For acne prone or oily people, this hydration “tricks” oil glands into making less oil. Products containing Niacinamide are fantastic to pair with dehydrating ingredients like benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, or retinols to balance the skin.
Yes, you can mix niacinamide with benzoyl peroxide, and in fact, this combination can help improve skin issues such as excessive oiliness, inflammation, and acne, as well as some mild hyperpigmentation.
“AHA, BHA, retinol, and benzoyl peroxide can be mixed with moisturizing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and rosehip oil to get effective results — just ensure you are not using retinol as well as AHA or BHA's during the day," says Graf.
Don't Mix: Benzoyl peroxide with retinol, acne prescription tretinoin with caution. As previously mentioned, benzoyl peroxide and retinol can deactivate one another when used together. While prescription acne treatments can be used with BP, tretinoin requires extra care.
Niacinamide & Acidic Ingredients. It's the same rule as above, just switch retinol for niacinamide. Don't mix niacinamide with acidic skincare ingredients like AHA's/BHA's and vitamin C.
Niacinamide and retinol can be combined in one product, which may be easier and more convenient. But they're also available as separate products. If you're using these ingredients in separate products, it's recommended to apply niacinamide first and to then follow with retinol.
"Niacinamide is uniquely compatible with all products including retinol, peptides, HA, BHAs and AHAs, vitamin C and other antioxidants," Rhea Grous, aesthetics director and founder of La Suite Skincare at Union Square Laser Dermatology, told us. "It's a one-size-fits-all for the entire face, neck and eyes, too!
If you use a product containing benzoyl peroxide, it is best to wait until this product has been fully absorbed before applying a serum and/or moisturiser. Benzoyl peroxide works best when it has the chance to absorb into the skin first. This only takes a few seconds.
These serious side effects are rare and happen in less than 1 in 1,000 people. Stop using benzoyl peroxide if: the skin that you're treating becomes swollen. you get blisters on your skin.
After cleansing and toning, apply the product in a thin layer around the entire affected area of skin. Let the product dry for a few seconds before applying your moisturizer. If you're new to benzoyl peroxide, start with once a day only. Gradually work your way up to morning and night applications.