In the world of skincare, certain ingredients consistently stand out for their effectiveness and versatility. Two such stars are niacinamide and hyaluronic acid

While both offer exceptional benefits for various skin concerns, they work in very different ways. Should you choose one over the other, or can they work together harmoniously?

Let’s explore the unique strengths of these skincare products and how they can transform your skincare routine.

Key Takeaways: Niacinamide Vs Hyaluronic Acid 

• Niacinamide and Hyaluronic acid are powerful skincare ingredients that work together rather than compete 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 ageing 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.

Expert-Recommended Skincare Products

• Face wash: Hyaluronic Cream Hydrating Face Cleanser
• Face Serum: Niacinamide Serum
• Face Moisturiser: Ceramide Buffet Day Cream
• Sunscreen: Hydra Glow Sun Protection Gel

What Is Niacinamide Good For?

Niacinamide, a form of Vitamin B3, is celebrated for its ability to target multiple skin concerns. Here’s what makes it a favourite:

• Regulates Oil Production: Ideal for oily and acne-prone skin, niacinamide helps control sebum levels.
• Reduces Redness and Inflammation: Its soothing properties make it perfect for sensitive skin.
• Minimizes Pores: Over time, niacinamide can help refine pore appearance.
• Enhances Skin Barrier: Strengthens the skin’s natural defences against environmental stressors.
• Brightens Skin Tone: Fades dark spots and improves overall complexion.

Overall, 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!

Hyaluronic Acid and Its Benefits

Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a hydration powerhouse, naturally present in the skin. It can hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water, making it a must-have for boosting moisture levels.

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. Fortunately, 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 no-brainer for many skincare buddies.

Some of its outstanding benefits include;

• Deep Hydration: Instantly plumps and softens dry skin.
• Improves Elasticity: Encourages a supple and youthful appearance.
• Reduces Fine Lines: Temporarily diminishes the look of wrinkles by hydrating the skin.
• Lightweight Formula: Suitable for all skin types, even oily or acne-prone.

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

Comparing Niacinamide vs. Hyaluronic Acid- Which Is Better?

Here’s a quick overview of how these ingredients stack up:

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 And 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. 

Can Niacinamide and Hyaluronic Acid Work Together?

Absolutely! These two ingredients complement each other beautifully. Niacinamide strengthens the skin barrier, allowing hyaluronic acid to lock in moisture more effectively. Here’s how to layer them for maximum benefit:

Layering Guide:

• Cleanse: Start with a gentle face wash to remove impurities. Remember to double-cleanse to effectively get rid of accumulated sweat and oil.
• Apply Hyaluronic Acid: While your skin is damp, apply a hyaluronic acid serum to lock in moisture.
• Follow with Niacinamide: Once the HA serum absorbs, layer on a niacinamide serum to address specific concerns.
• Moisturize: Seal everything in with a moisturizing body lotion
• Sunscreen: In the morning, always finish with sunscreen.

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. 

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.

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 skin elasticity and smoothness improvement 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.