Can You Use Niacinamide With Hyaluronic Acid? Here’s The Truth!
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Can You Use Niacinamide With Hyaluronic Acid?
With new skincare ingredients and products hitting the market every day, it can be hard to keep up with how you’re supposed to use all of them. There are a lot of ingredients that can enhance the effects of one another, and there are also some that can be harmful when they’re mixed together. And as two super popular ingredients, can niacinamide and hyaluronic acid be used together? Let’s fine out!
One of the most common questions I get is “can you use niacinamide and hyaluronic acid together?” It’s a fair question because you may have seen some rules about Niacinamide and products that you should not use with it.
And when I first got into skincare and found out all about the different ingredients – one of the biggest questions I had was can I use niacinamide with hyaluronic acid. It all seemed so confusing!
So luckily for you, I’ve set out to be your skincare bff. So keep on reading to answer your question – can hyaluronic acid be used with niacinamide?
What Is Hyaluronic Acid
So what does hyaluronic acid do for skin and what are the benefits of using it?
Hyaluronic acid is naturally produced by your body and it’s an essential component needed for collagen production and skin health. As we age, the levels of hyaluronic acid in our skin reduces, which can lead to aging skin, dehydrated skin, texture, acne and more.
Hyaluronic acid is a humectant that can hold 1000 times its weight in water. It helps draw moisture into skin and keep it there, so skin is left plump with tons of lightweight hydration. Hyaluronic Acid can also help with collagen production, which helps with aging skin, fine lines, wrinkles and pore size.
Although it has the word acid in it, hyaluronic acid is not an exfoliant like glycolic acid or salicylic acid. Its main use is for hydrating the skin and is suitable for all skin types. Hyaluronic acid can not only help alleviate dry skin, but it can also help with rough skin texture and even acne. When skin becomes dry and dehydrated, skin cells are not able to shed properly and can lead to clogged pores, texture and acne.
Benefits Of Hyaluronic Acid
- Hydrating – Hyaluronic acid helps to instantly plump the skin and attract water to keep skin hydrated. It helps to prevent epidermal water loss and dehydration/dryness
- Wound Healing – Studies have shown that hyaluronic acid can promote wound healing and tissue repair by reducing inflammation in the skin and it’s also involved in the body’s natural tissue regeneration process
- Smoothing – Hyaluronic acid has also been found to help smooth skin and reduce rough texture
- Anti-aging – HA can instantly plump the skin which smooths out any fine lines and wrinkles. Although it’s temporary, it’s also involved in other anti-aging mechanisms which can help to permanently reduce them
- Collagen Stimulating – Hyaluronic acid isn’t just a great hydrator – it helps to stimulate collagen and elastin production which helps to plump skin, reduce fine lines and wrinkles, prevent sagging and other signs of premature aging
- Can Help Acne – HA is an incredibly powerful anti-inflammatory ingredient, which may mean that it can help indirectly treat acne by reducing inflammation in the skin
- Barrier Strengthening- HA is a key nutrient to healthy skin and a health skin barrier – which means it can help your skin defend itself against any potential pathogens or irritants.
What Is Niacinamide
So what does niacinamide do for the skin and what are the benefits of using it?
Unlike Hyaluronic Acid, Niacinamide has a ton of different skin benefits. It’s truly a do-it-all ingredient that all skin types can use and benefit from. Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3 that has become one of the most popular skincare ingredients.
It’s often used for acne prone skin because it can help with reducing breakouts, redness, oiliness and inflammation. Niacinamide also helps increase ceramides in the skin, which are important for keeping the skin’s protective barrier strong. Niacinamide can also help brighten skin tone and fade acne scars, sun spots and hyperpigmentation. See, I told you there was nothing Niacinamide couldn’t do!
