How to use Niacinamide and Hyaluronic Acid Together

When it comes to the beauty industry there always seems to be a new skin ingredient to try, a new product or new formula to add to your routine. As fun as this may be, there are some skincare heroes that will never lose their popularity and are certainly not a fad, especially if they are the hydrating powerhouses, niacinamide and hyaluronic acid. But for two ingredients that are quite similar in how they benefit the skin, how exactly should you be using niacinamide and hyaluronic acid together? Stick around, because I’ll clear up a few things and by the end of today’s post you’ll feel a lot more confident, and your skin will feel A LOT more hydrated.

Let’s quickly refresh our knowledge on these ingredients and the results you can expect to see on the skin.

What is Niacinamide?

This hero ingredient is a form of vitamin B3 and when applied onto the skin will help to get the sebum (the natural oil found in the skin) production balanced and working correctly, whilst helping to reduce the appearance of dark spots, hyperpigmentation as well minimising pores.

What is Hyaluronic Acid?

Hyaluronic acid is known for its humectant properties meaning it can bind water to the skin. This basically means it can draw in every ounce of water from the area surrounding the face and locking it into the lower layers, keeping the skin plumped, hydrated and healthy for the entire day. With the skin barrier containing the correct water levels you will also find the skin is able to combat exposure to free radicals and other environmental aggressors.

Do I use niacinamide before or after hyaluronic acid?

When it comes to layering both hydrating ingredients together, it is considered by many dermatologists and skin experts to apply hyaluronic acid first. This will ensure the skin is fully hydrated which will not only give you instant relief but will result in it being able to act like a wet sponge and absorb anything applied afterwards quickly and effectively. By following hyaluronic acid with niacinamide you will find the complexion is given an added boosted of hydration. The added benefit of niacinamide is the fact it can regulate the oil production in the skin.

What can you not mix with niacinamide?

It is considered best to avoid using niacinamide with vitamin C due to the fact they are both potent antioxidants, resulting in them not working well together but instead render each other useless. This doesn’t mean you can’t use both powerhouse ingredients in your daily routine. It’s simply a case of applying products containing them during different routines, for example, the luminous finish vitamin C gives to the skin makes it a perfect product to use in your morning routine. You can then follow this with a serum enriched niacinamide in your evening routine.

What can hyaluronic acid be mixed with?

Believe it or not, hyaluronic acid is a skincare ingredient that is suitable for all skin types, even those with a dry skin and those prone to sensitivity. You’ll find that you are able to team hyaluronic acid with any other skincare ingredient with the peace of mind the chances of an allergic reaction, increased sensitivity, or irritation.

When it comes to layering skincare products, the general rule is to start with products that have thinner consistencies and work your way up to thicker textures. This basically means that the order products should be applied allowing them to perform best is serums, face oil and then followed by moisturisers or creams. You’ll usually find that hyaluronic acid is added to these formulations, ideally opting for a serum containing HA will give you the complete results of this clever humectant. By using a serum you’ll calm and soothe the skin after you using exfoliating toners containing AHAs, such as glycolic acid or BHAs, such as salicylic acid. A hyaluronic acid serum applied before other products containing retinol or other potent ingredients will also boost the skin’s hydration and allowing products to penetrate the skin rapidly and effectively.

Is hyaluronic acid better than niacinamide?

As already mentioned, both ingredients are highly effective at helping to keep the skin hydrated with the skin barrier fully functioning and able to combat daily exposure to skin damaging factors, such as pollution, central heating, and UV rays.

If using both ingredients in your skincare is something you’d prefer to avoid, determining which would be more beneficial for your skin type. By this I mean that due to hyaluronic acid having the ability to hold over its weight in water will benefit all skin types, but in particular those prone to dehydration and dryness. On the other hand, niacinamide offers humectant properties making it a great addition to anyone’s daily routine. However, those with an oily and more blemish-prone skin will find thanks to niacinamide sebum production is regulated, resulting in balanced, healthy, and happy skin.

Do I need to use moisturiser after niacinamide?

When it comes to adding niacinamide into your skincare routine, as I have already suggested it would the best idea to opt for a serum. Serums remain on the skin for a significant amount of time and often works in the lower layers of the dermis working in areas moisturisers can reach. The benefit of applying a moisturiser after a niacinamide product is how a physical barrier is applied to the skin resulting in the moisturiser working hard at keeping the skin balanced and protected allowing the other ingredients work their magic undisturbed by environmental aggressors.

I hope that I have managed to clear the fog of confusion that often happens when trying to navigate your way around applying various skincare products. Don’t forget if you have any questions, come, and follow us on Instagram, I’m only a DM away! And if skincare is something you have a bit of a thing for, you’ll love our YouTube channel called The Green Sofa. With episodes dedicated to explaining various skin ingredients and tips and tricks on how to get the most out of your daily routines, so come and join us and don’t worry I’ll save you a seat!