Active ingredients are all the rage this year with everybody redefining their skincare regimens and including actives in it for their potent benefits for skin. Two actives especially, are the favourite choice for getting a clear, radiant skin. We are talking about Glycolic Acid and Niacinamide. If you haven’t yet added them to your skincare routine or are wondering how to reap their maximum benefits, then this blog is for you. We will first look at the individual benefits of Niacinamide & Glycolic Acid and further see if they can be used together.
What Is Glycolic Acid?
Glycolic Acid is a natural Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) that gently exfoliates the skin to remove dead skin cells. Being the smallest of acids, it penetrates deep in the skin and provides benefits of skin hydration and an even, bright textured skin.
What Is Niacinamide?
Niacinamide is the holy-grail for the acne-prone skin with its potent benefits in balancing sebum production, ensuring pores don’t clog with oil. It thereby prevents acne formation and prevents Sun damage as well.
To Pair or Not to Pair?
Well! That is the million dollar question of today’s blog. But first let’s break it down by understanding that Nicainmaide has a pH of 5-7 whereas Glycolic Acid has a pH of 3-4. So, if used at the same time, Niacinamide will change Glycolic Acid’s pH, causing redness and itching. It is thus not safe to use them at the same time.
How to Use Gylycolic Acid and Niacinamide Together?
Don’t worry! You can still reap the benefits of Glycolic Acid and Niacinamide together by using them at different times in your skincare routine. Here’s how:
- Apply Glycolic Acid first as it takes more time to get absorbed in the skin due to its high pH. Layer up Niacinamide next after a gap of 30 minutes.
- You can alternate their use in the day by using Niacinamide in the morning and Glycolic Acid at night as it sensitises the skin against the Sun.
- Glycolic Acid and Niacinamide can also be used on alternate days.
Pro-Tip: Top It Off with a Sunscreen
Glycolic Acid removes the top layer of dead skin cells, revealing the cells underneath which are more prone to Sun damage. So, it's important to use sunscreen after using Glycolic Acid.
Takeaway
Glycolic Acid with Niacinamide is a great combination when used together for unlocking youthful, radiant skin free from pigmentation and scars. But it’s important not to use them at the same time.