Benefits Of Niacinamide
- Anti-inflammatory – It’s been shown that Niacinamide is an anti-inflammatory agent so it can help to reduce redness, calm irritation and help with inflammatory skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis
- Antioxidant – Niacinamide helps to protect the skin against any kind of free radical damage from UV rays or other factors
- Barrier Strengthening– Niacinamide stimulates the production of ceramides which are a key component to having a healthy skin barrier
- Treats hyperpigmentation – It can help to fade any kind of discoloration from acne scarring, hyperpigmentation, sun spots or anything else
- Pore minimizing- Niacinamide can also help to reduce the appearance of pores by keeping the skin hydrated
- Regulates oil – Niacinamide has been shown to help regulate the skin’s production of oil which means more balanced
- Treats acne – Niacinamide can also help reduce acne thanks to its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties
- Anti-aging – Niacinamide can stimulate collagen production which helps to plump fine lines and wrinkles over time. It can also help to firm the skin over time
- Hydrating – niacinamide has been shown to increase production of ceramides in the skin – this helps to strengthen the skin barrier, lock in hydration and prevent water loss
Niacinamide Vs Hyaluronic Acid
Similarities
- Both help to strengthen the skin barrier
- Both help to stimulate collagen production
- Both have anti-inflammatory properties
- Both are suitable for all skin types (even sensitive skin)
- Both can help to smooth skin texture
Differences
- Hyaluronic acid is more hydrating
- Niacinamide is better for brightening, fading hyperpigmentation and evening out skin tone
- Niacinamide has anti-bacterial properties which can help to treat acne
- Niacinamide has antioxidant properties and hyaluronic acid does not
- Niacinamide can help to balance oil production
- Hyaluronic acid can help to promote wound healing
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Can You Use Niacinamide with Hyaluronic Acid?
Hyaluronic acid and niacinamide have been two of my favorite ingredients for years and years. But when niacinamide first become popular, I was definitely left wondering can I use niacinamide with hyaluronic acid? Layering skincare can be so confusing sometimes.
Which is why I made this post to answer the burning question – can you use niacinamide with hyaluronic acid?
Yes, niacinamide can be used with hyaluronic acid without any issues. You can even mix and layer them together without any irritation or negating the effects of one another.
And the two make quite the skincare pair!
How Do Hyaluronic Acid And Niacinamide Work Together?
Both ingredients will help to keep skin moisturized, smooth, plump and healthy. Niacinamide’s other benefits also add to the anti-aging, brightening and smoothing properties of Hyaluronic Acid.
Hyaluronic Acid and Niacinamide can be used in the same routine, or separate.
For example, you can use Niacinamide in the morning and Hyaluronic Acid at night. Or, you can use Hyaluronic Acid and then apply your Niacinamide right on top!
Although Niacinamide and Hyaluronic Acid can be used by any and all skin types, it’s especially beneficial for those with oily and combination skin because of Niacinamide’s oil control properties and Hyaluronic Acid’s lightweight hydration.
Those with oily and combination skin types still need hydration, so Hyaluronic Acid will plump skin with lightweight moisture without being heavy. While Niacinamide will help reduce pore size, control oil production and speed up healing of acne and acne scarring.
And if you have dry skin, don’t worry, using both Hyaluronic Acid and Niacinamide together can actually increase the effectiveness of each ingredient. So you’ll get some incredible hydration that dry skin needs as well as strengthening of your skin’ moisture barrier.
Related post: Can You Use Hyaluronic Acid With Salicylic Acid?
How To Use Niacinamide With Hyaluronic Acid
Once you heard about the wonders of both niacinamide and hyaluronic acid, you probably were left with the question can I use hyaluronic acid with niacinamide? Should I use hyaluronic acid or niacinamide first? Layering skincare can be so confusing!
So good news, you can use both Niacinamide and Hyaluronic Acid together! But what goes first Hyaluronic Acid or Niacinamide? Let’s find out how to layer these two ingredients properly!
What order you apply these will depend on your product type. You can use a niacinamide and hyaluronic acid serum together. So for example, if you are using of the same types of products (a niacinamide serum and a hyaluronic acid serum) then you will follow the thinnest to thickest rule.
Apply the thinnest serum first, followed by the thicker serum. If you can’t tell if one is thinner/thicker, then you can just apply one right after the other. I personally prefer to always use a hyaluronic acid serum first, that way the extra moisture from the niacinamide serum gets absorbed right away into my skin.
