Table of Contents
- Niacinamide: The Calm OneβοΈ
- Benefits of Niacinamide
- Salicylic Acid: The Dramatic Oneπ€―
- Benefits of Salicylic Acid
- Should I use Niacinamide or Salicylic Acid?
- Can I use Niacinamide and Salicylic Acid together?
- Pro Tips when using Niacinamide and Salicylic acid together
- The key takeaways
- FAQ’s
Niacinamide: The Calm OneβοΈ
Niacinamide, also goes by the name Vitamin B3, is that ingredient that will just get your skin right and will bring what it needs. Niacinamide is a multitasker that will address a variety of skin issues and fix your skin game fr. Niacinamide has recently taken the π spot all thanks to its versatility, doing everything from balancing skin texture, shrink down enlarged pores and help your skin pass that glow check.β
Benefits of Niacinamide
Reduces Inflammation
If you have sensitive skin that develops redness, rashes and irritation easily then Niacinamide is the perfect addition in your daily routine. It has anti-inflammatory properties that will help hit refresh on your skin.π
Brightens Skin Tone
Niacinamide when used as a topical skincare product will help pull back on the melanin production in your skin which will fight off dark spots and hyperpigmentation revealing an even skin tone.
Minimizes Pores
Niacinamide is a certified legend when it comes to toning down the size and appearance of large pores by keeping the hydration levels high. This helps level up your skin to “Zero texture, all vibes”π
Regulates Oil
Nothing could be more perfect for oily and acne-prone skin than Niacinamide to keep the excess oil production in check. It will help balance sebum production and support in reducing acne.
Salicylic Acid: The Dramatic Oneπ€―
Salicylic Acid, crowned as a BHA, will give your skin the tough love it needs and help cut off toxic things (excess sebum, clogged pores, blackheads and acne).βοΈ Salicylic Acid is an oil-soluble exfoliator that can deeply penetrate the skin and eliminate all impurities. It is a true friend of oily and acne prone skin as it will help you breakup with breakouts! Salicylic Acid un-glues the layer of dead skin and cleans up the dirt and oil from your pores.
Benefits of Salicylic Acid
Deep Cleans Pores
Being a BHA, Salicylic acid slips through the layers of skin to deeply wipe off sebum and other impurities. It also gently exfoliates the skin and helps your skin go from congested to crystal clear.πβ¨
Fights Acne
Salicylic Acid is dubbed as an MVP in curing acne.π Why? Because of its antimicrobial properties that take out acne-causing bacteria and stops the development of future breakouts. It also provides anti-inflammatory magic that chills out skin irritation and redness.
Treats Comedones
Salicylic Acid on exfoliating mode will break down all impurities and buildup that comes its way. This helps avoid blackheads and whiteheads drama and keeps skin clear, smooth and blemish-free.π―
Should I use Niacinamide or Salicylic Acid?
Between salicylic acid and niacinamide, they both are the main characters. But which one you should use depends on your skin’s type & vibe. If your skin is oily, acne-prone and is giving rough texture with a side of blocked pores, then you need to put your trust in Salicylic Acid.π Whereas if your skin is sensitive, dull and in its dehydrated and hyperpigmented era, then niacinamide is your saviour.π¦Έ
Can I use Niacinamide and Salicylic Acid together?
Yes Queen! Salicylic Acid and Niacinamide together are like besties that need space and time to focus on the work at hand (fixing your skin).
Salicylic Acid exfoliates your skin and treats acne and blackheads by unclogging your pores. On the other hand, Niacinamide helps soothe any skin irritation caused by salicylic acid and restores the skin barrier.π§+π§=π₯°
How to layer Salicylic Acid with Niacinamide?
Step 1: Gently cleanse your face to remove the buildup of dirt and pollution.
Step 2: Apply Salicylic Acid on a clean face to treat acne and breakouts.
Step 3: Wait for a few minutes to let the serum absorb properly.
Step 4: Apply Niacinamide serum to hydrate and calm the skin.
Step 5: Finish it up with a nourishing moisturizer to lock in the benefits.
Pro Tips when using Niacinamide and Salicylic acid together
Apply in the right orderβΆοΈ
Use Salicylic Acid first as it is an exfoliant then pause for some time (or watch a few tik tok videos) before applying niacinamide.
Start with low concentrationπ€
When using a duo of active ingredients, make sure to start with a lower concentration. Depending on if the Niacinamide and Salicylic Acid pair vibes with your skin, you can work your way up to a higher concentration.
Skin Sensitivityπ«
If your skin is a fragile little baby, then use Salicylic Acid and Niacinamide in different routines. Niacinamide in the morning under sunscreen and Salicylic Acid at night preferably.
Always Patch Testπ§
When using active ingredients for the first time, hold your horses! Don't go and slap it on your face in overexcitement. Apply the product on your neck or hands first to see how your skin reacts. If all is good then use it on your face.
The key takeaways,
Niacinamide and Salicylic Acid can play nice together. They both are great for oily and acne-prone skin because of Salicylic Acid’s pore cleansing power and Niacinamide’s calming and oil control powers.
When taking advantage of both in your skincare, start with one, observe how your skin reacts, then add another and check your skin’s tolerance again!
FAQ’s
Which is better, niacinamide or salicylic acid?
Between niacinamide and salicylic acid, which one is better depends on your skin. Salicylic Acid deeply exfoliates the pores and reduces breakouts which is ideal for oily and acne skin types. Niacinamide helps with inflammation, oil control and large pores.
Is niacinamide better than salicylic acid for scars?
Yes! Niacinamide is recommended for fading post-acne scars. It assists in collagen production which can improve skin tone and texture over time.
Is salicylic acid or niacinamide better for hyperpigmentation?
Niacinamide is more effective in treating hyperpigmentation because it inhibits the transfer of melanin within skin cells and hydrates the skin to make it appear brighter. Salicylic Acid exfoliates the skin and helps in better absorption of niacinamide.
Can I use salicylic acid every day?
Yes, you can use Salicylic Acid daily but it depends on your skin’s needs and tolerance level. If you experience skin irritation and dryness, then cut back on its use.
Written by Madiha Patel
