Niacinamide and Azelaic acid are two popular options known for their effectiveness. These antioxidants help reduce acne and promote overall skin health. But can you use them together?
The answer is yes. Using Niacinamide and Azelaic acid together is not only safe but also offers various benefits. They can help improve your skin tone and texture, and strengthen your skin barrier.
In this guide, we’ll share the benefits of Niacinamide and Azelaic acid. You’ll learn how to use them together for healthier, glowing skin. Let’s explore how these ingredients can work for you.
What is Niacinamide Acid?
Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3 that plays a crucial role in boosting energy metabolism and supporting overall cell health. You’ll often find it in skincare products because it addresses a variety of skin concerns.
This powerful ingredient is particularly effective in treating conditions like acne and rosacea. It helps make your skin stronger, smoother, and brighter, contributing to a healthier complexion.
Niacinamide is naturally present in both animal-based foods like meat, poultry, and fish, and in plant-based sources such as nuts, seeds, and green vegetables.
One of the most significant benefits of Niacinamide is its ability to help protect against skin cancer, making it an essential addition to your skincare routine.
Benefits of Niacinamide Acid for Skin
When used correctly, Niacinamide can significantly improve your skin’s health, which is why it’s a staple in many skincare products. This versatile ingredient not only improves skin texture and tone but also contributes to a healthier lifestyle by promoting skin well-being.
But here are a few more benefits —
Promotes Hydration
Hydration is a cornerstone of healthy skin. Plus, understanding dehydration and its effect on the body stresses the importance of moisturizing your skin. That said, Niacinamide plays a crucial role in preventing water loss by strengthening your skin’s natural barrier.
As a result, your skin retains more moisture, reducing dryness and leaving it feeling refreshed. This increased hydration is essential for maintaining a soft and supple complexion.
Brightens Skin Color
Another notable benefit of Niacinamide is its ability to brighten skin tone. By reducing the transfer of melanin, the pigment responsible for skin color, it helps create a more even and radiant complexion.
Over time, this reduction in melanin leads to a noticeable improvement in skin brightness, giving you a more youthful appearance.
Keeps Skin Firm and Healthy
In addition to its brightening effects, Niacinamide also supports skin firmness and health. It boosts collagen production, which is vital for maintaining the skin’s structure and elasticity.
Furthermore, by reinforcing your skin’s protective barrier, Niacinamide ensures that your skin remains resilient and less prone to damage. Its anti-inflammatory properties add another layer of protection, keeping your skin calm and healthy.
Reduces Wrinkles and Fine Lines
Niacinamide’s impact on collagen production also helps in reducing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.
As it stimulates collagen synthesis, your skin becomes firmer and more elastic, which naturally diminishes signs of aging.
Moreover, Niacinamide helps balance the production of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), leading to improved skin texture and hydration.
Removes Pores and Dark Spots
Improving your skin’s barrier function with Niacinamide can also lead to the reduction of visible pores. This effect, combined with its ability to stimulate collagen production, helps fade dark spots over time.
Additionally, Niacinamide’s anti-inflammatory properties help to soothe any redness or irritation that often accompanies enlarged pores, making your skin look smoother and more even.
Treats Acne and Hyperpigmentation
Finally, Niacinamide effectively treats both acne and hyperpigmentation. It regulates sebum production, helping to prevent breakouts. Hence, it could a great addition to your other skincare treatments like Azelaic Acid and Retinol.
At the same time, Niacinamide inhibits melanosome transfer. That way, it reduces hyperpigmentation for a clearer, more even complexion. This dual action makes Niacinamide a great choice for managing acne and uneven skin tone.
What is Azelaic Acid?
Azelaic acid is a natural compound found in grains like wheat, rye, and barley. It’s known for its ability to significantly improve skin health.
Thanks to its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, Azelaic acid is often used in skincare products to help prevent and treat various skin issues. It’s a safe and gentle ingredient with minimal side effects, making it suitable for a wide range of skin types.
