Niacinamide and BHA are two of the most popular skincare ingredients in the world. But can you use them together?
The answer is yes. You can use niacinamide with BHA. In fact, combining these two ingredients can be extremely beneficial for your skin.
Keep reading to learn more about niacinamide and BHA and why you should use them together.
What is niacinamide?
Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3, also known as nicotinic acid.
It’s an effective skin-restoring ingredient that can boost the skin’s barrier function and help repair skin damage.
Niacinamide also increases skin elasticity, thus improving the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and sagging skin. It’s available over-the-counter and you can find it in a variety of products, from serums and creams to toners and powders.
What are BHAs?
BHAs, or Beta Hydroxy Acids, are a type of acid commonly available in skincare products. They are closely related to AHAs (Alpha Hydroxy Acids) and are known for their exfoliating and anti-aging properties.
BHAs work by removing excess oil and dead skin cells, helping to clear out pores and reduce inflammation. They can also help reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines while improving skin tone.
Can you use niacinamide with BHA?
Yes, you can use niacinamide with BHA.
Niacinamide helps improve skin barrier function and elasticity, while BHA penetrates deep into pores to clear out dead skin cells and oil.
When used together, they provide several benefits, which include:
- Smoother skin texture
- Acne treatment
- Improved hydration
- Even skin tone
How to use niacinamide with BHA
The best way to use niacinamide with BHA is to apply them at different times of the day. This will help to prevent them from canceling each other out and ensure that you’re getting the most out of these ingredients.
That said, you should use niacinamide in the morning after cleansing, as it’s a repairing agent that helps to strengthen the skin barrier. You should use your BHA product in the evening after cleansing, as it’s an exfoliant that helps to unclog pores and remove diet.
As with all skincare ingredients, it’s essential to start with small amounts of niacinamide and BHA then gradually build up as your skin gets used to the elements.
What are the side effects of using niacinamide with BHA?
The most common side effects of using niacinamide and BHA together include dryness, irritation, and flaking. This is because both ingredients can be drying, and using them together can amplify this effect.
It’s also possible to experience an increase in sun sensitivity, due to the exfoliating effects of BHA. If you decide to use both niacinamide and BHA together, it’s important to start with a low concentration of each ingredient and gradually increase the amount with time.
It’s also essential to use a moisturizer afterward to help prevent dryness and irritation. Finally, make sure you wear sunscreen when using these ingredients during the day, as they can make your skin more sensitive to the sun.
What should you not use with BHAs?
Vitamin C
Vitamin C can cause sensitivity to sunlight, which is a big no-no when it comes to BHAs. Therefore, it is important to avoid using these ingredients together.
Retinoids
It’s also important to avoid using niacinamide with products that contain retinoids, as they can irritate the skin. Retinoids can also cause redness, dryness, and sun sensitivity, so avoid them at all costs in your BHA routine.
Exfoliating scrubs
BHAs are exfoliants, so when you use them with exfoliating scrubs, you run the risk of over-exfoliating your skin. This can cause dryness, irritation, and even redness.
Benzoyl peroxide
Benzoyl peroxide (BPO) is an antibacterial agent that can irritate sensitive skin. For this reason, it’s best to avoid using it with BHAs and other acidic ingredients.
Frequently asked questions
Can you use BHA during the day?
Yes, but it’s not advisable.
BHA can make your skin more sensitive to the sun, so it’s best to avoid using it during the day. If you must use your BHA product during the day, make sure to wear protective clothing and use broad-spectrum sunscreen.
Is niacinamide good for mature skin?
Yes, it is.
Niacinamide can help improve the appearance of mature skin by reducing fine lines and wrinkles, and fading age spots. It also improves hydration in mature skin by supporting skin barrier function.
Which is better, AHA or BHA?
BHA.
BHA is more effective than AHA because it penetrates deeper into the skin to unclog pores and reduce inflammation. This makes BHA-based products especially useful for treating blackheads and whiteheads.
Conclusion
Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3 that is known for its ability to improve the skin’s barrier function and improve overall skin appearance. BHA, on the other hand, is an exfoliating agent that helps to unclog pores and improve skin texture.
When used together, these two ingredients can work wonders for your skin. However, it’s best to use both ingredients at different times of the day. Niacinamide works better in the morning, while BHA offers more benefits at night.
Thanks for reading.
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