Yes! You absolutely can use niacinamide and hyaluronic acid together. In fact, this combination can offer a double-whammy of skin hydration as well as a number of other benefits.
"If squalane is the main or only active in a face oil, there typically will be no issues mixing it into a routine that contains cosmeceutical-strength skincare," Woodman tells Byrdie. For that reason, squalane, she says, makes a great base for actives like retinol and niacinamide.
Hyaluronic Acid and Squalane work well together. Start off with Hyaluronic Acid to hydrate, followed by Squalane to seal in moisture and maximise retention.
Yes, you can use Hyaluronic Acid and Niacinamide every day, adding them up to your day and night routine.
"While hyaluronic acid pulls in water to hydrate the cells, the squalane serves more to build the moisture barrier and keep the hydration in the skin, as opposed to evaporating," Dr. Turegano shares. "I recommend using a hyaluronic acid serum, then layering the squalane on top of that."
If you are using squalane oil and a thick occlusive moisturizer definitely apply squalane oil first. Because of the molecular structure of the ingredient, you would want it to penetrate the skin with minimal obstruction. Then add your moisturizer over top, only do this if you have really dry and dehydrated skin.
The Ordinary 100% Plant-Derived Squalane locks moisture into your skin, easing any dry patches and helping to prevent and minimise fine lines. Squalane is naturally found in skin, and this oil is an excellent natural moisturiser.
If you decide to layer, it's recommended to start with hyaluronic acid to hydrate skin cells, and then top it up with niacinamide to protect the skin's surface and prevent moisture loss.
Second, avoid anything with harsh ingredients like alcohol and fragrance, or anything with a high acid concentration. “The majority of over-the-counter (OTC) cosmetic creams, lotions, and serums are water based and contain less than 2 percent hyaluronic acid,” Frey explains.
Don't Mix: Niacinamide and vitamin C. Although they're both antioxidants, vitamin C is one ingredient that's not compatible with niacinamide. "Both are very common antioxidants used in a variety of skincare products, but they should not be used one right after the other," says Dr. Marchbein.
Squalane is safe to use every day, in both your day and nighttime routine. If you're using it on its own, it should be applied before your sunscreen in the AM, and as the last step in your PM routine. You can also add it to your moisturizer if you need a hydration boost.
If you have acne-prone or oily skin, using the wrong skin care products can trigger a breakout or worsen blemishes. Squalane, however, is safe for all skin types. It's an excellent alternative if other oils are too heavy or greasy for your skin.
"If squalene was not hydrogenated, it would oxidize when exposed to air and no longer have its benefits," Dr. Garshick explains. In other words, squalane is a more shelf-stable and effective version of squalene, which is why the former is the version that makes it into our skin-care creams, face serums and oils.
Dermatologists recommend squalane oil for all skin types. It can even be used by people who have oily skin as it is lightweight and isn't greasy. This means that it's unlikely to clog the skin's pores and won't cause breakouts.
Niacinamide Serum – As most niacinamide serums are water-based, it's best to apply them after cleansing and toning and before oil-based serums or moisturizers. This way, you ensure the highest possible absorption and effectiveness. Cover your entire face with the serum, but feel free to concentrate on oily areas.
These “can cause an increase in skin cell turnover which can lead to purging—a breakout of spots in areas where you would normally get acne. However, hyaluronic acid does not increase skin cell turnover; it's purely a hydrating skincare ingredient.” In short, hyaluronic acid isn't to blame for any breakouts.
Yup! "Hyaluronic acid is safe and beneficial to use everyday for maintaining skin hydration," says Dr. Russak. You just need to make sure you're applying it correctly.
Can you layer niacinamide and hyaluronic acid? Absolutely! Both niacinamide and hyaluronic acid are hugely hydrating for the skin.
Suggested Usage:
-Apply a few drops to entire face in morning and evening before heavier creams. Precautions: -If topical vitamin C is used as part of skincare, it should be applied at alternate times with this formula in the AM. Otherwise, niacinamide can affect integrity of pure-form vitamin C.
Niacinamide helps build keratin , a type of protein that keeps your skin firm and healthy. Lipid barrier. Niacinamide can help your skin grow a ceramide (lipid) barrier , which can, in turn, helps retain moisture. This is beneficial for all skin types, especially if you have eczema or mature skin.
Hyaluronic acid supplements can help increase skin moisture and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Topical treatments can soothe redness and dermatitis, while injections can make skin appear firmer.
“Squalane is really important because it can greatly help reduce spots and acne scars, since it's essentially a composite of your own skin,” says Lee. Our bodies naturally produce squalane into our twenties, explains Lee, but once that production slows, fine lines start appearing.
Over time, using squalane in skincare can reduce scars, reverse UV damage, lighten freckles and erase skin pigmentation, all while fighting free radicals. 3 On some people it can even be used as a spot treatment.
While hyaluronic acid can't fill in visible acne scars, it can help reduce redness and the visible appearance of acne. In addition, hyaluronic acid can help protect the skin, which is especially helpful for acne-prone skin, as it typically doesn't have a very strong lipid barrier.