Chemically, Azelaic acid has the molecular formula C9H16O4, which means it consists of approximately 57.43% carbon (C), 8.57% hydrogen (H), and 34.00% oxygen (O).
Benefits of Azelaic Acid for Skin
Azelaic acid is a powerful ingredient that can greatly improve your skin’s health. It’s especially known for treating acne by targeting the bacteria that cause breakouts.
Here are a few more benefits —
Reduces Inflammation
Azelaic acid reduces inflammation, helping to calm your skin and even out your skin tone. Its antioxidant properties neutralize harmful free radicals, preventing redness and irritation. By controlling melanin production, Azelaic acid keeps inflammation in check, promoting a clear complexion.
Helps in Rosacea Treatment
For those dealing with rosacea, Azelaic acid can be particularly helpful. It reduces the redness and swelling often associated with rosacea flare-ups. Plus, it helps control bacteria linked to the condition, improving overall skin health.
Reduces Discolorations
Azelaic acid is also effective in reducing discoloration. By slowing down melanin production, it fades dark spots and uneven skin tones. Additionally, it promotes cell turnover, revealing healthier, more radiant skin underneath.
Treats Acne and Dark Spots
According to the National Library of Medicine, Azelaic acid’s antibacterial properties make it a strong ally in fighting acne.
It not only helps keep your skin clear but also fades dark spots and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. This dual action makes it an essential ingredient for achieving clear, even-toned skin.
While not the top choice for severe acne, it’s highly effective for conditions like rosacea, melasma, and mild to moderate acne.
Can You Use Niacinamide and Azelaic Acid Together?
Yes, you can definitely use Niacinamide and Azelaic acid together. These two ingredients work well with each other, without causing any conflict when applied to your skin. In fact, combining them can improve your skin’s health more than you might expect.
Niacinamide is known for its ability to soothe the skin, reduce dullness, and minimize redness. Azelaic acid, on the other hand, is highly effective in treating acne and hyperpigmentation. When used together, they complement each other, providing a powerful boost to your skincare routine.
Niacinamide also helps improve uneven skin tone, while Azelaic acid tackles acne, hyperpigmentation, and uneven skin texture. The result is clearer, brighter, and healthier-looking skin.
You’ll find many skincare products that contain both of these ingredients in one formula. However, it’s important to apply them correctly to get the best results for your skin.
How Do You Use Niacinamide and Azelaic Acid Together?
To get the best results, you should use Niacinamide and Azelaic acid in the same skincare routine. You can choose to apply them in the morning, evening, or at a time that suits you best.
But before you start, always make sure to wash your face with clean water. And the next steps are:
Step 1: Begin with Niacinamide, which is typically a water-based serum. Apply 2-3 drops to cover your entire face and neck.
Step 2: Gently rub the serum into your skin using your palms, ensuring even distribution.
Step 3: Allow the serum to fully absorb into your skin before moving to the next step.
Step 4: Take a small, pea-sized amount of Azelaic acid.
Step 5: Apply it to your face and neck, again using your palms to smooth it over the skin.
Step 6: Leave both products on your skin to work their magic. There’s no need to wash them off.
If you’re applying these products in the morning, don’t forget to follow up with sunscreen. This will help protect your skin and enhance the effectiveness of the ingredients.
What Should I Apply First: Niacinamide or Azelaic Acid?
When layering skincare products, it’s important to apply them in the correct order to maximize their effectiveness. Since Niacinamide is a water-based serum and Azelaic acid is typically a gel, you should apply Niacinamide first.
Start by applying the Niacinamide serum to your skin. This allows it to absorb fully and strengthen your skin’s defenses. Once the Niacinamide has melted into your skin, you can then apply the Azelaic acid.
The reason for this order is simple: Niacinamide penetrates the skin more deeply, while Azelaic acid works on the surface. By applying Azelaic acid second, you ensure it can effectively target the outer layer of your skin, delivering the desired results.
Niacinamide vs Azelaic Acid: Which is Ideal for You?
