The beauty industry is flourishing and has arrived at an advanced version. Everyone is crazy about consulting dermatologists for their suggestions on using active beauty agents; the benefits are countless. But what if you are asked to blend or pair different agents to achieve gleaming and flawless skin swiftly? Would you like to combine niacinamide and hyaluronic acid to adore its benefits?
Niacinamide and hyaluronic acid are two prevalent elements that have gained the attention of beauty lovers in recent years. The ingredients are extolled for the mystic benefits they bring to your skin and improve skin hydration, texture, and complexion. Hence, many people are interested in knowing everything about them.
Are you also busy probing the internet about these two ingredients, and how to use them together? If yes, you are on the right page. Let’s find out all you need to know about the magical combination of niacinamide and hyaluronic acid as briefed by accredited dermatologists.
What is Niacinamide?
Nicotinamide, or say Niacinamide is a superhero ingredient from the Vitamin B3 family. It helps reduce skin pores and fine lines to have an even-toned skin texture. The ingredient also works magically on hyperpigmentation and reduces the production of sebum that leads to acne.
To make it more plausible, here is a quick list of the benefits of Niacinamide.
- Niacinamide balances the redox system in the skin cells and helps the antioxidants through free radicals from the skin to prevent premature aging
- Niacinamide helps in reducing inflammation that leads to eczema, acne, and many other skin conditions
- The increased production of collagen leads to hyperpigmentation, and Niacinamide treats it for brighter skin
- It helps your skin produce ceramide, a lipid barrier, that preserves moisture
- Niacinamide reduces skin pores, dark spots, wrinkles, and fine lines
- Protein is essential to have soft and healthy skin, and Niacinamide aids in making Keratin that provides all these to your skin
- The ingredient keeps your skin safe from the damage caused by the sun and prevents it from fine lines and wrinkles
Apart from all these, Niacinamide adds soothing properties to the skin that cools down any aggravation caused by other skincare products.
What is Hyaluronic Acid?
Hyaluronic acid is a naturally produced form of humectant. Humectants are capable of gathering moisture from environmental factors. They are added to water-based moisturizers, and this property makes them cherished for dehydrated skin.
Hyaluronic acid is remarkably popular for the following abilities:
- The ingredient draws moisture from the environs and binds it to the skin to refill and preserve moisture levels and improves hydration for an agile appearance
- Hyaluronic acid helps in improving the elasticity of the skin and reducing the depth of the wrinkles by providing moisture to the skin
- Hyaluronic acid improves the complete appearance of the skin by giving it a smooth texture and reducing wrinkles and fine lines
- The biological properties carried by Niacinamide are capable of reducing sunburn effects and inflammation helpful in post-sunburn recovery
In short, hyaluronic acid helps in the complete maintenance of the skin and prevents it from sunburn and other environmental stressors.
Niacinamide and Hyaluronic Acid – Can You Use Them Together?
Now that you are aware of both ingredients, let’s come to the point, whether Niacinamide and Hyaluronic acid can be used together.
The answer to this question is a big YES. Both Niacinamide and Hyaluronic acid help the skin with multiple benefits and when one combines them, it provides an all-inclusive approach to skincare. Niacinamide helps in solving issues like hyperpigmentation and excess oil. On the other hand, Hyaluronic acid helps with plumping and hydration effects. Hence, the combination simultaneously treats various skin issues at a time.
This video explains how you can use these two beauty ingredients together:
Here are the magical benefits of using the combination of Niacinamide and Hyaluronic acid.
1. Hydrates your skin
Hyaluronic acid is the primary source of hydration. It collects moisture from the immediate environment adds it to the epidermis and locks it. Niacinamide improves the lipid synthesis on the skin layer and strengthens it to prevent the loss of moisture. When the skin is hydrated, it prevents the skin from various skin issues including inflammation, and soothes the skin.
2. Makes the skin firm and pliant
After a particular age, the skin stops the production of hyaluronic acid, and hence, the skin loses its elasticity. When moisturizers or serums containing hyaluronic acid are used, they stimulate the production of hyaluronic acid and preserve its suppleness. Collagen is an essential protein that maintains the elasticity and tightness of the skin. Niacinamide provides the skin with this protein to increase the collagen levels in the skin and enhance its firmness and elasticity.