But what about if your products are different types? For example you have a hyaluronic acid moisturizer and a niacinamide serum? Again, you would follow the thinnest to thickest rule. So you would apply the serum and then the moisturizer.
The same goes for if you’re using a toner, essence, emulsion, night cream, sleeping pack etc. When it doubt, just follow the thinnest to thickest rule! It won’t do you wrong.
Related post: Can You Combine Lactic Acid And Niacinamide
How Long To Wait Between Hyaluronic Acid And Niacinamide
If you use both of these ingredients in your skincare routine, you may be wondering how long should I wait to apply niacinamide after hyaluronic acid?
The good news is that there’s no wait time needed and you can apply one right after the other without any issues! Just make sure whatever you applied first has absorbed completely before applying anything else.
Can You Mix Niacinamide With Hyaluronic Acid?
Niacinamide and hyaluronic acid can be mixed together, but it’s probably not the best idea to do, unless it’s specifically recommended by the brand. Although you can layer the ingredients together like a hyaluronic acid serum followed by a niacinamide serum, it’s not always best to mix products like that together.
If you want to simplify your routine, there are many products available that combine hyaluronic acid and niacinamide in one product. For example, a niacinamide and hyaluronic acid moisturizer is perfectly okay to use because it’s formulated with both ingredients.
When To Use Niacinamide And Hyaluronic Acid
Niacinamide and hyaluronic acid are both popular skincare ingredients that can provide a range of benefits for the skin. Here’s how to use them in your skincare routine:
- Niacinamide: Niacinamide is a versatile ingredient that can be used in the morning and/or evening and can be safely used 2x daily. It can help to reduce the appearance of pores, brighten the skin, and improve skin texture. Niacinamide can be applied after cleansing and toning, and before applying any thicker serums or moisturizers. If you’re using other active ingredients in your routine, like retinoids or acids, it’s best to apply niacinamide first to avoid potential irritation.
- Hyaluronic acid: Hyaluronic acid is a hydrating ingredient that can be used in the morning and/or evening and can be safely used 2x daily. It can help to plump and hydrate the skin, reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and improve overall skin texture. Hyaluronic acid should be applied after cleansing and toning, and before applying any heavier serums or moisturizers. It’s important to apply hyaluronic acid to damp skin, as it works by attracting moisture to the skin, so you should apply it immediately after cleansing or spritzing your face with a hydrating mist.
Niacinamide With Hyaluronic Acid FAQ’s
Can I use The Ordinary niacinamide and hyaluronic acid together?
Yes, you can use The Ordinary Niacinamide and Hyaluronic Acid serums together in your skincare routine. In fact, both of these ingredients can complement each other and both help to hydrate the skin and strengthen the skin barrier.
When used together, The Ordinary Niacinamide and Hyaluronic Acid can provide a balanced approach to skincare by helping to regulate oil production while also providing hydration to the skin.
To use them together, you can apply a few drops of Niacinamide onto your skin after cleansing, and then follow up with a few drops of Hyaluronic Acid to lock in moisture. Allow each product to fully absorb into the skin before applying the next step in your routine.
Can you use hyaluronic acid and niacinamide together everyday?
Yes, you can use hyaluronic acid and niacinamide together every day, as long as your skin tolerates both ingredients well. Both hyaluronic acid and niacinamide are considered to be gentle and well-tolerated by most skin types.
You can layer them together daily, or split them up. For example, you could use niacinamide during the day and use hyaluronic acid at night. Or you could layer the two together both morning and night for maximum results.
What can you not mix with niacinamide?
Niacinamide is generally considered a safe and well-tolerated skincare ingredient for most skin types, and it can be used in combination with many other ingredients. However, there are some ingredients that may interact with niacinamide and cause what’s called a niacin flush. This not only lessens the effectiveness of both ingredients, but it also causes your skin to flush and turn a bright red for at least a couple hours.
Generally, you want to avoid using niacinamide with other ingredients with a lower pH. Here are some ingredients you should avoid mixing with niacinamide:
- Vitamin C: Niacinamide and vitamin C are both effective antioxidants and can provide great benefits for the skin, but they should not be used together. When these two ingredients are combined or layered improperly, they both lose their effectiveness and can cause flushing and irritation.