When deciding between Niacinamide and Azelaic acid for your skincare routine, it’s important to consider your skin type and specific concerns. Each ingredient offers unique benefits, and they can even be used together for enhanced results.
The Primary Purpose
Niacinamide excels at supporting your skin barrier and regulating sebum production. It’s also effective at improving uneven skin tone and minimizing the appearance of enlarged pores. This makes it a versatile ingredient for addressing multiple skin issues.
On the other hand, Azelaic acid is well-known for its exfoliating properties. It’s particularly beneficial for treating acne, improving skin tone, and addressing conditions like rosacea and sensitivity.
Its ability to work on the surface of the skin makes it a powerful tool in your skincare arsenal.
Choose the Ideal Acid for Your Skin
If you have dry or sensitive skin, Niacinamide might be the better choice for you. It’s gentle and nourishing, making it ideal for calming and protecting delicate skin. Niacinamide helps maintain hydration and strengthens your skin’s defenses.
However, if your skin is oily or prone to acne, Azelaic acid could be more suitable. It’s highly effective in treating post-acne marks and sun damage, helping to keep your skin clear and even-toned.
Combining both ingredients can provide a balanced approach to achieving healthier skin.
Understand Their Work Process
Niacinamide works at the cellular level, enhancing skin function and reducing inflammation. It’s a gentle yet powerful ingredient that supports overall skin health and helps your skin function better over time.
In contrast, Azelaic acid takes a more direct approach by exfoliating dead skin cells and eliminating acne-causing bacteria. It also inhibits melanin production, which helps fade dark spots and even out your complexion.
That makes it a great choice for those dealing with pigmentation issues.
Consider the Side Effects
Both Niacinamide and Azelaic acid are generally well-tolerated by most skin types. However, it’s important to start with a low concentration. So that you can minimize the risk of mild irritation, redness, or dryness as your skin adjusts to the products.
Gradually increasing the concentration as your skin builds tolerance can help you avoid these side effects. Being cautious in the beginning will allow you to fully benefit from the positive effects of both ingredients.
Conclusion
So, It’s time to update your skincare routine by using Niacinamide and Azelaic acid together. These two ingredients can work wonders for your skin.
Unless you have very sensitive skin, you can use them regularly as part of your daily routine. Make sure you buy your products from authorized sellers to get the best quality.
Be careful not to overuse these ingredients. Stick to the recommended amounts to avoid any issues with your skin. Using the right amount will help you see better results faster.
FAQs
Do Niacinamide and Azelaic acid help with hyperpigmentation?
Yes, both Niacinamide and Azelaic acid can help with hyperpigmentation. Niacinamide reduces melanin production, while Azelaic acid exfoliates the skin and brightens dark spots. When used together, they can effectively fade uneven skin tone.
Can I use Azelaic acid every day?
Yes, you can use Azelaic acid daily. The best time to apply is in the morning or evening. However, if you have sensitive skin, it’s better to start with a lower frequency to avoid irritation.
What should I avoid after using Niacinamide?
After using Niacinamide, avoid washing your face immediately. Also, do not use Vitamin C right after, as this could cause skin issues. Additionally, avoid applying heavy makeup or other skincare products immediately after using Niacinamide.
What should you not mix with Niacinamide?
You should not mix Niacinamide with high concentrations of Vitamin C, AHAs, BHAs, or benzoyl peroxide. Mixing these ingredients can irritate or reduce the effectiveness of one or both products.
Can using both Niacinamide and Azelaic acid helps fade blemish marks better than just using one or the other?
Yes, using both Niacinamide and Azelaic acid together can be more effective in fading blemish marks than using either one alone. Niacinamide helps reduce redness and even skin tone, while Azelaic acid targets hyperpigmentation and inflammation. Just be sure to apply them correctly and avoid overuse.
Do I use Niacinamide before or after Azelaic acid?
You should use Niacinamide before Azelaic acid. Niacinamide is a water-based serum, which allows it to absorb quickly. Azelaic acid is thicker, so applying it after Niacinamide ensures better results.