3. Resilient skin barrier
Niacinamide and hyaluronic acid carry hydrating properties that create a strong layer on the skin and protect the skin from various damaging effects that arise due to pollution, sun radiation, and many more. Again, Niacinamide is a strong antioxidant that balances the free radicals that degrade the strong layer formed on the skin texture.
4. Eliminates acne
Dermatologists highly recommend using Niacinamide to eliminate acne from the skin. The ingredient balances the production of sebum and reduces skin pores for both oily and dry skin. Hyaluronic acid works in hydrating the skin so that dehydration doesn’t add to the imbalance of sebum and clogged pores. Hence, both are strong ingredients to fight acne.
5. Helps fight premature aging
Niacinamide and hyaluronic acid are popular ingredients in anti-aging creams and serums. They hydrate the skin deeply and add instant flabbiness to the skin. When combined, they reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines on the skin. Thus, they help fight against various signs of premature aging and provide you with a healthy and soft skin tone.
So, isn’t it a fabulous combination for your skin tone?
How to use Niacinamide and Hyaluronic acid together?
There are various methods of using this magical combination in your routine. Let’s learn them.
The first method is by layering different cosmetic products that contain both Niacinamide and Hyaluronic acid. The layering starts with the application of products based on their consistency levels. Firstly, a thinner product is applied followed by a thicker product. Again, the time between the applications depends on the consistency of the products. Hyaluronic acids are lightweight serums and get absorbed quickly. Hence, you can wait for a minute or two before applying Niacinamide creams. If the consistency of the products is similar, wait for the skin to absorb the first product before applying the second one. Also, avoid mixing the ingredients or even diluting them if they are thick and sticky.
For those with a tight schedule or who are looking for a simplified skincare routine, using a moisturizer is highly recommended that includes both Niacinamide and Hyaluronic acid.
You can also use both ingredients at different times. Like applying hyaluronic acid after a shower in the morning and Niacinamide in your night skincare routine.
No matter whatever method you select, it is important to cleanse the skin before the application of Niacinamide and hyaluronic acid products. It is also recommended to go for a patch test before starting with the product to check for any kind of reaction or product allergy. Apart from this, make sure you use the recommended sunscreen thoroughly in your routine.
What are the cons of using Niacinamide and Hyaluronic acid?
Coming to the side effects of this combination, Niacinamide is a permissible ingredient. However, there are chances one might suffer from burning, itching, and redness. Hyaluronic acid naturally occurs in the body. Yet there are mild adverse effects of using hyaluronic fillers.
Again, the user needs to keep an eye on the concentration of the ingredients, particularly hyaluronic acid. If any product has a concentration level higher than ½%, it should be avoided. Make sure to read the skincare product that contains hyaluronic acid in products like lotion, mask, cleanser, and eye cream. If the concentration level is high, it can surely be dangerous for the skin.
So, are these side effects manageable? Certainly. If in case you observe any side effects post using the combination of Niacinamide and hyaluronic acid, here are different ways to manage them.
- Take some cool water and rinse the face using it. This soothes the skin. Pat dry the skin using a soft towel
- Reduce the frequency or concentration of the product use till the skin gets adjusted to the product. Initially start with a minimum amount of the product and slowly increase the quantity, especially for the sensitive skin users
If the side effects prevail for a long time or are unbearable, make sure to consult a dermatologist at the earliest.
Conclusion
Niacinamide and Hyaluronic acid are well-tolerated, compatible, and safe products that can be used daily. Popularly used to observe an effective variance in the appearance of the skin, dermatologists and even users recommend using the ingredients together. However, it is advised to consult a dermatologist to obtain a personalized combination formula of Niacinamide and Hyaluronic acid to obtain maximum benefits including hyperpigmentation and dark spots. So, when are you planning to give this magical formula a try for obtaining hydrated, smooth, and healthier skin?