I don’t know about you, but some mornings I feel like a mad scientist when I apply my skincare. But that doesn’t mean I won’t continue to use my favorite formulas every day. However, we sometimes encounter some confusion when it comes to optimizing the application of these active ingredients. We at Beauty Insiders have taken some time to answer your questions about mixing and applying various skincare ingredients.
Today we’re discussing whether Niacinamide can be used with Glycolic and Lactic Acid. Here’s a quick summary of each ingredient and their benefits for the skin. If you’re already familiar with this, skip to the next section to learn more about using these powerful things together.
What is Niacinamide?
- A form of Vitamin B3 that can be applied topically to the skin or taken as a dietary supplement.
- Niacinamide has hydrating properties that lock in moisture to the skin, keeping the protective barrier hydrated and strengthened.
- Ability to regulate sebum production, making it a great ingredient for those prone to acne and dehydration.
- Keeps the outer surface of the skin plump and healthy.
For more information on Niacinamide, see our dedicated blog post.
What is Glycolic Acid?
- Derived from sugar cane, glycolic acid is the most popular alpha hydroxy acid (AHA).
- It works on the surface of the skin to remove layers of dead skin cells, debris, bacteria and other environmental influences.
- It improves skin texture, reduces fine lines and wrinkles, and rejuvenates a tired complexion.
- It also stimulates collagen production, making the skin look plump and youthful.
For more information on glycolic acid, see our dedicated blog post.
What is lactic acid?
- It occurs naturally in dairy products such as kefir. However, most lactic acid in skincare is usually produced synthetically.
- It removes the buildup of dead skin cells by breaking down chemical bonds, revealing fresh, vibrant cells underneath.
- Compared to other acids, lactic acid has hydrating properties, which means it moisturizes the skin and strengthens the protective barrier.
- Unlike other AHAs, lactic acid has a very large molecular size, which means it cannot penetrate too deeply into the skin and cause irritation.
For more information on lactic acid, see our dedicated blog post.
Can lactic acid and niacinamide be used together?
Yes, you can, lactic acid and niacinamide are very compatible. This is due to the hydrating properties contained in both. It is believed that the best way to get the benefits of these ingredients is to use lactic acid first and then niacinamide. There are a variety of ways to do this, but here are examples of the most common methods.
- Apply an exfoliating toner rich in lactic acid to your skin, wait 30 minutes, and then apply a serum containing niacinamide.
- Alternate the time of day you use each active ingredient. Use niacinamide in the morning as an antioxidant to protect your skin from harmful free radicals. Apply lactic acid in your evening routine, as lactic acid can increase your skin’s sensitivity to the sun.
- To avoid unwanted side effects, you can alternate between the two ingredients, using lactic acid one day and niacinamide the next.
For more information on using lactic acid and niacinamide together, visit Beauty Insider.
Can glycolic acid be used with niacinamide?
You can, but only if you use them correctly. What I mean by this is that you should remember that the pH levels of these two ingredients are very different. Since glycolic acid has a higher pH and is more acidic, when it meets niacinamide, an imbalance is created, which means that glycolic acid can no longer work at its best. You will also notice some side effects such as redness, itching, flaking of the skin, and irritation.
If you use these ingredients correctly, you will avoid unwanted reactions and reap the fruits of your labor. You can achieve this by waiting 30 minutes between applications, as this gives the skin enough time to rebalance its pH and prepare for the next step in your skincare routine.
Can I use niacinamide in the morning and glycolic acid at night?
Niacinamide is a very effective ingredient to apply to your skin in the morning anyway. This is because it is rich in antioxidant benefits that fight any free radical exposure, such as pollution, UV rays, central heating, and other environmental aggressors. This keeps the skin barrier strong and functioning properly, while ensuring that moisture continues to flow to the surface of the skin.
Many people like to use glycolic acid at night because it removes bacteria, dirt, and debris from the skin. And makeup leftovers. Your skin will be exfoliated without the worry of permanent damage from sun exposure. Combining glycolic acid with a serum containing hyaluronic acid, squalene, and other nourishing ingredients at night will keep your skin looking and feeling great.
Is glycolic acid stronger than lactic acid?
Glycolic acid is stronger than lactic acid due to its molecular size. They are much smaller than the larger molecules in lactic acid, which means they can penetrate deeper into the lower layers of the skin. This is very beneficial for people with oily or blemish-prone skin, as glycolic acid can penetrate deep into the pores and remove excess sebum, bacteria, and dirt. This can be problematic for people with sensitive skin, as glycolic acid can cause irritation, redness, and side effects. Lactic acid is a better choice for sensitive people, as it only works on the outer surface of the skin. It has the added benefit of locking moisture to the surface of the skin, leaving the face plump and hydrated.
