What Happens When You Mix Glycolic Acid and Niacinamide?

Are you searching for a skincare solution with serious benefits? If so, you've likely stumbled across the superheroes of skin care ingredients: glycolic acid and niacinamide!

With their promise to rejuvenate and hydrate your skin, it's no surprise that many are wondering if these two powerful ingredients can be used together. And how much do they really know about these super-ingredients?

Read on to find out just how these double-duty powerhouses can revolutionize your beauty routine - from minimizing wrinkles to tackling breakouts!

Plus, we'll explore what other products might pair well with them for maximum skin tone success. Let's get started...

Understanding Glycolic Acid

Glycolic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that’s derived from natural sources, such as sugarcane. It’s often seen in skin-care products because of its ability to penetrate the skin and exfoliate dead cells, resulting in a brighter complexion.

Glycolic acid can also help reduce pore size, improve texture, and reduce acne scarring. Thanks to its small molecular structure, it can easily absorb into the skin’s deeper layers to boost collagen production and cell regeneration.

On top of that, glycolic acid not only helps make your skin look healthier but feel softer too!

So if you are looking for something that will take your skincare routine up a notch without breaking the bank – then glycolic acid is definitely worth checking out!

Understanding Niacinamide

Niacinamide is an amazing ingredient! In short, it’s a form of Vitamin B3 that helps to promote healthy skin. It's found in some foods and can be taken as a dietary supplement.

Niacinamide has two major areas of focus when it comes to skin health: hydration and anti-aging. When applied topically, niacinamide helps reduce wrinkles, even out discoloration and age spots, soothe inflammation from acne or rosacea, and improve the overall texture of the skin by maintaining moisture levels.

Additionally, it also acts as an antioxidant which may help protect against environmental damage such as UV rays or pollution.

All in all, niacinamide is a great way to naturally boost your skincare routine without needing any harsh chemicals!

Benefits of Glycolic Acid

1. Exfoliation: Glycolic acid works by gently removing dead skin cells, resulting in smoother, more refined skin texture. It helps reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation, revealing a fresher and brighter complexion.

2. Collagen Stimulation: Glycolic acid stimulates collagen production, which plays a crucial role in maintaining skin elasticity and firmness. Increased collagen levels can minimize the signs of aging, such as wrinkles and sagging skin.

3. Hyperpigmentation Reduction: Glycolic acid can fade dark spots, sunspots, and acne scars by promoting cellular turnover and revealing new, evenly toned skin.

Benefits of Niacinamide

1. Oil Regulation: Niacinamide helps regulate sebum production, making it beneficial for oily skin and acne-prone skin types. By reducing excess oil, it can help minimize the appearance of breakouts and keep the skin's surface more balanced.

2. Skin Barrier Enhancement: Niacinamide strengthens the skin's barrier function, improving its ability to retain moisture and protect against external irritants. This helps keep the skin hydrated, smooth, and less susceptible to damage. This ingredient also plays well with hyaluronic acid.

3. Redness Reduction: Niacinamide has anti-inflammatory properties that can help calm and soothe redness and skin irritation. It is particularly useful for sensitive and rosacea-prone skin.

Using Glycolic Acid and Niacinamide Together

Now, let's address the burning question: Can you use glycolic acid and niacinamide together? The answer is a resounding yes! These ingredients can actually work in harmony to enhance your skincare routine.

1. Complementary Benefits: Glycolic acid and niacinamide offer different but complementary benefits for the skin. While glycolic acid exfoliates and promotes skin renewal, niacinamide helps regulate oil production, soothes the skin, and enhances the skin barrier. Using them together can target multiple skin concerns effectively.

2. Layering Order: To incorporate both ingredients into your routine, start by applying glycolic acid serum or toner first. Give it a few minutes to absorb into the skin before applying niacinamide. This layering order ensures that each ingredient can work optimally without interfering with the other's efficacy.

3. Patch Test and Gradual Introduction: As with any new skincare product or ingredient, it is essential to perform a patch test to check for any potential skin reactions or sensitivities.

Additionally, if you are new to using glycolic acid or niacinamide, it is advisable to introduce them gradually to allow your skin to acclimate and minimize the risk of irritation.

Raph, a licensed aesthetician explains how to layer these ingredients in this video:

Can You Use Glycolic Acid and Niacinamide on Your Armpits?

You may have seen some skincare influencers on TikTok using The Ordinary glycolic acid on their armpits! And yes, glycolic acid and niacinamide are two of the best ingredients for treating armpit skin.

Glycolic acid is an alpha-hydroxy acid that helps exfoliate and smooth the skin, while Niacinamide works to reduce inflammation. Combined, these two ingredients can help reduce underarm sebum that causes excessive oiliness and exfoliate dead skin cells.

Taking a few extra minutes out of your routine to apply a glycolic and niacinamide treatment can make a world of difference when it comes to keeping them deodorized and free of pimples.

To get the most out of this combination, start by cleansing your underarms with warm water and a gentle cleanser like Cetaphil.

Then rub a cotton ball or cotton pad soaked in The Ordinary glycolic acid toner, or your favorite brand, over both armpits. Leave it on for about 10 minutes before rinsing off with cool water.

After that has dried completely, apply between 5-7 drops each of niacinamide serum or lotion directly onto your armpits and massage it into the skin until fully absorbed before putting on deodorant as normal!

If you use this combo regularly you should begin seeing results within 2 weeks - expect some light peeling once everything is fully settled in place.

Also keep in mind that if you have sensitive skin then it's always better to do patch tests first before diving into full application routines as reactions vary from person to person. But overall, using this combo is definitely worth giving it a try!

This TikTok skincare influencer explains how these ingredients work to freshen your armpits in this video:

The Perfect Match

Ready to look your best? With glycolic acid and niacinamide, you can give your skincare routine a double punch of goodness.

From smoothing out rough spots to reducing unwanted redness, this dynamic duo can help renew and revitalize every inch of your face.

So don't let another day go by—start using these superstar products today and feel the difference in your own skin!

Be sure to take it slow when introducing new ingredients into any regimen, but with a little caution in mind, the powerful combination of glycolic acid plus niacinamide could be your golden ticket to glowing skin.

Get ready for brighter days and flawless radiance with two great products that work together like clockwork!