How to Use Niacinamide and Salicylic Acid (2023)

Salicylic acid and niacinamide are awesome for clearing acne, minimizing pores, reducing excess oil, and more! Check out this tutorial to learn how to incorporate both into your skincare routine.

Salicylic acid and niacinamide are two hot ingredients in the skincare world right now—and as someone who’s been using them for years, I gotta say, they’re amazing! One is a beta-hydroxy acid (BHA), and the other is a form of vitamin B3. Together, they’re super helpful for oily skin, large pores, and adult acne. But even if you don’t have those issues, they offer a ton of benefits for all skin types.

Now, here’s where things get a bit confusing: how do you actually use these ingredients in your skincare routine? Can you use them together? Will one cancel out the other? And in what order should you apply them?

Don’t worry, I’ve got all the answers for you in this tutorial. We’ll talk about what salicylic acid and niacinamide can do for your skin, the right way to use them, and some awesome products to try. Let’s get glowing!

Disclosure: Some of the links in this article may be affiliate links, which can provide compensation to me at no cost to you if you decide to purchase. These are products I’ve personally used, as well as are recommended by other skincare experts.

What Does Niacinamide Do For Your Skin?

Niacinamide, a water-soluble form of vitamin B3, is a versatile ingredient that works wonders for all skin types. Let’s dive into what it can do for your skin:

Here are some key benefits you can expect:

1. Regulates Oil: Studies have shown that even a low concentration of 2% can effectively manage oil production, reducing shine and greasiness.
2. Improves Texture: With a concentration of 4-5%, niacinamide can refine your skin’s texture by possibly accelerating cell turnover.
3. Reduces Pore Size: Niacinamide has been found to visibly reduce pore size and number, likely by controlling surface oil.
4. Boosts Hydration: This incredible ingredient helps your skin retain moisture by reducing transepidermal water loss.
5. Strengthens Barrier: Niacinamide fortifies your skin’s protective barrier, improving its ability to retain moisture.
6. Evens Tone and Reduces Hyperpigmentation: At a 4% concentration, niacinamide can improve skin tone and reduce hyperpigmentation within six weeks.
7. Calms Redness: Its anti-inflammatory properties can effectively reduce redness and conditions like rosacea.
8. Fights Aging: Studies indicate that niacinamide can improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, likely by stimulating collagen synthesis.

Adding niacinamide to your skincare routine has so many perks! It helps control oil, refines texture, and even has anti-aging properties. This balanced ingredient boosts hydration, enhances tone, and strengthens your skin’s natural defenses.

What Does Salicylic Acid Do For Your Skin?

Salicylic acid, a well-known beta-hydroxy acid (BHA), is a powerful chemical exfoliant with a lot to offer. Here’s why you might want to consider adding it to your routine:

1. Deep Cleansing: Salicylic acid is oil-soluble, allowing it to dive deep into your pores to remove excess oil and prevent clogs. It’s better than alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) when it comes to preventing breakouts.

2. Surface Exfoliation: This ingredient dissolves the bonds between skin cells, encouraging the shedding of dead skin and leaving you with a smoother texture.

3. Pore Size: It not only makes your pores appear smaller but also prevents them from stretching due to debris buildup.

4. Oil Management: Research indicates that salicylic acid can reduce oiliness, especially in acne-prone skin, by regulating sebum production.

5. Reduces Inflammation: It has mild anti-inflammatory properties that can alleviate redness and acne-related inflammation.

6. Fades Marks: Effective for post-acne marks and hyperpigmentation, it’s particularly useful for those with darker skin tones.

7. Skin Firming: In higher concentrations, salicylic acid can thicken the skin’s upper layer and increase collagen density, giving you a more youthful appearance.

Niacinamide And Salicylic Acid: Which One Should I Choose?

Are you torn between niacinamide and salicylic acid? No worries, let’s dive into their benefits and determine which one is best based on your skincare needs.

• Exfoliation: If you desire smooth, acne-free skin, opt for salicylic acid. It deeply exfoliates, reducing the accumulation of oil, dirt, and debris in your pores.

• Oil Control: Both can help with oil control, but in different ways. If you want to eliminate the appearance of excess oil on your face, choose Niacinamide. If your goal is to minimize breakouts, lean towards salicylic acid.

