Can Salicylic Acid be used with Hyaluronic Acid and Niacinamide?
If you’re new to skincare, the idea of applying all three of these popular skincare ingredients might seem pretty daunting. Does using three different powerful ingredients really make that much of a difference to your skin? Can salicylic acid be used with hyaluronic acid and niacinamide? That’s exactly what we’re going to explore today, so stay tuned to learn more.
Can Hyaluronic Acid be used with Salicylic Acid?
Of course, it’s completely safe to use hyaluronic acid and salicylic acid together. While they’re both called acids, they actually work very differently on the skin.
Hyaluronic acid is a highly effective skincare ingredient because of its hydrating properties. The importance of these hydrating properties is that they lock moisture into the skin barrier. When the skin barrier has the right amount of water and oil, this not only gives your complexion an overall healthy appearance, it also allows the skin barrier to protect itself from everyday free radicals, such as pollution, UV rays, and other environmental aggressors. The increase in moisture also means that other very effective ingredients, such as salicylic acid, won’t cause skin irritation, which is sometimes a common side effect.
As for using salicylic acid with hyaluronic acid and niacinamide, the most effective approach is to start with an exfoliating toner containing salicylic acid, then use hyaluronic acid to hydrate and prevent skin irritation, and finally use niacinamide to regulate the skin’s sebum production.
Should I use niacinamide or salicylic acid first?
It is believed that it is best to apply niacinamide to the skin first, followed by salicylic acid. This is because niacinamide works by attracting moisture from the environment and securing it to the surface of the skin. With a moisturized skin barrier, you can offset the dryness or skin irritation that often occurs when using salicylic acid. The popular BHA is very effective and praised for its ability to fight blemishes and acne, but it can cause problems such as dryness and minor irritation, and if overused, it can deprive the skin of important oils that it needs to stay healthy.
When we abuse powerful skin ingredients like salicylic acid, the skin’s natural oils (also known as sebum) are often the first to become unbalanced. Once the surface barrier detects a lack of oil, sebum production automatically begins. If you overuse formulas high in salicylic acid, you can create a vicious cycle of excessively oily skin and frequent breakouts. However, it’s not all doom and gloom, which is exactly why Niacinamide is considered the best teammate for salicylic acid, as it regulates sebum production, thus maintaining harmony and balance on the skin’s surface.
Can Niacinamide be placed on top of Salicylic Acid?
Yes, you can, as long as the formula allows you to apply your skincare products in order. To get the best results from your routine, you should apply the products in order of consistency from thinnest to thickest.
When using Niacinamide over Salicylic Acid, it’s best to use a lightweight serum or exfoliating toner followed by a thick, gel-like serum enriched with Niacinamide. You’ll find that Salicylic Acid removes dead skin cells from the surface of the skin as well as bacteria, dirt, and impurities that, if left behind, can penetrate into the lower layers of the skin and clog the pores. Subsequent application of Niacinamide will hydrate the skin barrier.
Which is better, Salicylic Acid or Hyaluronic Acid?
Both ingredients offer a unique set of skin benefits. Since Hyaluronic Acid is suitable for all skin types, everyone can easily incorporate it into their daily routine. As for salicylic acid, this powerhouse is too harsh for those with dry and sensitive skin types and should be avoided altogether when using BHAs.
Here’s more information on what you can expect when using these ingredients.
Benefits of Salicylic Acid for Skin
It removes the layer of dead skin cells on the surface of the skin.
Is oil-soluble, i.e. H. It reaches the lower layers of the skin and opens up the pores.
Rejuvenates dull complexions and gives them a radiant glow
Reduces the appearance of acne, pimples and spots
Restores skin health and balance
Skincare Benefits of Hyaluronic Acid
Contains moisturizing properties to ensure skin is continuously hydrated.
Makes skin soft, supple and gives it youthful elasticity
Reduces signs of fine lines and wrinkles
Fights signs of discoloration and hyperpigmentation
Strengthens the skin’s lipid barrier and helps it stay healthy
The best thing about hyaluronic acid and salicylic acid is that you can use both together to get the best skin results. If you want to learn more, check out our blog post on applying hyaluronic acid and salicylic acid in layers.
What should you use after salicylic acid?
Any form of hydrating skin ingredients, such as hyaluronic acid or niacinamide. By using these hydrating and nourishing ingredients, you can eliminate any signs of dryness or irritation. For more information on salicylic acid and its skincare benefits, check out this detailed blog on The Beauty Insiders.
Do I need to rinse off salicylic acid?
Not necessarily, and a lot of it depends on the formula that the salicylic acid is mixed with. For example, using a cleanser or face wash with BHA will rinse it off, unlike a serum or skin treatment, as these blends will remain on the skin.
This is an important factor to consider when using salicylic acid if you are looking to introduce it into your daily routine for the first time. When you choose a rinse-off formula, you can give your skin some of the benefits without drying it out and causing irritation, dryness, or an allergic reaction.
Below is more information on using these three powerful ingredients together. If you have any questions, feel free to visit me on Procoal’s Instagram.
