Niacinamide vs Hyaluronic Acid: All You Need To Know About This Duo - Dang! Lifestyle Nigeria

Niacinamide vs Hyaluronic Acid: All You Need To Know About This Duo

In today's post, we'll explore two popular ingredients in the skincare industry- Niacinamide vs Hyaluronic acid.

Are they competitors or collaborators? Which is better for your skin type and skin concern? How to use these products in the right way to maximize their benefits.

All these and more are what we'll be covering in this guide so you can understand how these skincare products work and the best way to use them in your skincare journey.

Let's dive right in!

Key Takeaways: Niacinamide Vs Hyaluronic AcidΒ 

  • Niacinamide and Hyaluronic acid are powerful skincare ingredients that work together rather than compete with each offering unique benefits like oil regulation and intense hydration, respectively.
  • Niacinamide is ideal for reducing redness, refining pores, improving skin tone, and regulating oil production, making it perfect for oily, acne-prone, and sensitive skin.
  • Hyaluronic acid is a hydration powerhouse that helps all skin types, especially dry and aging skin, by deeply moisturizing, plumping, and reducing fine lines.
  • Combining and layering both ingredients properly in your routine enhances your skincare results, addressing multiple skin concerns for a healthier, more radiant complexion.

What Is Niacinamide?

Also called vitamin B3, it is an essential nutrient that plays a crucial role in our bodies, especially when it comes to breaking down fats and sugars. Plus, it helps keep our cells healthy!

Unfortunately, our bodies don’t produce enough of this vitamin on their own. So, we need to get it from our diet, supplements or skincare products.

You can find vitamin B3 in foods like meat, fish, milk, eggs, green veggies, and cereals. As a skincare enthusiast, you'll be pleased to know that, you'll find it formulated into serums, lotions, and body washes.

In whichever form you choose to incorporate this nutrient into your body the benefits are amazing! Not only does it support your body from the inside out, but it can also enhance your skin's health.

Lady holding a bottle of niacinamide serum

Benefits of Niacinamide for All Skin Types

Here are the unique benefits of vitamin B3 for the skin depending on your skin type and skin concern

Niacinamide Benefits For Oily Skin

For individuals with oily skin type, topical application of vitamin B3 will;

  • Regulate oil production
  • Reduce inflammation and breakouts caused by excess oil (sebum) production.
  • Minimise large pores
  • Moisturises the skin
  • Improve overall skin tone

Vitamin 3 Benefits For Dry Skin

If you have dry skin, here's why it is important to include this ingredient in your skincare routine.

  • Strengthens skin barrierΒ 
  • Improves your skin's moisture retention capabilities
  • Stimulate the production of ceramides
  • Soothes dry irritated skin
  • Skin texture improvement

Benefits of Niacinamide For Sensitive Skin

It is also great for sensitive skin because it;

  • Soothes irritation and redness
  • Protects against UV stressors
  • Improves skin barrier and texture
  • Works well with other ingredients without irritating your skin

For Combination Skin

Niacinamide (vitamin B3) is also excellent for this skin type in the following ways.

  • Boosts hydration
  • Improves skin texture
  • Evens out the skin tone
  • Soothes inflammation/irritation
  • Reduces oil production
  • Pore-minimizing effects

Benefits of Niacinamide For Acne Prone Skin

If you're prone to acne, here's why you should consider using this ingredient in your daily routine.

  • It contains antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that reduce.
  • Controls excessive oil production and minimises breakouts.
  • Improves hyperpigmentation
  • Improves overall skin tone and texture

For Mature/Aging Skin

As we advance in years, environmental stressors, and biological and lifestyle factors tell on our skin. Fortunately, ingredients like this, help us to reverse the clog on ageing.

So, if you'd like to maintain a youthful and radiant glow, here's what this ingredient can do for you.

  • Boosts collagen production
  • Reduces skin inflammations and irritation
  • Protects against UV stressors
  • Improves skin texture and elasticity
  • Reduces fine lines and wrinkles

Whether you're dealing with oily, dry, sensitive, combination, acne-prone, or mature skin, this versatile ingredient works wonders in addressing various issues. Embrace this ingredient as a staple in your skincare arsenal and experience the multitude of benefits it has to offer!

What is Hyaluronic Acid?

Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a compound naturally found in the body, especially in the joints, eyes, and skin. However, ageing and other factors can lead to the loss of HA in the skin. Research shows that the loss of HA starts as early as the age of 25 years.

