Salicylic acid and niacinamide are two beloved skincare superheroes. These two active ingredients have been making waves in the beauty industry and for a good reason.
You have probably used them separately, but can you use them together? The answer is yes, but you gotta know how to combine them! When combined, they create a powerhouse duo that can transform your complexion.
Layering active ingredients seems like a tricky puzzle to crack. But it doesn’t have to be this way!
In this article, we’ll explore the properties, benefits, and potential side effects of salicylic acid and niacinamide. I will also reveal my comprehensive guide on safely using them together.
Can You Use Salicylic Acid And Niacinamide Together?
Absolutely! Salicylic acid and niacinamide can be a winning combination for your skincare routine. In fact, they complement each other’s benefits, making them a dynamic duo for clear and radiant skin.
If you rely solely on salicylic acid, you might miss out on niacinamide’s beneficial support to strengthen your skin’s barrier.
Salicylic acid, being a chemical exfoliant, can sometimes leave your skin feeling drier, especially when starting the treatment. However, it is still less irritating than glycolic acid due to its higher molecular weight.
By incorporating niacinamide into your routine, you can counteract potential side effects from the acid. Niacinamide enhances your skin’s moisture retention, supports barrier function, and helps reduce redness.
On the other hand, if you only use niacinamide, you may not experience the deep-cleansing effect that salicylic acid offers to your pores.
While niacinamide has shown positive results in addressing mild to moderate acne by reducing oil production, it plays a supportive role rather than directly removing dead skin cells or unclogging sebum.
Introducing salicylic acid into your routine will contribute more to clearing existing breakouts and preventing future acne.
As you may have noticed, there are overlapping benefits between these two ingredients. They control excess oil, improve skin texture, minimize pores, and fade discolorations. However, they work through different pathways.
By incorporating both salicylic acid and niacinamide, you can target these skin concerns in two different ways, maximizing the potential for the best results possible.
Why Do Salicylic Acid And Niacinamide Work Well Together?
Salicylic acid and niacinamide work synergistically to address different aspects of skincare concerns.
While salicylic acid focuses on exfoliation, unclogging pores, and regulating sebum production, niacinamide contributes to hydration, redness reduction, and overall skin health.
Together, they can provide comprehensive treatment for acne, uneven skin texture, and other imperfections.
How To Combine Salicylic Acid And Niacinamide?
Concocting different active ingredients on your skin can prove risky and lead to unwanted skin irritation. That is why there is an optimal way to combine salicylic acid and niacinamide, avoiding adverse effects and reaping all the skin-loving benefits.
When incorporating salicylic acid and niacinamide into your skincare routine, there are several things you should consider:
pH levels
Our skin’s optimal pH levels (a.k.a. where our skin feels the most comfortable) are between 4.5 and 5.5. Salicylic acid (BHA) has an acid pH level of 2.5-4, while niacinamide lies higher on the pH scale, around 4.5-7.
Now, products with lower pH levels tend to absorb better into our skin. That is why we should apply them first and then follow with the higher pH ones. In other words, salicylic acid should precede niacinamide in your skincare routine.Â
Water Or Oil Solubility
Here is another reason why salicylic acid comes first in your routine. Salicylic acid, our beloved BHA, is oil soluble, while niacinamide is water soluble. This means salicylic acid is best for penetrating deep into our skin and doing its magic there.
On the other hand, niacinamide is a more barrier-friendly ingredient, meaning that it lies more superficially and even packs in moisture.
Simply said, combining a water-soluble Niacinamide with an oil-soluble Salicylic acid is a great way to get the best of both ingredients.Â
Consistency
Generally, we prefer to start our beauty routine with a thinner/ lighter consistency and then finish off with thicker products.
That is why lighter consistencies tend to dissipate better into our skin, while thicker ones tend to lie on top of it and work as a barrier that prevents contact with the environment and minimizes water loss. For example, go for a BHA with a thinner, more watery consistency and a niacinamide product on the creamy side.
Keep in mind that the overapplication of actives, like BHAs or AHA, can lead to skin sensitivity, a disrupted skin barrier, and many other problems, so incorporate these products into your routine with care.
Be Careful With Mixing Salicylic Acid And Niacinamide Together
Combining salicylic acid and niacinamide can impact the effectiveness of niacinamide itself. Typically, niacinamide has a neutral pH, but under acidic conditions, it can convert into niacin, another form of vitamin B3.
Niacin is known for causing the “niacin flush,” characterized by temporary episodes of hot, red, and flushed skin due to the release of prostaglandin D2. Similarly, when salicylic acid and niacinamide are used together, it can trigger the niacin flush.
Fortunately, the flush is only temporary. However, based on my personal experience, it can last for a couple of hours, and it’s challenging to cover up with makeup.
This occurrence may explain why some individuals believe they are having a “reaction” to salicylic acid, niacinamide, or both. It could simply be a result of applying them too closely together in your skincare routine.
What Is Salicylic Acid?
Let’s begin with salicylic acid, a beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) derived from the willow bark and wintergreen leaves or created synthetically.
