With all these skincare products and ingredients blowing up our social media feeds, it’s getting trickier to figure out which ones work well together.
I get this question all the time: can I use glycolic acid with niacinamide?
The short answer is yes, but you’ve got to do it the right way. Here’s how to pair these two for smoother, brighter skin.
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What is Glycolic Acid?
Glycolic acid, an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA), is a chemical exfoliant derived from sugarcane.
Because of its smaller molecular size, it penetrates deeper into the skin compared to other AHAs like lactic and citric acid.
That means it’s also better at exfoliating and resurfacing the skin. Here are the benefits:
- Sloughs off dead skin cells
- Brightens the skin
- Improves skin texture
- Smoothes fine lines
- Fades dark spots
The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution is high on my list of skincare products I can’t live without. It’s a mild exfoliator I use a few times a week.
When I want something more potent, I switch to L’Oreal Paris Revitalift 10% Pure Glycolic Acid Face Serum. It’s lightweight and absorbs quickly, with no sticky feeling.
I usually cleanse with Neostrata Foaming Glycolic Acid Face Wash if I’m running late and still want some gentle exfoliation. It foams nicely and doesn’t leave my skin feeling stripped.
What is Niacinamide?
Niacinamide, aka vitamin B3, is another superstar skin ingredient. Like glycolic acid, it targets multiple skin concerns at once.
Here are the benefits:
- Regulates sebum production
- Strengthens the skin barrier
- Eases inflammation
- Calms redness and soothes irritation
I recommend Good Molecules Niacinamide Serum. The 10% niacinamide concentration helps clear up my occasional breakouts without irritation.
It has a water-like consistency that layers well under other products.
Naturium Niacinamide Face Serum 12% Plus Zinc 2% is my holy grail for hormonal breakouts. It’s slightly more viscous than other niacinamide serums I’ve tried, but it sinks in quickly.
I can’t say enough good things about Eight Saints Original Cin 10% Niacinamide Serum. It’s the priciest of the bunch but so worth the money. It’s well-formulated and super luxurious.
Do You Use Glycolic Acid Before or After Niacinamide?
The rule is to use glycolic acid first, then niacinamide. Glycolic acid clears dead skin cells, prepping your skin for niacinamide.
Using them in this order can also help minimize irritation since niacinamide has this calming effect on the skin.
How to Use Glycolic Acid With Niacinamide
Here’s my evening routine when using both products:
- Apply glycolic acid on cleansed, dry skin.
- Wait a couple of minutes for glycolic acid to absorb fully.
- Apply the niacinamide serum of your choice.
- Finish with your favorite moisturizer to lock everything in.
Always slather on sunscreen the morning after you use glycolic acid. AHAs kind of leave your skin raw, making it more sensitive to UV rays.
But honestly, exfoliating or not, you should never skip sunscreen.
If you have sensitive skin, use glycolic acid and niacinamide on alternate nights. Once your skin gets used to both ingredients, try using them together.
Wrapping Up
So yes, you can use glycolic acid and niacinamide together! For me, they actually work better as a team.
Glycolic acid exfoliates and brightens, while niacinamide protects and repairs your skin.