This is why, there's a need to replenish it for overall healthy skin either through the foods we eat, certain medications, and topical applications (skincare). For skincare uses, clinically formulated hyaluronic acid is usually incorporated into serums, cleansers, moisturisers, and even sunscreen with hyaluronic acid.

Hyaluronic acid has numerous benefits. Little wonder, it is a popular ingredient in most skincare products.

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Lady holding hyaluroic acid face wash

Benefits of Hyaluronic Acid for All Skin Types

For Oily Skin

HA is beneficial for oily skin in the following ways;

  • Hydrates your skin without leaving it greasy.
  • Keeps your skin moisturised, especially when using exfoliants like mandelic acid, and tretinoin that tend to dry out your skin.

Hyaluronic Acid Benefit for Dry SkinΒ 

HA is a humectant (it retains moisture) and can be especially beneficial for dry skin. Some of the benefits include;

  • Boosts moisture retention
  • Improves overall skin texture and appearance
  • Revives and plumps the skin
  • Gives an overall radiant and healthy-looking skin

For Sensitive Skin: HA Benefits

Here are a few reasons why this ingredient is great for sensitive skins

  • It is non-irritating
  • HA contains anti-inflammatory properties that soothe irritated skin
  • It can be layered with other skincare ingredients without causing you any irritation.
  • Promotes skin repair and wound healing that may be caused by irritation

Hyaluronic Acid Benefits for Combination Skin

If you've got combination skin, here's why hyaluronic acid should be part of your daily routine.

  • Provides adequate hydration
  • It is lightweight, hence it won't clog your pores
  • Contains soothing properties to soothe inflamed areas of your skin while still keeping it well moisturised.

Hyaluronic Acid Benefits for Acne-Prone Skin

HA is also an excellent ally for acne-prone skin. Here's why.

What Does Hyaluronic Acid Do For Mature/Aging Skin?

It also offers the following benefits for mature skin.

  • Plumps the skin and reduces the appearance of fine lines & wrinkles
  • Boosts the production of collagen and elastin, giving you a more youthful look
  • Improves skin hydration and rejuvenation.
  • Prevents tightness
  • Boosts skin elasticity

In summary, incorporating HA into your skincare routine can provide significant benefits across all skin types, making it a versatile and essential ingredient.

Skincare Ingredients Comparison- Niacinamide vs. Hyaluronic Acid: Which Is Better?

This has been a long-standing debate. However, the truth is that none is better than the other.

Both are gentle, yet effective and versatile skincare ingredients that can be beneficial for all skin types, offering numerous benefits. However, one may be especially beneficial for a specific skin type or skin concern.

For example, both ingredients can help minimise oil production. However, niacinamide works specifically to minimise oil production. It also has skin-brightening effects.

Similarly, niacinamide does a great job of keeping the skin hydrated. However, renowned for its ability to hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water, providing deep hydration and plumping the skin.

Ultimately, the choice between both ingredients depends on individual skin concerns. If hydration is the primary goal, especially for dry or dehydrated skin, hyaluronic acid may be the better option. Conversely, if you are looking to address issues like redness, enlarged pores, or uneven skin tone, niacinamide could be more beneficial.

Niacinamide vs Hyaluronic Acid, Which Is Better For Dry Skin?

Both niacinamide and hyaluronic acid can offer unique benefits for dry skin. However, as a powerful humectant, hyaluronic acid is usually recommended for dry skin.

Its hydration benefits are 1000 times more than that of niacinamide. It's also a great agent for boosting skin barrier function.

Overall, its ability to attract moisture makes it an essential component in achieving healthy, hydrated, and radiant skin.

Hyaluronic Acid vs. Niacinamide: How Do They Work Together?

In order to harness the power of each individual ingredient, skincare formulators are realising the importance of combining both ingredients in skincare products.

They can be combined as a single product in the form of facial serums, face washes, toners, and even moisturisers. On the other hand, they could be individual products layered together in a single routine.

Either way, you'll still be able to enjoy the combined benefits of both ingredients.

When combined, niacinamide can control oil production, and brighten the skin. On the other hand, hyaluronic acid will deliver intense hydration and anti-ageing benefits.

This allows you to target multiple skincare concerns simultaneously and lead to healthier, more resilient skin.Β 

How To Layer Niacinamide and Hyaluronic Acid Correctly In a Routine: A Simple Guide

To maximise the benefits of combining these ingredients, here's the safe and correct way to do so.

Morning Routine

Cleanse

Every good routine starts with a good cleanse. Use a good face cleanser to wash off dirt and oil off your face.

Tone

Although optional this simple step can take your elevate your skincare routine. Using a toner balances your skin's pH level and provides extra moisture that helps your skin effectively absorb the skincare products.

