Are you wondering if lactic acid and niacinamide can be used together in your skincare routine? The answer is yes! These two ingredients have different functions, but they can actually enhance each other’s effectiveness when used in combination.
In this blog post, we will explore the benefits of using lactic acid and niacinamide together, as well as how to properly incorporate these ingredients into your skincare routine for optimal results. From addressing dullness and uneven skin tone to fighting the signs of aging, this dynamic duo can help you achieve radiant and healthy-looking skin. But as always, consult with a skincare professional before introducing new products or making any major changes to your routine.
So, whether you’re new to the world of skincare or a seasoned pro, keep reading to learn more about how you can incorporate lactic acid and niacinamide into your routine for a brighter, smoother, and healthier complexion.
Lactic Acid
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Lactic acid is a substance that plays a number of important roles in the body. It is a type of alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that is naturally produced in the body during fermentation. This typically happens during intense physical exercise, such as weightlifting or sprinting, when the demand for oxygen by the muscles outstrips the supply.
One of the most well-known benefits of lactic acid is that it can help to improve athletic performance. During intense physical activity, lactic acid is produced in the muscles, which can act as a source of fuel for the body. Additionally, when lactic acid is produced in the muscles, it causes them to contract more forcefully, which can help to improve the power and strength of the muscles.
Lactic acid has also been used in medicine and cosmetics as a chemical peel. It can help to exfoliate the skin, remove dead skin cells, and even out skin tone, leaving skin looking refreshed and rejuvenated. Lactic acid is considered to be a gentle form of chemical peel because it has a larger molecule size than other AHAs and is therefore less likely to cause irritation.
Lactic acid also has antimicrobial properties, which means it can help to fight off bacterial and fungal infections. It can be used to treat conditions such as acne, jock itch, and athlete’s foot.
Niacinamide
Niacinamide, also known as nicotinamide, is a form of vitamin B3. It is a water-soluble vitamin that plays a number of important roles in the body, including maintaining healthy skin, nerves, and digestion. Niacinamide is commonly found in skincare products, as well as supplements and dietary products.
In terms of skincare, one of the most notable benefits of niacinamide is its ability to improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It can help to increase collagen production, which helps to keep the skin firm and plump. Niacinamide can also help to even out skin tone and reduce the appearance of dark spots and hyperpigmentation. It has been found to be effective in reducing redness, and blotchiness and improving the skin’s barrier function.
Additionally, niacinamide can help to reduce the appearance of pores, making the skin look smoother and clearer. It can also help to reduce the production of oil, making it a good choice for those with oily or acne-prone skin.
Niacinamide also has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to reduce redness and irritation, making it a good choice for those with sensitive skin. It is also gentle enough for all skin types. It is present in a variety of products, such as serums, creams, and moisturizers.
Apart from skincare, niacinamide also plays an important role in maintaining overall health. However, taking high doses of niacinamide can lead to a number of unwanted side effects, such as skin flushing, itching, and stomach upset.
What can you not mix with lactic acid?
While lactic acid is generally safe to use in skincare, there are certain ingredients that you should avoid mixing with it.
- Vitamin C (Ascorbic acid) and other acids such as Ascorbic acid, Retinoids, Salicylic acid, Glycolic acid, and more.
- Retinoids (like retinol) and other retinoid derivatives
- Essential oils like cinnamon, clove, and peppermint oil
- Harsh physical exfoliants
- High concentrations of Benzoyl peroxide
Mixing Lactic Acid with Niacinamide: Benefits
Mixing lactic acid and niacinamide can provide a number of benefits for your skin, including:
- Improved Texture and Tone: Lactic acid, as an exfoliant, helps to remove dead skin cells and improve the overall texture and tone of your skin. Niacinamide, on the other hand, can help to brighten your complexion and even out discoloration, resulting in a smoother, more radiant appearance.
- Reduces Fine Lines and Wrinkles: Niacinamide can reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by increasing collagen production, which helps to plump and firm the skin. Additionally, lactic acid can also help to plump up the skin by increasing hyaluronic acid production, which helps to keep the skin hydrated and plump.
