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.
Products with vitamin C are formulated to be as low as 3 on the scale, which ensures they're effective. So using them with acidic ingredients like glycolic or salicylic acid can alter its pH, which can reduce the effectiveness of your vitamin C.
When combined with other acidic products (AHAs like glyocolic acid or BHAs like salicylic acid), the pH of the vitamin C serum can change causing the overall product to be less effective. So yes, you can use vitamin C and AHAs/BHAs at the same time, but you won't be getting the full benefits of your vitamin C.
Salicylic acid works more effectively when layered with niacinamide. Niacinamide is an antioxidant that reduces inflammation and helps with acne. It's always good to use salicylic acid in a cleanser or a face mask and layer it with niacinamide.
Can you use BHA and vitamin C together? Yes, you can, but only if you use each ingredient properly in your routine.
Is it okay to use salicylic acid every day? While it is okay to use salicylic acid every day, it could cause irritation. Many dermatologists, therefore, recommend using the acid in moderation, beginning by applying it three times a week and working up from there.
"Don't use with exfoliating/filling high-concentrate vitamin C or A products, or other products with BHA and AHA.
So, can you use niacinamide and vitamin C together? The short answer to your question: yes, you can.
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.
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.
1. Use your vitamin C serum first, and let it dry. Since vitamin C is notoriously unstable, you always want to apply it on clean, dry skin. Then "Let vitamin C completely dry prior to placing niacinamide," says Lamm.
To fight the good fight against acne, you may also use salicylic acid, a beta hydroxy acid (BHA) that increases skin cell turnover, to keep pores clear. But on its own, each can dry out the skin, so together they should be combined with caution.
We all have different skin needs and routines, but as a general rule, we recommend incorporating vitamin C into your skincare regime every—or every other—morning. We specify morning, because the antioxidant helps to protect from things like pollution and UV light, which you're typically exposed to throughout the day.
Salicylic acid may be used morning and night. Because it's so gentle, it may also be applied as a midday spot treatment.
Use Salicylic Acid in the morning and Retinol at night. Those with more sensitive skin may need to use these products on alternate days, or reduce Salicylic Acid use to once a week or as and when needed.
Products with salicylic acid can be used either morning or night. When using products with salicylic acid during the day, it is recommended to apply a daily SPF as the last step in your skincare regimen.
Suozzi says it's rare to be allergic to ingredients like retinoids and salicylic acid. But, it's possible that your skin is sensitive to those ingredients, which could cause a reaction.
Yes! Hyaluronic Acid can be combined with Vitamin C products or applied separately as the second layer of defense.
A thick moisturizer with hyaluronic acid would be applied after a vitamin C serum, but a hyaluronic acid serum will come before a face cream with vitamin C in its formula. In the case that you have two separate serums, it still comes down to thickness. Apply whichever is thinner first.
Vitamin C contains anti-inflammatory properties and helps reduce the redness and swelling that comes with acne. The results are more pronounced when you use the vitamin topically. It, therefore, helps improve the appearance of acne wounds. It may help reduce hyperpigmentation.
Is it safe to use both at the same time? Your treatment plan could very well include both salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide at the same time. However, applying both products on the same area of skin — even at different times of day — can increase your risk for excessive drying, redness, and peeling.
You should avoid using Vit. C with benzoyl peroxide, which can oxidize the Vit. C and, therefore, make it less potent. You can still use your benzoyl peroxide products, just not in the same part of your routine as the Vit.
The short answer is yes, both azelaic acid and vitamin C are packed with antioxidant and skin benefiting properties that help to promote an even complexion with fine lines and wrinkles notably reduced.
Now that we know it's a perfectly safe combination, feel free to mix niacinamide and vitamin C to your heart's content. However, if you still feel nervous about combining the two ingredients on your sensitive skin, you can always use niacinamide in the morning and vitamin C at night, or even alternate days.
Can I use niacinamide in the morning and vitamin C at night? Yes, you could use niacinamide in the morning and vitamin C at night. Both ingredients are highly effective and are able to deliver impressive results whenever they are applied to the skin.