Can niacinamide and salicylic acid be used together? The simple answer is yes. They complement each other well. Being oil soluble, salicylic acid can penetrate deeper into the skin layers, but it can also dehydrate and irritate skin.
The first way is to use them at different times of the day. You can apply your niacinamide in the morning to hydrate your skin for the day. Then apply your salicylic acid product at night for at least thirty minutes before you use your night creams and moisturizers.
While it's safe to use salicylic acid and niacinamide together, Leung advises that it's best not to combine BHAs with other exfoliants or retinol. “Niacinamide is relatively non-irritating when paired with actives, but when we apply ingredients like AHA or BHAs, we need to give the skin the opportunity to use them.
You may wait about 30 minutes after applying salicylic acid, to give your skin the chance to absorb the product and regulate its pH to a more neutral level. Then apply your niacinamide product, knowing that your skin is ready to take it in.
Apply Them on Alternate Mornings or Nights
So, one morning you could apply salicylic acid after cleansing, and the night morning, niacinamide. Or, you could do the same thing at night, depending on what works best with your skincare routine.
AHAs and BHAs, such as glycolic, salicylic, and lactic acids should never be used with Vitamin C. Vitamin C is an acid, too, and is unstable, so the pH balance will be thrown off by layering these ingredients together and might as well be useless.
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.
Can I use salicylic acid and niacinamide everyday? Yes you can, but always ensure you use them correctly to avoid unwanted reactions. You are safe to use both ingredients everyday once you have built a tolerance, especially to the potent BHA, salicylic acid.
For example, applying salicylic acid toner during your morning routine will rid the skin of debris build-up, following this with retinol in your evening routine will leave enough time in between to ensure the pH levels in the skin are rebalanced and prepared to absorb other skincare ingredients.
Rub on any oil-based serums in your skincare routine.
Make sure you use the oil-based products after the Niacinamide 10% Zinc 1% to avoid clogging your pores. Oil-based serums penetrate deep into your skin, keeping it moisturized and hydrated.
"If salicylic acid is an ingredient in your cleanser, it is fine to use it every day." However, if you are using an exfoliant that has salicylic acid in the formula, Dr. Hu advises only using the product three times per week, to avoid over-exfoliating the skin and drying it out.
Luckily for us, yes, niacinamide is perfectly safe to use with salicylic acid due to the fact it contains humectant properties. This allows the ingredient to absorb moisture from the surrounding atmosphere and other product formulas and locking them into the different layers of the skin.
Because salicylic acid is oil-soluble, it penetrates deeper into the skin layers, although it also dehydrates and irritates it. Meanwhile, niacinamide boosts the skin's natural moisture and reduces inflammation.
Salicylic acid is the better option for treating acne, while niacinamide is great for fading scarring and hyperpigmentation. They can both be used together and create a brightening, acne-fighting duo.
Niacinamide improves skin's barrier, repairs past signs of damage, reduces inflammation, that results in fewer pimples. CONTROLS ACNE: 2% Salicylic Acid is intensely exfoliating and controls excess sebum in the pores.
Combining salicylic acid with ingredients such as niacinamide & AHAs works well to clear pores, reduce acne, and control sebum production. This serum contains 2% salicylic acid and 3% niacinamide. Salicylic acid and Niacinamide are an unique combo that works well on pores, blackheads, and whiteheads.
The general rule to apply this type of leave-on exfoliant after cleansing and toning. You would then follow with the rest of your skincare routine. During the day, the last product you apply should always be sunscreen. Salicylic acid is mostly recommended for those with combination to oily or acne-prone skin.
For warts—Repeat one or two times a day as needed for up to 12 weeks, or as directed by your doctor, until wart is removed. For corns and calluses—Repeat one or two times a day as needed for up to 14 days, or as directed by your doctor, until the corn or callus is removed.
Niacinamide is no different. Apply your serum after cleansing (and toning, if you're a fan), and before heavier or oil-based serums, moisturiser and sunscreen. Applying oil-based serums first can impair the efficacy of your niacinamide serum, which will typically be water-based.
“Purging” is another term for breakouts, though there are some differences. Though some people do report experiencing irritation and breakouts after using the ingredient, niacinamide is unlikely to cause purging. That's because it doesn't affect the skin in a way that usually triggers purging.
Salicylic acid and vitamin C are both effective products on their own but, when combined, they can be even more beneficial. Whether you're looking to brighten your skin, reduce the likelihood of blemishes or just help slow down the skin's natural aging process, these ingredients may be just what you're looking for.
Skin purging occurs because of some ingredients that accelerate your body's natural process of getting rid of dead skin cells. Products that contain certain components—including lactic acid, salicylic acid, glycolic acid, and retinoids—are likely the culprits of your acne breakout.
Acne treatments — especially those that contain active ingredients like benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid — are drying and a bit harsh on your skin. If you use too many treatments at the same time, your skin may become irritated, and you may actually suffer more breakouts as a result.
It is considered the best idea to apply niacinamide before salicylic acid. This is because the humectant traits of niacinamide ensure the natural skin barrier contains the correct levels of water. When the skin barrier is moisturised and healthy it can keep itself protected from exposure to free radical damage.