niacinamide Together 

You can use niacinamide and salicylic acid together in a lot of different ways  but it depends on your type of skin and which product is more suitable for you.

Exfoliating chemicals like Salicylic acid could damage your skin barrier, its best to use it 1-3 times in a week. However, Multi active serum like niacinamide is usually tested for potential skin irritation and is safe for everyday use. 

To use salicylic acid and niacinamide together, it’s important to use them correctly or else chemicals will negatively affect your skin. Here’s a 4 step guide:

1: Cleanse

First begin with a suitable cleanser to get rid of  dirt, oil, and makeup settled on your skin. Choose a cleansing product that complements your skin type without depleting it of its natural moisture content.

2: Apply Salicylic Acid

After cleansing, use a product that contains salicylic acid, like a toner or serum. Evenly apply it over your face, focusing on breakout-prone areas and let the skin completely absorb the product.

3: Apply Niacinamide

Then apply a niacinamide serum. It may reduce any potential irritation caused by the exfoliation and boost moisture in the skin. You can use niacinamide in both morning and night times.

4: Moisturise

Finish by applying a soothing moisturiser that deeply hydrates your skin to lock in all the products and get best results. If you have oily and acne-prone skin try non-comedogenic moisturiser. 

5: Sunscreen (when exposed to UV rays).

In the morning, to protect your skin from harmful uv rays follow up with a 30-50 spf sunscreen. Salicylic acid can make your skin more sensitive to the sun, so it’s crucial to protect it from possible UV damage.

Note: TheGoodFeel offers exclusive products such as TheGoodFeel Glow Bomb and Oh My Skin rich in niacinamide, try layering it with salicylic acid which will enhance skin texture, brighten the tone and reduce oil on the skin.

Tips you should know about using Salicylic Acid and Niacinamide together.

1. Introduce the product slowly to avoid any lethal reactions from chemicals.

2. Always do a patch test before applying the product on your entire face.

3. Be consistent to get the best result as it will gradually improve your skin.

4. Avoid using the product if you experience excessive dryness, rash, irritation or discomfort,

We can use niacinamide and salicylic acid together as serums, it doesn’t really matter which way round you use them. However, avoid mixing them and rather try layering them one at a time. This will help you know if your skin reacts negatively to one of the ingredients and help prevent skin barrier damage. It’s beneficial to introduce niacinamide first as it can help strengthen your skin barrier before chemical exfoliation like salicylic acid. 

Conclusion

As we have already explained how niacinamide and salicylic acid can be used together, it is highly recommended to always be cautious of possible reactions and look out for allergic ingredients in the product.

Including salicylic acid and niacinamide in your skincare regimen maximises the improvement in skin texture which promotes clear, smooth and radiant complexion. For the best results, start out gently, stay consistent, and focus on your skin needs. Niacinamide and salicylic acid can work together as a dynamic duo to help you improve skin health if you take the appropriate approach.