Can You Mix AHA and BHA With Niacinamide?

You may have an idea now of what AHAs and BHAs are and how they work on the skin, you may be experienced in layering various skincare ingredients together to gain optimal results. Whichever it may be, there’s no denying it can get a little confusing so today we will be investigating further and finding out if you can mix AHA and BHA with niacinamide.

If you’re reading this and are still unsure what any of these ingredients actually do and how they work on the skin, check out the dedicated blog posts we have on them.

Skincare Benefits of AHAs & BHAs- What are AHAs and BHAs?

How to use Niacinamide on Face

Hopefully now with that quick refresher we can dive right in to finding out whether you can mix AHA and BHA with niacinamide.

Can you mix AHA and BHA with nicinamide?

Yes, you can, but with caution. This is because if the skin has too much exposure to too many exfoliating acids it can lead to the vital oil the skin needs to remain healthy can be stripped away. This will often result in the skin beginning to panic and kick start an overproduction of oil which will often occur with a flare-up in breakouts, blackheads, spots, and all-over oilier complexion. You may also find that the mixture of different pH levels of each ingredient will cause an imbalance of the skin and lead to redness and irritation. To get the optimal results of these acids its thought best to alternate when you use them, for example, leaving the BHA for your evening routine after using the AHA formula for the morning.

As for teaming these acids with niacinamide, you’ll discover with the help of the humectant traits will draw moisture into the skin and lock it into place this ensures the face remains hydrated, plumped, and full of bounce. Niacinamide is an ingredient that is known to work effectively with other products without the worry of causing irritation. Having said that, it’s best to perform a patch test for 24 hours before applying it onto the face to avoid any unwanted side effects.

What can you not mix with niacinamide?

When using niacinamide in your daily skincare routine, you must ensure you avoid using vitamin C. You can use both in your daily routine, just ensure you apply them during separate times of the day. Each ingredient is packed with antioxidants and provide added protection to skin barrier from exposure to free radicals, such as pollution, sun light, harsh climates, and other environmental aggressors. If you layer vitamin C and niacinamide on top of each other, you won’t give your skin a double boost of antioxidant power but will find both ingredients counteract each other rendering them both useless and unable to perform.

You can find out more about this topic on our blog post about what can you not mix with niacinamide.

Can you use BHA and AHA together?

Yes, you can but with caution, this is because it’s easy to get carried away with over-using exfoliating ingredients that can lead to various skin concerns. You are, however, still able to use both types of acids together, you’ll often find that AHAs, such as glycolic acid and lactic acid are able to work on the outer surface of the skin, whilst BHAs work further down into pores unclogging them of dirt, debris, excess sebum, and other impurities that lead to breakouts, such as spots and blackheads.

To gain the most optimal results I would suggest applying a face wash or cleanser enriched in glycolic acid during the beginning of your routine followed with a serum containing salicylic acid. This ensures there’s enough time in between applications to allow the ingredient to penetrate and for the skin to settle.

This is a routine that many find to be very effective and deliver impressive skin results, just ensure you have consulted with a doctor or dermatologist to find the best formula that will work for you and your skin.

What does AHA BHA do?

Both AHAs, also known as Alpha Hydroxy Acids and BHAs, that also go by the name of Beta Hydroxy Acids, are acid that perform chemical exfoliation to the skin surface as well as other impactful benefits.

By sloughing away the build-up of dead skin cells you are preventing the complexion from looking dull, lack lustre, and keeping its clarity by ridding the skin of any bacteria and spot causing imperfections.

The main difference between the group of acids is BHAs are known for having a slightly higher potency as well as being oil soluble, meaning they can penetrate further than AHAs as these tend to work on the outer surface of the skin. Other concerns combated are the likes of hyperpigmentation, dark spots, signs of ageing such as fine lines and wrinkles, and dry areas of skin.

You’ll find that both AHAs and BHAs are formulated into an array of skincare products, from cleansers, toners, serums, face oils, and moisturisers. Whichever product you decide to use in your routine understanding that the potency of the acids is important, by this I mean the products such as serums and moisturisers deliver quicker results as they remain on the skin for a longer amount of time compared to cleansers that are rinsed off the face. 

Can I use niacinamide every day?

Yes, you can! You can even use it twice a day, the humectant traits of the ingredient will draw in water from the atmosphere surrounding the face and locking it into the surface of the skin. This will keep the protective skin barrier fully hydrated and able to combat any exposure to nasty free radicals and the skin damage that occurs when the skin comes into contact with pollution, UV rays, and other environmental aggressors.

Applying niacinamide to the skin on a daily basis will result in a complexion that is left feeling hydrated, plumped, and full of bounce with other skincare products absorbing rapidly into the skin helping them to deliver results. 

There you have a little more about mixing AHA and BHA with niacinamide, don’t forget if you have any questions, or just fancy a chat about all things skincare, come and follow us on Instagram!