- Improved Barrier Function: Niacinamide can help to strengthen the skin barrier, which can help to protect the skin from environmental stressors and prevent moisture loss. Additionally, lactic acid can also help to improve barrier function by removing dead skin cells and promoting cell turnover, which helps to keep the skin healthy and hydrated.
- Brightens Complexion: Both ingredients can help to brighten the complexion. Lactic acid can help to reduce dark spots and improve overall skin tone, while Niacinamide can improve the overall radiance of the skin.
- Reduced Acne: The combination of lactic acid and niacinamide can help to reduce acne and improve the appearance of acne-prone skin. Lactic acid exfoliates the skin, which can help to unclog pores and reduce the build-up of dead skin cells that can lead to acne. Niacinamide can also help to reduce inflammation and redness associated with acne.
Lactic acid or niacinamide for hyperpigmentation
Both lactic acid and niacinamide can be effective in treating hyperpigmentation, although they work in slightly different ways.
Lactic acid acts as a chemical exfoliant, helping to remove dead skin cells and improve the overall texture and tone of your skin. When applied to the skin, it can help to lighten dark spots and even out skin tone. Lactic acid works by inhibiting the production of melanin, the pigment responsible for hyperpigmentation.
Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3 that can help to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, as well as brighten your complexion and improve the barrier function of your skin. Niacinamide can also help to inhibit the transfer of melanosomes, which are the cells that contain melanin, to the skin’s surface. This can help to reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation and improve the overall evenness of skin tone.
It’s worth noting that for hyperpigmentation, a combination of ingredients and a long-term approach tend to yield better results. Therefore, in a skincare routine for hyperpigmentation, it’s best to combine both lactic acid and niacinamide with other ingredients known to address hyperpigmentation such as kojic acid, arbutin, and vit c, and using sunscreen daily is a must. It is also important to note that results may vary depending on the individual, so it is always best to consult with a skincare professional before starting any new skincare regimen, and patch test before applying any product.
How to use lactic acid with niacinamide?
When using lactic acid and niacinamide together, it’s best to apply them at different times of the day or to alternate their use. Here’s a general guide on how you can use these two ingredients in your skincare routine:
- Cleanse your skin thoroughly.
- Apply a low concentration of lactic acid in the morning, such as a 5-10% lactic acid serum or toner. Be sure to follow the instructions on the product and start with a lower concentration if you have sensitive skin.
- Apply a moisturizer and sunscreen to protect your skin from UV rays.
- In the evening, cleanse your skin again and apply a niacinamide serum or moisturizer. Aim for at least 4-5% niacinamide and use it according to the instructions of the product.
- Follow up with a moisturizer, if desired.
So, can you use lactic acid and niacinamide together?
Yes, you can use lactic acid and niacinamide together in your skincare routine. These two ingredients have different functions, but they can actually enhance each other’s effectiveness when used in combination. Lactic acid exfoliates the skin and removes dead skin cells, while niacinamide helps to improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, brightens the complexion, and strengthens the skin barrier.
When used together, these ingredients can provide a synergistic effect, resulting in improved texture and tone, reduced fine lines and wrinkles, improved barrier function, and a brighter complexion. This combination can be particularly beneficial for those with dull, uneven skin or those looking to combat the signs of aging.
However, it’s important not to apply them together at the same time. This may induce irritation and minimize the effectiveness of the ingredients. We recommend you start with a low concentration. Also, don’t forget the sunscreen, as these ingredients may increase your skin’s sensitivity to the sun.
Wrapping up
Lactic acid and niacinamide are two powerful ingredients that can help your skin when used together. Lactic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that exfoliates the skin, removing dead skin cells and improving the overall texture and tone of your skin. Niacinamide can help to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and brighten your complexion.
When used together, these ingredients can provide a synergistic effect, resulting in improved texture and tone, reduced fine lines and wrinkles, improved barrier function, and a brighter complexion. This combination can be particularly beneficial for those with dull, uneven skin.
Note that when using lactic acid and niacinamide together, it’s best to apply them at different times of the day. And as always, it’s best to consult with a skincare professional before introducing new products to your routine.
