Several skincare ingredients have built a reputation in the past years as “star ingredients” that people love using in their skincare routine. Hyaluronic acid and niacinamide are among them.
This article answers the popular question of whether hyaluronic acid and niacinamide can be used together and what benefits to expect from the combination.
Can You Use Hyaluronic Acid and Niacinamide Together?
In short, hyaluronic acid and niacinamide CAN be used together. Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a safe, sugar compound naturally occurring in our body with powerful skin moisturizing capability. Niacinamide is a form of dietary vitamin B3, which helps to build a stronger skin barrier. Both compounds are water-based and can be paired without disrupting each other’s effects.
What Are the Benefits of Using Hyaluronic Acid and Niacinamide Together?
Skin professionals praise hyaluronic acid and niacinamide for their multiple functions in improving skin health. You can expect the following benefits when using these two ingredients in your skincare regimen.
1. Enhanced Hydration
Hyaluronic acid is a hydration powerhouse, drawing moisture from the surrounding environment into the epidermis and locking it in. Niacinamide enhances lipid synthesis in the top skin layer, strengthening its barrier and preventing moisture loss. Increased hydration helps with a host of skin issues, including fighting inflammation and plumping and smoothing the skin.
2. Stronger Skin Barrier
The hydrating properties of hyaluronic acid and niacinamide build a stronger top skin layer. Niacinamide is also a potent antioxidant that neutralizes free radicals, which degrade barrier function. A stronger skin barrier helps reduce the damaging effects of sun radiation, pollution, and other factors contributing to skin aging.
3. Firmer, More Elastic Skin
With the loss of hyaluronic acid, the skin loses elasticity. Serums and moisturizers with HA help stimulate hyaluronic acid production to preserve suppleness. Collagen is an important factor in maintaining tight and elastic skin. It is the main skin-building protein, which degrades with time. Studies have shown that niacinamide increases the expression of collagen and elastin to improve skin elasticity and firmness.
Note: Learn about 25 tips and treatments to increase skin elasticity.
4. Decreased Acne
Niacinamide is highly regarded as an ingredient that helps reduce acne. It balances sebum production and minimizes pores, making it suitable for dry and oily skin. Since dehydrated skin can lead to clogged pores, an imbalance in sebum production, and acne, hyaluronic acid is a welcome addition to acne-fighting skin care.
Note: If you have oily, acne-prone skin, learn which products may help.
5. Reduced Fine Lines and Wrinkles
Niacinamide and hyaluronic acid are often found in anti-aging serums and creams. Hyaluronic acid deeply hydrates and instantly plumps the skin, while niacinamide enhances collagen production. Together they decrease the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and help improve other premature aging signs.
How to Use Hyaluronic Acid and Niacinamide Together?
You can use hyaluronic acid and niacinamide in your skincare routine in several ways. One is to layer different cosmetic products containing these ingredients. The basic principle of layering is to apply the products in order based on their consistency: first apply the thinner and then the thicker product. For example, use a hyaluronic acid serum first and then a serum or cream with niacinamide.
If you want to simplify your skincare routine and reduce the number of layering steps, use a moisturizer that contains both niacinamide and HA.
Finally, you can use the ingredients at different times. Apply hyaluronic acid in the morning and niacinamide at night.
Thoroughly cleanse the skin before applying other products and remember to use broad-spectrum sunscreen as the final step in your daytime routine.
Note: Read our ultimate skincare guide to learn about your skin type and how to treat it.
How Long to Wait Between Hyaluronic Acid and Niacinamide?
The time between cosmetic product layers depends on the products’ consistency. Hyaluronic acid serums are usually lightweight and absorb quickly, so you don’t need to wait longer than a minute or two to apply a niacinamide cream.
If both products are thick or sticky, wait until the skin absorbs the first layer to avoid mixing and diluting the products.
Can I Use Hyaluronic Acid with Niacinamide Every Day?
Yes, hyaluronic acid and niacinamide are compatible, well-tolerated, and safe to use daily. In rare cases, niacinamide may cause irritation if used in high concentrations. Remember to patch-test the products first to minimize potential side effects. If you notice adverse reactions, continue using only one product (HA or niacinamide) to establish which product is causing irritations, and consult your dermatologist.
Conclusion
Hyaluronic acid and niacinamide are well-known as potent ingredients that can make a difference in our skin’s appearance. User experience shows they are even more effective when used together.
If you need help choosing products with the right active ingredients for your skin type and concerns, contact our skin professionals at Vibrant Skin Bar. They will recommend the best skincare strategy for you.