• Dry or Sensitive Skin? Niacinamide is the safer choice. Salicylic acid can be harsh and drying for certain skin types.

Can I Use Both Salicylic Acid and Niacinamide?

Wondering if you can use both niacinamide and salicylic acid? Absolutely! And here’s why it’s a good idea.

Salicylic acid is awesome at deep cleansing, but it can be a bit drying. On the other hand, niacinamide is all about enhancing moisture retention and reducing redness. So, when you combine them, you strike the perfect balance for better results.

Now, if you only use niacinamide, you won’t get the deep-cleaning benefits that salicylic acid offers. Sure, niacinamide is great for mild acne and controlling oil, but it won’t give you that squeaky-clean feeling.

But when you use both niacinamide and salicylic acid, you achieve a well-rounded skincare routine. Niacinamide takes care of moisture and redness, while salicylic acid rocks at deep cleaning and exfoliation. It’s the perfect combo!

How to Use Salicylic Acid and Niacinamide Together

You’ve probably stumbled upon articles warning you to never mix salicylic acid and niacinamide. They usually throw around terms like “pH levels” and “niacin flush.” Let’s set the record straight.

Myths

The pH Argument: You’ll often hear that salicylic acid needs its acidic pH (around 3.0-4.0) to work its magic, while niacinamide’s neutral pH of about 6.0 could mess that up. The fear is that mixing them could make salicylic acid less effective.

The Niacin Flush: Another claim is that combining these two can cause a “niacin flush,” leaving you with hot, red, flushed skin for a few hours.

Facts

First off, the pH concern is a bit overblown. Research suggests that when you use niacinamide and salicylic acid together, they actually penetrate the skin more slowly, making irritation less likely. Plus, they’ve been proven to work better in tandem.

As for the niacin flush, that’s a mix-up. It’s niacin, another form of vitamin B5, that causes the flush, not niacinamide. They’re two different things, so let’s not get them twisted.

You can absolutely mix salicylic acid and niacinamide without worrying about pH drama or mistaken identity with niacin flush. Combining them could actually give you better results, tackling everything from breakouts to redness.

Let’s break down your options for using niacinamide and salicylic acid together.

Option 1: Choose A Single Product

If you’re not into playing chemist with your skincare, look for a product that already combines both. These formulas are designed to be stable and effective, so you can skip the DIY drama.

The downside is that it probably won’t be as strong as using two separate products. The concentration of active ingredients might be lower, and the pH level may not be as acidic. But hey, if you’re looking for a convenient, all-in-one product, this trade-off could be worth it. Here are a few options:

Some Picks to Consider:

• COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid: This one has 4% betaine salicylate (that’s about 2% salicylic acid) and 2% niacinamide.

• Dermalogica Age Bright Clearing Serum: The exact percentages are a mystery, but it’s got both actives in there.

Option 2: Apply Them Together

So, what happens if you wanna use salicylic acid and niacinamide together? Well, you totally can! Start with salicylic acid. Apply it on clean, bare skin. Then apply niacinamide which can come in a serum or moisturizer.

Option 3: Apply Them at Different Times of Day

If you want to get the best results from two separate products, the easiest way is to use them at different times of the day. I recommend using your niacinamide serum in the morning to give your skin some oil control and hydration throughout the day.

Then, 1-2 times per week exfoliate your skin with salicylic acid at night. This helps remove all the dead skin cells, as well as helps remove the dirt and oil from pores from the day.

The Best Salicylic Acid and Niacinamide Products

As a beauty editor, I’ve tested and evaluated salicylic acid and niacinamide products from a range of brands. These are my top picks for every preference:

Niacinamide Serums

Niacinamide Moisturizers

Salicylic Acid Exfoliants

Salicylic Acid Cleansers

FAQ

Conclusion

Salicylic acid and niacinamide are always in my skincare routine. Together, they keep my oil in check, calm redness, and reduce breakouts and dark marks. If you’re struggling with oily skin or acne, definitely give them a try.

You can choose to apply them at different times of day, on alternating days or nights, or find a product with both ingredients. I suggest experimenting to see what works best for your skin and sticking with it. With a little trial and error, you’ll discover the perfect combo for that radiant, clear skin you deserve.