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Although both lactic acid and niacinamide are beneficial to the skin, can they be used in the same skincare routine? Read on to find out.
It is an alpha hydroxy acid that exfoliates the skin to minimize the signs of aging, such as fine lines and dark spots. Vitamin B3 in the form of niacinamide has been shown to enhance skin look by minimizing fine lines and wrinkles while also reducing redness and hyperpigmentation.
Can you use lactic acid and niacinamide together as part of the same skincare routine? Yes, which is great news. But it’s important to apply them in a way that ensures the highest efficiency of both products. To do this, you must allow at least 30 minutes between putting niacinamide on top of the lactic acid.
Let’s take a look at why you may want to include lactic acid and niacinamide into your skincare regimen.
Lactic Acid
AHA lactic acid, which is one of the less well-known AHAs, is generated from soured milk and sugars from fruits. Because of its bigger molecular size, it is difficult to penetrate too deeply into the skin, causing irritation to the skin. It will act on the skin’s outer surface, clearing it of dead skin cell build-up and pollutants that can clog pores and cause the skin to become congested.
It also has unique humectant properties, which means it can help to increase the skin’s natural moisture factor. Because of this, the skin has the potential to defend itself from environmental aggressors and free racial damages, such as pollution and UV rays.
Niacinamide
This multi-talented skin component can seal moisture into the skin’s surface, minimize the appearance of pores, and target any difficulties with dark spots and hyperpigmentation that could be present on the skin. When you maintain the lipid barrier of the skin moisturized, you’ll notice that your skin will stay in the best condition.
Niacinamide has the additional benefit of helping to control sebum production in the skin, which means that people with all skin types will benefit from including this talented humectant in their daily routine.
Benefits of Lactic Acid
Lactic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) obtained from milk and vegan sources such as sugarcane. It works by softly exfoliating dead skin cells and boosting cell turnover. The following are just a few of the benefits of lactic acid:
- Lactic acid exfoliates dead skin cells, which helps to reduce the appearance of dark spots, hyperpigmentation, and uneven skin tone, as well as enhance the overall clarity of the skin.
- A 12 percent concentration of lactic acid has been demonstrated to boost epidermal and dermal firmness and thickness, which may help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
- Lactic acid also has the additional advantage of binding water to the skin, which increases hydration on the skin’s surface layers.
- Given the bigger molecule size of lactic acid than glycolic acid (another alpha hydroxy acid), lactic acid is less irritating and hence more suitable for those with more sensitive skin.
When using lactic acid products and other AHAs, it is critical to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to protect your skin from the sun’s rays. This is because AHAs can cause your skin to become more sensitive to the sun.
Benefits of Niacinamide
Niacinamide is a type of vitamin B3 that offers a variety of skin-friendly benefits.
- Niacinamide increases collagen synthesis and the production of proteins like keratin, involucrin, and filaggrin, which helps to enhance the appearance of skin firmness and elasticity while also reducing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.
- If you have hyperpigmentation, blotchiness, sallowness, or discoloration on the face, niacinamide is an excellent ingredient to use because it can help reduce the look of these disorders by inhibiting melanin (pigment) formation.
- Niacinamide increases skin barrier function by decreasing transepidermal water loss and boosting ceramide synthesis, free fatty acids, and cholesterol levels in the skin. A robust skin barrier helps in the retention of moisture and the protection against environmental irritants.
- Niacinamide is an anti-inflammatory that has the ability to control sebum/oil production in the skin as well as reduce the appearance of pores, making it an excellent choice for those who have oily or acne-prone skin. This 8-week research discovered that a 4 percent niacinamide gel was just as efficient in treating acne as a 1 percent clindamycin gel.
- Because of the antioxidant properties of niacinamide, you’re also preserving your skin from environmental stresses that can cause aging over time.
- Niacinamide promotes cell turnover, which results in brighter and more attractive skin.
Can Lactic Acid and Niacinamide Be Used in the Same Skincare Routine?
How to use lactic acid and niacinamide together? While niacinamide and lactic acid can both be used in the same skincare routine, there are several procedures that must be followed to get the optimum results. When it comes to mixing niacinamide with lactic acid, it all basically comes down to pH, which quantifies how acidic or basic a solution is.
The pH scale ranges from 0 to 14, and water has a pH of 7.0, which is considered neutral. The pH of our skin typically ranges between 4.7 and 5.75. Exfoliating acids such as lactic acid are typically formulated with a pH of 3-4, while niacinamide products are typically prepared with a pH ranging from 5.0 to 7.0.
Because lactic acid and niacinamide have pH ranges that are distinct from one another, you’ll need to give some time between using these actives if you wish to utilize them in the same skincare routine.
