There is a certain amount of science involved in skin care application. When it comes to layering ingredients, we often forget that different pH levels change the efficacy of each active ingredient and how it works on the skin. Many users mistakenly believe that layering ingredients can lead to adverse side effects such as rashes, itching, and discomfort. However, these can be easily avoided if you know how to combine different ingredients in your daily routine. You may be surprised to know that most skin care ingredients can be used in a single routine. You just need to understand their pH levels and know when to apply them to the skin.
This brings us to our question today: Can Niacinamide be used with Mandelic Acid? Let’s quickly summarize how these ingredients work and what benefits they can bring to the skin.
What is Mandelic Acid?
It is extracted from bitter almonds and belongs to the group of chemical peels called alpha hydroxy acids, also known as AHAs.
Has a larger molecular size, making it gentle enough for all skin types, even those prone to redness and sensitivity.
Removes the layer of dead skin cells on the surface of the skin to reveal fresher new cells underneath.
Fights signs of aging such as fine lines and wrinkles and significantly reduces their appearance after a few weeks.
Helps fight clogged pores and skin blemishes. Mandelic acid removes excess sebum, dirt, bacteria, and other impurities from pores.
Mandelic acid can prevent hyperpigmentation such as melasma, dark spots, post-acne scars, and other areas of uneven skin tone.
There are some side effects such as itching, swelling, redness, itching, etc. Therefore, you must seek advice from your doctor or dermatologist before adding any new ingredient to your routine.
If you want to know more about mandelic acid, read our dedicated blog post.
What is Niacinamide?
Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3 that is extracted from brewer’s yeast and grains.
Known for its moisturizing properties, it ensures that moisture is locked into the skin. This helps the skin barrier function properly and protect itself from free radicals.
Can be effectively combined with other ingredients, even chemical acids such as glycolic acid, lactic acid, and mandelic acid.
May help regulate sebum production, making Niacinamide a useful ingredient for people with acne-prone and dry skin types.
Visibly reduces the appearance of large pores and ensures an overall improved complexion.
Fights signs of aging like fine lines, wrinkles, and signs of dehydration on the skin’s surface.
Tightens the skin around the chin and neck to help improve skin texture.
Restores skin radiance and reduces the appearance of common dullness and lackluster skin.
Learn more about Niacinamide at Beauty Insider.
How to Use Niacinamide and Mandelic Acid?
There are a number of ways to use mandelic acid and niacinamide together. Unlike other active ingredients, you can actually layer these ingredients. However, each has a different pH level, and if they are mixed too quickly, the pH of your skin can shift. This can cause redness, itching, flaking, and sometimes severe irritation. Here are some examples of how to use Niacinamide and Mandelic Acid together.
Using These Two Ingredients in Your Routine
As I suggested earlier, you can use mandelic acid and niacinamide together. Just remember to wait about 10 minutes between applications to allow the active ingredients to be absorbed and the pH to be rebalanced.
Apply Mandelic Acid, Then Niacinamide
First, use a cleanser or exfoliating toner with mandelic acid to remove dead skin cells and dirt from your skin. Next, use niacinamide to lock moisture into the skin, allowing the skin barrier to function properly and ensuring it can protect itself from free radicals such as pollution, central heating, cigarette smoke and other environmental aggressors.
Vary the time of day you apply it
You can also use one ingredient in your morning routine and another in your evening routine. This is an effective way to benefit from all your skincare products, if you already have an established collection.
There is a basic rule in skincare that you apply your skincare products in order of consistency. Start with the thinnest and end with the thickest. This allows you to determine which ingredient to apply to the skin first.
What not to mix with mandelic acid?
It is thought that it is best not to mix mandelic acid with other acids such as glycolic acid, lactic acid, salicylic acid and retinol. This is because using too many exfoliating ingredients can over-irritate the skin, causing facial redness, itching, flaking, severe dryness and general discomfort.
If you want to use both AHAs and mandelic acid, you can do so by alternating the days you use each active ingredient. For example, you can avoid mandelic acid on the nights you use retinol. When introducing new ingredients into your routine, always do a 24-hour patch test before applying a new formula to your face. To do a patch test, you first need to apply a 10p-sized small amount to the inside of your arm. Leave the product there overnight, and if there are no signs of irritation in the morning, you can use the product on your face.
What Not to Mix with Niacinamide?
It was believed that vitamin C should be avoided when using niacinamide, as both are antioxidants and work on the skin in similar ways. This information is now considered somewhat outdated, and many product formulas contain a stabilized form of vitamin C, so people are less concerned about combining these powerful ingredients.
