Niacinamide and hyaluronic acid: can you layer them?

The simple answer is yes. You can layer niacinamide and hyaluronic acid in your skincare routine. Before jumping into the topic ‘how to layer them’ , you should know the usage and benefits of the ingredients and if it is what you need for your skin.

What is niacinamide?

When we talk about niacinamide in skincare, we refer to a form of vitamin b3, which we apply topically in the skin as a serum or a cream. Vitamin b3 is an anti-oxidant which helps to repair skin cells. This is a water-soluble vitamin; it easily gets absorbed into the skin. You can layer niacinamide with almost every other ingredient. This is one of the best ingredients to include in your skin care routine.

Benefits of niacinamide:

Niacinamide is all in one product for your skin.

• It reduces inflammation- if your skin is suffering from inflammation or redness, topical application of niacinamide can help in reducing the inflammation or redness.
• Act as anti-oxidant – it helps prevent free radical damage.
• Hyperpigmentation- it helps in reducing the hyperpigmentation from the skin.
• Prevent transepidermal water loss- what is transepidermal water loss? our skin moisture content evaporates from the skin to the atmosphere, causing dry and damaged skin. this is known as transepidermal water loss. Niacinamide has moisturizing function which prevents the skin from drying.
• Anti-acne – our pores sometimes get blocked by excess oil, dead skin cells and bacteria build up in the skin, which causes acne. Niacinamide helps in controlling the excess oil production and getting rid of all the bacteria build up in the skin.
• Decreases oil production- niacinamide is best for oily skin types because it can reduce the excess sebum production.
• Promote collagen- niacinamide has been proven to help boost collagen in the skin.

What percentage of niacinamide is best for your skin?

Niacinamide 5% is well tolerated for every skin type, you do not need more. Higher percentage does not help to get better results.

• If you are a beginner, you can start with 2-5% and then increase the percentage upto 10%.
• If you have sensitive or dry skin, then use 2-5% niacinamide. Higher percentage can cause irritation, redness.

What is hyaluronic acid?

Hyaluronic acid is famous for its anti-aging, hydration properties. It is a humectant; it holds onto water molecules to the surface of the skin, making the skin look smooth, soft and supple.

Our body naturally produces hyaluronic acid which helps the skin to look plump and hydrated. As we age, hyaluronic acid production decreases so we see fine lines wrinkles on our face. Adding HA to our skincare boost the HA production and gives the skin the dewy glow.

You can look for ingredients like hydrolysed hyaluronic acid, sodium acetylated hyaluronate or sodium hyaluronate in your skincare products. They are all derivative of hyaluronic acid.

Benefits of hyaluronic acid?

• Boost collagen in the skin which increases elasticity.
• HA has anti-aging properties. It holds onto water to the surface of the skin, boost moisture to the skin, hence reducing the fine lines wrinkles.
• HA boost water content into the skin makes it very hydrating to the skin.
• Your skin becomes plump and healthier.
• It increases the smoothness of the skin.
• Improves skin texture.

How to use hyaluronic acid?

• Hyaluronic acid is a water-based product. It should be used on the damp skin. wash your face and then apply the hyaluronic acid serum when the skin is still damp.
• Then use a moisturizer on top of hyaluronic acid to seal the product.
• Since HA functions as a humectant, sometimes it absorbs the water from the skin and evaporate in the external environment. It can cause transepidermal water loss from the skin. So, always seal the product with a moisturizer.

What percentage of HA is best for your skin?

• 1-2% HA is well tolerated in the skin. HA can bind up to 1000 times its weight in water, so 1-2% is enough.

Also read this blog on anti-aging tips for 20s: https://demystiifyingbeauty.com/anti-aging-skincare-tips-for-your-20s/

How can you layer niacinamide and hyaluronic acid?

Niacinamide and hyaluronic acid both are water-based ingredients. They go perfectly together in your skincare routine. Niacinamide deceases transepidermal water loss and gives the skin hydration. HA helps the inner layers of the skin to absorb moisture reducing the fine lines and wrinkles. The combination of these two will promote healthier, softer and young-looking skin.

• Cleanse your face and use HA serum on the damp skin. Then apply niacinamide serum and lastly layer it up with a moisturizer
• You can also use a moisturizer which already contains niacinamide in it. Apply the HA serum on the damp skin and then finish it up with the moisturizer.