This versatile ingredient is renowned for treating mild to moderate acne, making it a favorite for my acne-prone babes out there!
What you didn’t know is that salicylic acid can work wonders for other skin conditions, like psoriasis, calluses, and corns.
How Does Salicylic Acid Work?
Salicylic acid has an oil-soluble formula that allows it to penetrate deep into the pores and provide deep exfoliation that helps the skin to open up clogged pores so that dirt doesn’t get stuck. On top of that, salicylic acid also has bacteria-killing effects.
It works by shedding dead cells from the skin’s top layer, reducing redness and inflammation, and regulating sebum production.
What Are The Benefits Of Salicylic Acid For The Skin?
Salicylic acid is a versatile ingredient with multiple benefits for different skin types.
Its keratolytic properties make it a potent exfoliant that effectively removes dead skin cells and unclogs pores, preventing the formation of pimples and promoting faster healing.
Salicylic acid’s anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties combat acne-causing bacteria, reducing redness and swelling. It can even reduce the incidence of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.Â
It also regulates sebum production, which helps control oiliness and prevents future breakouts. Prolonged use can help reduce overall blemishes, improve skin tone and texture, and combat existing acne.
Another advantage of salicylic acid is its ability to enhance the penetration of other skincare ingredients, maximizing their effectiveness.
With regular use, salicylic acid improves skin texture, reduces blackheads and whiteheads, and promotes a more refined complexion.
Who Benefits The Most From Salicylic Acid?
Salicylic acid is especially beneficial for oily skin and acne-prone skin types, as it controls sebum production and combats breakouts.
However, even those with dry skin can enjoy the benefits of salicylic acid when used in lower concentrations and accompanied by appropriate moisturization.
Potential Side Effects Of Salicylic Acid
While generally safe, salicylic acid can have side effects such as skin peeling, burning, dryness, or redness, especially at the start of treatment.
Allergic reactions to it are extremely rare, but always introduce new ingredients to your skin with a patch test. Finally, salicylic acid increases sun sensitivity, so make sure to lather up that SPF.
What Is Niacinamide?
Now let’s turn our attention to niacinamide, a true skincare superstar. Niacinamide is a type of vitamin B3 that is also naturally produced by our bodies.
It boasts incredible benefits and is the go-to ingredient for most skin types and conditions.
How Does Niacinamide Work?
Niacinamide is a jack of all trades and in a good way. According to Dr. Sam Bunting, niacinamide increases the production of ceramides, skin-building blocks that trap moisture.
It helps reduce the deposition of melanin on our skin and has anti-inflammatory properties. Niacinamide can also minimize the appearance of pores by keeping the skin clear and regulating oil production.
Niacinamide also helps to repair the skin while also strengthening the protective barrier to prevent further damage and reduces the appearance of uneven skin tone and pigmentation, giving a balanced and clear texture to the skin.
What Are The Benefits Of Niacinamide For The Skin?
Niacinamide boasts a plethora of benefits for your skin. It enhances your skin’s lipid barrier, locking in moisture and making it more hydrated and less sensitive.
It also soothes redness caused by conditions like acne, rosacea, or eczema. It has promising results in treating dark spots, pigmentation, and enhances collagen production (which helps fight wrinkles and fine lines).
Niacinamide’s antioxidant properties protect the skin from environmental damage and aid in its recovery. This ingredient also helps strengthen the skin’s immunity, repairs damaged DNA, and promotes even skin tone.
Who Benefits Most From Niacinamide?
Will you be surprised if I answer almost everyone? Niacinamide is generally well-tolerated by most skin types, including sensitive or dry skin.
Potential Side Effects Of Niacinamide
Niacinamide is generally considered safe for topical use with minimal side effects. However, make sure to not overdo it with the dosage and always perform a patch test before the first use.
Salicylic Acid And Niacinamide: Layering Guide
Fortunately, incorporating salicylic acid and niacinamide into your skincare routine is still possible. Here are the best options to consider:
Opt For A Single Product
While mixing different products containing salicylic acid and niacinamide is not advisable, you can look for a pre-made formula that combines both ingredients. These products are expertly formulated to ensure stability and effectiveness, often with disclosed pH levels.
However, it’s important to note that the potency of such a product may be slightly lower than using individual products. The concentration of active ingredients, including salicylic acid and niacinamide, may be reduced somewhat, and the pH level may not be as acidic.
Despite this trade-off, the convenience of having an all-in-one product might be worthwhile for your skincare routine. Here are some of my favorite products:
- FaceTheory Oil-Free Prebiotic Gel, Salicylic Acid, Niacinamide And Hyaluronic Acid
- Garnier 3.5% Vitamin C, Niacinamide, Salicylic Acid, Brightening And Anti Dark Spot Serum
- SkinFix Acne Away Kit + Salicylic Acid + Azelaic Acid + Niacinamide
Apply Them at Different Times of Day
If you prefer using separate products to maximize results, you can apply salicylic acid and niacinamide at different times of the day. Both ingredients are safe for use during the day or at night, depending on your preference.