- Acids: Niacinamide should not be used directly after acids like salicylic acid, lactic acid or glycolic acid as they can reduce its effectiveness and cause flushing.
What not to mix with hyaluronic acid?
Luckily, hyaluronic acid is an ingredient that’s really easy to incorporate into your skincare routine and plays well with other ingredients. There’s nothing you can’t mix with hyaluronic acid!
The Best Niacinamide Products
Now that we know we can use hyaluronic acid and niacinamide together, let’s take a look at some of the best Niacinamide products. To get the most benefit from it, you’ll want to use a serum as they have higher concentrations of active ingredients than a moisturizer would.
Naturium Niacinamide Serum 12% Plus Zinc 2%
Pores, pores, pores! We know they’re the bane of your existence. You don’t have to live with enlarged pores any longer. Introducing our new serum that helps reduce the look of enlarged pores and refine skin texture for a more even appearance. It also helps balance excess oil production and purifies congested skin so you can say goodbye to clogged up pores once and for all.
Say hello to clearer looking skin in just one day! This concentrated serum is formulated with pure 12% niacinamide and 2% zinc PCA that will help improve uneven skin tone while visually minimizing the look of your pore size, fine lines or other imperfections on your face. And it doesn’t stop there – this product also contains Zinc which is antibacterial so it helps kill acne causing bacteria while balancing oil production! Whether you want a little bit of help or are looking for something more intense, this has got you covered with this powerful formula that’s been proven time after time to work wonders on oily acne-prone complexions like yours.
The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 2%
Niacinamide, an important ingredient in many skincare products, is known to reduce skin blemishes and congestion. It also supports balanced sebum activity with the addition of zinc in this serum.
A powerful concentration of 10% Niacinamide that has been shown to work effectively without irritation. Although some people with sensitive skin types may benefit from a lesser concentration. And at about 5 bucks, this is incredibly affordable and well formulated to boot.
Good Molecules Niacinamide Serum
Niacinamide Serum from Good Molecules is a lightweight serum that helps to refine skin tone and texture for brighter, healthier-looking complexion. Formulated with 10% Niacinamide (vitamin B3), this vitamin moisturizes the appearance of pores and leaves behind smooth, even skin.
This serum also has Glycerin which acts as a humectant to draw moisture into the skin. Glycerin is lightweight and good for all skin types for added lightweight hydration that won’t clog pores or cause acne.
Paula’s Choice 10% Niacinamide Booster
This concentrated 10% niacinamide serum booster dramatically improves uneven skin tone, refines the appearance of pore size and fine lines. Promotes a brighter, younger-looking appearance while visibly minimizes pores for an even complexion with less visible wrinkles. Easy to use sheer formula goes on smoothly without leaving any oily residue or heavy weight that can interfere with makeup application – it’s perfect for all day wear!
And of course it wouldn’t be a Paula’s Choice product without some added extras! This booster has Vitamin C to help with discoloration, uneven skin tone and hyperpigmentation. Plus Allantoin and Licorice Root helps to reduce redness and calm sensitive skin and irritation.
Glossier Super Pure Niacinamide + Zinc serum
A daily vitamin and mineral duo of 5% Niacinamide for smoother texture, improved clarity with Zinc PCA to balance the complexion and regulate oil production. This lightweight water-gel formula sinks in quickly without any sticky or greasy residue left behind.
This serum has a lesser concentration of Niacinamide, so it’s a good starter serum or for those with sensitive and reactive skin types.
Paula’s Choice 20% Niacinamide Treatment
The time has come for you to say goodbye to your old skin and hello new, youthful looking complexion with the help of Niacinamide serum!
This highly concentrated vitamin B3-based serum effectively tightens pores caused by age or sun damage. It also helps reduce clogged pores, closed comedones and other types of acne. The powerful formula works wonders as it visibly improves blotchy tone while fading post blemish marks left behind after a breakout occurs.
With one of the highest concentrations of Niacinamide, this serum is super powerful – oily, acne prone skin, clogged pores, skin texture and acne scars done stand a chance!