Hyaluronic Acid

If you're using the serum or a serum containing hyaluronic acid, incorporate it as the third step in your routine. However, if you're using it thicker consistency such as moisturiser or sunscreen, then it should come after you've applied other lightweight consistency.

Niacinamide

Also go in with your niacinamide serum after the HA serum. Similar to HA, niacinamide should be applied after lighter serums to maximize absorption. The principle of applying lighter products before heavier ones applies here as well.

Moisturiser

Apply a good face moisturiser to seal in all the goodness of your layered products.

Sunscreen

This is a non-negotiable part of your routine. Sunscreen protects your skin and ensures your products stay on your skin to deliver the expected results. So do not skip.

Night Routine

Double Cleanse

Cleanse your face twice to remove makeup, sunscreen, dirt, and oils accumulated throughout the day. You can use your face wash, rinse and repeat for the second time.

Tone

Apply toner to balance your skin's pH and moisturise your skin to receive the other products.

Exfoliate

If you want bright skin, exfoliating 2-3 times weekly should be part of your routine, especially if you have oily or acne-prone skin.Β 

But, what's the right way to exfoliate your face? We always recommend using chemical exfoliation, especially with BHAs like mandelic acid because they're gentle and less likely to exfoliate.

Depending on your preference, you can use a mandelic acid face wash or mandelic acid toner.

Hyaluronic Acid

Next, you should go in with your preferred HA product.

Niacinamide

Apply niacinamide following the principle of lighter products first before products with a thick consistency.

Treatment Products

If you have skin concerns like acne, fine lines, wrinkles & dark spots or hyperpigmentation, now is the time to incorporate them. The best practice is to use them on alternate days so you don't overburden your skin with too many products.

MoisturizerΒ 

This is important to seal in hydration and nutrients from your products. Moisturizers help maintain skin barrier function and prevent moisture loss.

Face Oil (Optional)

Depending on your preference, you can apply a face oil to seal in moisture.

Final Thoughts: Hyaluronic Acid vs Niacinamide

In short, both niacinamide and hyaluronic acid are superstars that offer different but complementary benefits for your skin. Whether you want to control oil, boost hydration, brighten your complexion or reduce signs of ageing, incorporating these two into your routine can help with multiple skin concerns.

Don’t see them as rivals, see them as team players in your skincare journey. Use them together and layer them correctly so you can get the most out of them for healthier, glowing skin.

Whether you have dry, oily, sensitive or mature skin, niacinamide and hyaluronic acid can work together to give your skin the hydration, balance and nutrition it needs.Β 

FAQs: Niacinamide vs. Hyaluronic Acid

Are there any ingredients that shouldn't be used with hyaluronic acid and niacinamide?

Yes. Don't mix niacinamide with AHAs / BHAs and retinol. Niacinamide and hyaluronic acid are water-based products.

So, don't combine them with oil-based products. If you must do so, ensure to apply the water-based products first before the oil-based products to allow your skin to absorb the water-based products effectively.

Furthermore, using niacinamide and vitamin C can tamper with the effectiveness of the vitamin C. The best practice is to allow 10-15 minutes of wait time between each product.

However, for individuals with sensitive skin, the simultaneous use of niacinamide and vitamin C can sometimes lead to irritation or redness. To minimise the risk of adverse reactions, consider using alternate days.

For more info, check out this guide on how to layer niacinamide and vitamin C for maximum benefits.

The bottom line, combining ingredients in skincare can be tricky and individual reactions may differ. To be safe, when in doubt, you can apply them at different times of the day, on alternating days, or give a 15-30-minute gap between each application.

How often should I apply hyaluronic acid and niacinamide for best results?

You can apply hyaluronic acid and niacinamide twice daily. However, individual reactions may vary. So, it's good to observe your skin's reactions to the product to determine the frequency of use.

Can I use niacinamide without moisturiser?

Yes you should, unless you're using a moisturiser containing niacinamide. Using a moisturiser after applying skincare products like cleansers, toners, or serums helps to lock in the products onto your skin, so you can reap all the benefits.

How many days does it take to see results from hyaluronic acid?

Your skin will feel moisturised, soft, and plump immediately after using a product with hyaluronic acid. However, visible improvement in skin elasticity and smoothness will require up to 8 weeks or less.

How fast does niacinamide lighten skin?

Depending on the percentage incorporated into the products, most users experience visible improvement in their skin's appearance with 8-12 weeks of consistent use and best skincare practices like using sunscreen daily.

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