Lets Understand How Can Niacinamide & Salicylic Acid Be Used Together?

What Is Salicylic Acid? How Does It Benefit Skin?

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Salicylic acid, a Beta-Hydroxy Acid (BHA), is known for treating acne-prone skin. Its lipid—or fat-soluble—properties allow it to penetrate deeply into the pores, helping dissolve excess sebum and dead skin cells that clog pores and cause acne.

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Salicylic acid reduces the excessive production of prostaglandins that cause redness, swelling, and pain in the skin. Salicylic acid also has antimicrobial properties, that prevent microorganisms from settling on your face. Together, these features make it an extremely effective solution for acne treatment, including blackheads, whiteheads, and pimples.

Besides acne control, salicylic acid acts as an exfoliant, helping remove dead skin cells from the skin. This contributes to reducing dullness and leads to a smoother, brighter complexion.

What Is Niacinamide & How Does It Support Healthy Skin?

 Niacinamide, or vitamin B3, strengthens the skin barrier and protects it from external microbes that can lead to acne. It strengthens the skin barrier by increasing ceramide production. Niacinamide stimulates lipid production which prevents skin from losing its moisture, which eventually hydrates, plumps, and makes skin healthier.

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Niacinamide is an anti-inflammatory agent agent that helps reduce the effects of acne and rosacea. It regulates sebum production, reduces oily skin, shrinks pore size, and prevents clogged pores that cause acne.

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It helps brighten skin and reduce  hyperpigmentation by minimising melanosomes transfer from melanocytes to keratinocytes. Niacinamide boosts collagen that leads to improved skin elasticity and reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It has been proven to improve age spots, fine lines, wrinkles and prolonged dark spots on skin.

Can Salicylic Acid & Niacinamide Be Used Together?

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Salicylic acid and niacinamide are a dynamic duo that work wonders on your skin. If you are conflicted between what is better for your skin, do not worry, you can use salicylic acid and niacinamide together in your skincare regimen. The only difference between these two might be that   niacinamide suits all skin types, while salicylic acid may not be ideal for dry skin due to its effective exfoliant properties. 

They are usually used due to their complementary effects on oiliness, a huge reason behind acne. Niacinamide reduces surface oil, while salicylic acid controls oil production within the pores. It is known to reduce glyceride and fatty acid levels in surface oil.

The combination of niacinamide and salicylic acid covers all four causes; oiliness, clogged pores, bacteria, and inflammation that contribute to acne and also treats increased oil production and reduced collagen; two main causes of enlarged pores. 

Niacinamide and salicylic acid strengthen the skin barrier. Strong barrier prevents possible skin irritation from chemical exfoliants like salicylic acid. Neutralized salicylic acid with a pH of 6.5 is as effective as one with a pH of 3.12—closer to the skin’s natural pH (5 to 6)—and causes less irritation.

How Can We Use Salicylic Acid & Niacinamide Together 

You can use niacinamide and salicylic acid together in many ways, depending on your skin type and product suitability.

Exfoliants like salicylic acid can damage your skin barrier; it’s best to use it 1–3 times a week. However, Multi-active serums like niacinamide are usually tested for irritation and are safe for daily use.

To use salicylic acid and niacinamide together, it’s important to use them correctly or else chemicals will negatively affect your skin. Here’s a 4 step guide:

4-Step Guide

1: Cleanse

First begin with a suitable cleanser to get rid of  dirt, oil, and makeup settled on your skin. Choose a cleansing product that complements your skin type without depleting it of its natural moisture content.

2: Apply Salicylic Acid

After cleansing, use a product that contains salicylic acid, like a toner or serum. Evenly apply it over your face, focusing on breakout-prone areas and let the skin completely absorb the product. imfresh body wash is rich in salicyclic acid

imfresh Body Wash
Nourishes your body with this hydrating, exfoliating walnut wash. It keeps your skin smooth, brightens dull skin and reduces strawberry skin.
It is synthesised with walnut shell (removes dead skin), salicylic acid (unclogs pores, controls acne), Vitamin E (hydrates & nourishes) and tea tree extract (fights breakouts).

3: Apply Niacinamide

Then apply a niacinamide serum. It may reduce any potential irritation caused by the exfoliation and boost moisture in the skin. You can use niacinamide in both morning and night.

4: Moisturise

Finish by applying a soothing moisturiser that deeply hydrates your skin to lock in all the products and get best results. If you have oily and acne-prone skin try non-comedogenic moisturiser. imfresh deo-cream moisturises, hydrates and brightens skin tone. Read more about imfresh deo-creams below-

​imfresh Deo-Cream
India's first deo-cream reduces dark spots, eliminates odour-causing bacteria and infuses everlasting fragrance.It contains herbs like jasmine, vanilla, woody, honey, amberwood, musk and many more. With 0% alcohol,aluminium and paraben, it's also safe for intimate areas.

1. imfresh Lovespell Deo-Cream- Ingredients: Saffron, Jasmine, Amberwood, Ambergiris, Hedione, Cedar, Musk and Oakmoss.
2. imfresh Wildflower Deo-Cream- Ingredients: Apple, Ginger, Bergamot, Sage, Juniper Berries, Geranium, Amberwood, Cedar, etc.
3. imfresh Honey-Oudh Deo-Cream- Ingredients: Honey, Bergamot, Rose, Oudh, Vanilla And Woody.

5: Sunscreen (when exposed to UV rays).

In the morning, to protect your skin from harmful UV rays follow up with a 30-50 spf sunscreen. Salicylic acid can make your skin more sensitive to the sun, so it’s crucial to protect it from possible UV damage.

Tips You Should Know About Using Salicylic Acid & Niacinamide Together

1. Introduce the product slowly to avoid any strong reactions from active ingredients.

2. Always do a patch test before applying the product on your entire face.

3. Be consistent to get the best result as it will gradually improve your skin.

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4. Discontinue use if you experience excessive dryness, rashes, irritation, or discomfort. 

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We can use niacinamide and salicylic acid together as serums, .it doesn’t really matter which order you use them in. However, avoid mixing them and rather try layering them one at a time. This will help you know if your skin reacts negatively to one of the ingredients and help prevent skin barrier damage. It’s helpful to apply niacinamide first to strengthen your barrier before using a chemical exfoliant like salicylic acid.

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Conclusion

As we have already explained how niacinamide and salicylic acid can be used together, it is highly recommended to always be cautious of possible reactions and look out for allergic ingredients in the product.

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 Including salicylic acid and niacinamide in your routine can greatly improve skin texture and promotes clear, smooth and radiant complexion. For the best results, start out gently, stay consistent, and focus on your skin needs. Niacinamide and salicylic acid can work together as a dynamic duo to help you improve skin health if you take the appropriate approach.