Lactic Acid and Niacinamide Products
Sunday Riley Good Genes All-In-One Lactic Acid Treatment
Sunday Riley Good Genes All-In-One Lactic Acid Treatment is one of the most popular lactic acid serums. In Good Genes, you’ll find pure lactic acid, which works to remove dead skin cells and excess sebum. Excess sebum can cause breakouts, pimples, blackheads, and acne on your skin, as well as other skin problems.
Besides these ingredients, the formula also includes Licorice root extract to brighten the complexion and lemongrass oil, an astringent that levels the skin tone and leaves it with a pleasant citrus scent. Arnica and prickly pear extracts help to calm and soothe the skin. Squalane hydrates the skin, while aloe vera soothes the skin.
The serum acts to minimize the appearance of wrinkles, lines, dark spots, uneven skin texture, and discoloration. Within 3 minutes, it can significantly improve the look of fine lines.
How to layer lactic acid?
Apply a thin layer of Lactic acid. For better results, use it overnight, and you’ll be awakened to brighter, more luminous, and clearer skin.
Although it is more costly than the other serums in this article, Good Genes is a lactic acid serum that provides immediate effects, making it a cult favorite of those who follow the latest skincare trends.
The Ordinary Lactic Acid 10% + HA
Ordinary Lactic Acid 10 percent + HA includes 10 percent lactic acid and is designed at a pH of 3.6 – 3.8. The serum contains sodium hyaluronate crosspolymer, which is a cross-linked type of hyaluronic acid that creates a mesh-like film on the skin to provide long-lasting moisture and hydration.
Tasmannia Lanceolata Fruit/ Leaf Extract, which is an anti-inflammatory and antibacterial Tasmanian pepper berry derivative, is included in this lactic acid superficial peeling formulation. This extract has been shown to relieve the skin and calm irritation that might occur when using AHAs such as lactic acid.
This ultra-lightweight lactic acid serum brightens and softens the skin, and over time, it helps to even out the skin’s uneven tone. It is not only effective, but it is also reasonably priced, making it a simple addition to your daily skincare routine.
The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
A 10 percent concentration of Niacinamide is combined with a 1 percent concentration of the zinc salt of PCA to create the Ordinary Niacinamide 10 percent + Zinc. This combination helps to enhance the visual look of sebum activity.
Niacinamide is a skin brightening agent that also helps to minimize the appearance of blemishes and congestion in the skin. It also has the added benefit of calming redness and reducing the appearance of enlarged pores.
The texture of the skin and the appearance of clogged pores improve with continued use. This niacinamide serum is particularly beneficial for those with oily skin or who are prone to acne. This serum, like the rest of The Ordinary’s products, is really affordably priced.
Paula’s Choice 10% Niacinamide Booster
Paula’s Choice 10 percent Niacinamide Booster serum is made with 10 percent niacinamide and a variety of other beneficial ingredients for the skin. Niacinamide works to smooth out uneven skin tone while also improving the appearance of fine wrinkles, skin texture, and pores.
Allantoin, beta-glucan, panthenol, and licorice root extract help to soothe redness and irritation. Ascorbyl glucoside, a vitamin C derivative, is an antioxidant that reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while also brightening uneven skin tone. Several additional antioxidants in the formulation, including ubiquinone, carnosine, epigallocatechin gallate, and genistein, help to protect the skin from the harmful effects of free radicals caused by environmental stressors such as UV rays and pollution.
Hyaluronic acid moisturizes and plumps the skin. Acetyl glucosamine is necessary for skin hydration and has anti-wrinkle properties. The texture of this serum is nearly water-like, which makes it simple to layer with other skincare products. It absorbs rapidly and is suitable for use under makeup.
What Skin Types Can Benefit from Lactic Acid and Niacinamide?
Lactic acid and niacinamide have moisturizing characteristics that are excellent for all skin types, including normal, dehydrated, and dry. Lactic acid and niacinamide help to unclog pores, making this an excellent choice for oily, combination, and acne-prone skin types.
It is also common for both of these products to be suitable for use on sensitive skin. Remember to do a patch test on the skin before applying any new product to your face for the first time.
Can you use niacinamide with AHA?
The quick answer is yes, you absolutely can! The longer, more complete response is that there are a few ways to genuinely benefit from utilizing niacinamide with AHA and BHA.
Lactic acid and niacinamide are powerful anti-aging actives that should be included in your skincare routine because of their anti-aging properties. People who have fine lines, wrinkles, dullness, hyperpigmentation (dark spots and age spots), and uneven skin tone will benefit from using these products.
When applying many times at the same time, be sure to follow these simple steps for the greatest results. After using your lactic acid serum, wait at least 15-30 minutes before applying your niacinamide.
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