Best Hyaluronic Acid Products
Naturium Quadruple Hyaluronic Acid Serum 5%
Skin-plumping moisturization is now as right at your fingertips, thanks to this revolutionary serum that features four different molecular weights of hyaluronic acid. The low-weight hyaluronic acid penetrates and plumps skin on the surface while the high-weight hyaluronic acid ensures moisture remains locked in for long term hydration. With replenishing essential moisture, you’ll be left with visibly younger looking skin!
If you’re wanting the best hyaluronic acid serum, look no further. With 4 different molecular weights of hyaluronic acid, this serum is powerful and fights aging, strengthens skin’s moisture barrier and so much more. It’s suitable for all skin types and although it’s incredibly hydrating, this serum sinks in with no greasy residue or heavy feeling on the skin.
Paula’s Choice Hyaluronic Acid Booster
This serum will make your skin look smoother, plumper and more supple. This hyaluronic acid booster replenishes moisture content in the outer layer of the skin so skin appears smoother with less fine lines and wrinkles. Revives dehydrated dull skin restoring its natural vibrancy with just one application. Formulated to reduce fine lines & wrinkles while improving hydration levels; this is an essential product for combatting aging signs on dry or oily skins alike. With fluid gel texture visibly plumps up lifeless looking areas like smile lines around eyes, lips as well as deep pores making it perfect under makeup throughout day long wear (works even better if added over moisturizer).
Hyaluronic Acid Booster is a game-changing serum that will help you see visibly smoother, hydrated skin in as little as one use! It contains a special matrix of hydrating ingredients including an advanced form of Hyaluronic acid, Ceramides and Panthenol. The result? Softening fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes—including crow’s feet! Whether using it by itself or adding to your favorite moisturizer or serum – this product delivers on its promise with visible results from first-time usage alone.
The Inkey List Hyaluronic Acid
Hydrated skin is the secret to a youthful and radiant complexion.With this product on hand, you’ll be able to reap all these benefits from just one easy application: – Smooths out wrinkles or fine lines, minimizes pore size and quenches thirsty skin with tons of lightweight moisture.
All that for less than $8 a bottle? Sign me up! Not only is this serum super affordable, but it also has Matrixyl 3000™ peptide which is an incredible anti-aging ingredient and works alongside the hyaluronic acid to plump skin.
No. 7 HydraLuminous Water Concentrate
This innovative product super lightweight (like water) that instantly drenches skin with lightweight hydration. The power ingredient, pure hyaluronic acid, is infused with HydraDrench Complex to infuse skin for an immediate boost of +100% hydration. This moisturizer also contains Pollution Shield Technology which protects sensitive skin from environmental irritants like free radicals. It includes Vitamin C in the antioxidant blend because it can help rejuvenate your complexion as well as protect against UV rays so you will not only look better but healthier too!
This unique formula restores vitality leaving behind moistened supple skin thanks to its powerful ingredients. And as another drugstore hyaluronic acid serum, what’s not to love?
Versed Hydration Station Serum Booster
This lightweight serum booster provides perfect hydration for your skin, whether you’re using it during warmer months or as a refreshing pick-me up. Virtually weightless and quickly absorbing into the surface of your skin, this product also can be used in conjunction with other serums to give yourself an extra dewy look!
With two types of hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid (your body’s natural hydrator that is able to hold 1000 times its weight in water) will hydrate your skin at the surface and deep down. It disappears into skin in a snap so you can use this alone or mix it with other serums for optimal moisturization.
Can You Use Niacinamide And Hyaluronic Acid Together? Wrap Up
Niacinamide and Hyaluronic Acid work well together to help improve skin health. You can layer these two ingredients without waiting in between applications, but always make sure whichever product you applied first is fully absorbed before applying the second. If you’re looking for a more intense formula that’s been proven time after time to work wonders on oily acne-prone complexions like yours, then Naturium Niacinamide Serum 12% Plus Zinc 2% or the Paula’s Choice 20% Niacinamide Booster could be exactly what your skin needs!
It’s safe to say that using Niacinamide with Hyaluronic Acid is perfectly fine! In fact, they work together to help your skin better absorb the ingredients in the product. You can even layer them on top of one another without waiting for the first one to be absorbed completely.
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