Many people find it convenient to use niacinamide serum in the morning because it has a neutral pH that complements moisturizers and sunscreens. You can apply it before your hydrators and sun protection without waiting between layers, as it won’t affect their performance.
On the other hand, salicylic acid should be applied separately from higher-pH products, allowing a 30-minute interval for it to work at its acidic pH level. This waiting period is often easier to incorporate into a nighttime routine. After cleansing, apply salicylic acid to bare skin, then wait 30 minutes before proceeding with hydrating serums or night creams.
Apply Them on Alternate Mornings or Nights
Another approach is to use salicylic acid and niacinamide on alternate mornings or nights. For example, one morning, you can apply salicylic acid after cleansing, and the next morning, use niacinamide. You can also follow the same pattern for nighttime applications based on what suits your skincare routine best.
Remember to consider pH levels when layering other products on top of these ingredients. If the pH difference between two skincare products is greater than 1.0-2.0, it’s recommended to incorporate a 30-minute waiting period.
Apply Them 30 Minutes Apart
If you want to use salicylic acid and niacinamide simultaneously, you can do so by allowing a 30-minute waiting period between them.
Start by applying the acidic product first, which in this case is salicylic acid, to clean, bare skin. Let it absorb and work for 30 minutes. During this waiting period, your skin’s pH will return to its average level (around 5.5).
After 30 minutes, apply niacinamide and any other hydrators or SPF you use. This waiting period helps prevent unwanted conversion to niacin and potential flushing. Your routine could look like this:
- Cleanse your face with a gentle cleanser suitable for your skin type.
- Apply a salicylic acid product, starting with a low concentration and gradually increasing if tolerated.
- Wait for 30 minutes to allow salicylic acid to penetrate the skin.
- Follow with a niacinamide serum or moisturizer.
- Apply a moisturizer to lock in hydration and nourish the skin.
- Finish off with sunscreen to protect your skin from harmful UV rays.
Pro tip: Layering products from thinnest to thickest and adjusting pH levels ensures optimal absorption and effectiveness.
The key is to start with small concentrations of each ingredient to avoid overwhelming your skin. Then, you can gradually increase, always paying attention to your skin’s reactions.
What Should Not Be Mixed With Salicylic Acid And Niacinamide?
There are a few ingredients that aren’t a great success when mixed with both salicylic acid and niacinamide or one out of the two. Avoid the following:
Vitamin C (L-Ascorbic Acid)
Take vitamin C and niacinamide, for example. They’re both antioxidants, which is fantastic for your skin. However, when used together, they can neutralize each other’s powers.
But hey, no need to give up on that gorgeous skin glow and collagen boost that vitamin C brings. Just use them at different times or in separate products, and you’ll keep your skin shining bright.
High Concentration Of Acidic Ingredients
Skincare is all about balance, like a seesaw for your face. Niacinamide has a pH of around 7, which makes it pretty neutral.
Now, if you pair it up with super acidic stuff like glycolic acid, it can lessen its effectiveness. Think of it as trying to balance a feather with a brick – not a great combo for your skin’s harmony.
Essential Oils
Essential oils can be like spicy food for your skin—sometimes, a little kick is exciting, but too much can be uncomfortable. They can be irritating, and – surprise, surprise – they can also interfere with the good ol’ niacinamide.
Benzoyl Peroxide
Benzoyl peroxide is like the DJ who throws the wildest party on your skin. But when it hangs out with niacinamide, things can get a bit chaotic and lead to skin irritation. So, maybe they’re better off partying separately.
Retinol and Alpha Hydroxy/Beta Hydroxy Acids
Retinol, the skincare superstar, needs its space. Mixing it with alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) or beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) can be a recipe for dryness, redness, and irritation.
Just remember, salicylic acid is a BHA, so it falls into this no-mix zone, too. Keep them apart, and your skin will thank you with a smooth, glowing complexion.
Conclusion On Salicylic Acid And Niacinamide
The combination of salicylic acid and niacinamide is a skincare powerhouse that can deliver transformative results for your complexion. These two beloved active ingredients work synergistically to address various skin concerns, making them a dynamic duo for clear and radiant skin.
Salicylic acid, with its exfoliating and pore-clearing properties, is especially beneficial for oily and acne-prone skin types. It effectively removes dead skin cells, unclogs pores, and regulates sebum production.
On the other hand, niacinamide, a versatile vitamin B3 derivative, enhances the skin’s lipid barrier, reduces redness, and promotes hydration. It also helps with dark spots, pigmentation, wrinkles, and fine lines.
Remember to start with small concentrations of each ingredient and monitor your skin’s reaction, gradually increasing as needed. By following these guidelines and customizing your routine, you can safely harness the power of salicylic acid and niacinamide for healthier, more radiant skin.
So go ahead, unlock the potential of this winning combination, and enjoy the benefits of these skincare superheroes working together to transform your complexion. Your skin will thank you for it!
