Niacinamide Vs Hyaluronic Acid: Differences, Benefits & Usage

If you’ve researched your skincare routine recently, you’ve found information regarding hyaluronic acid and niacinamide, two great chemicals. Both are often utilized in the most moisturizing regimens and while they are both associated with profound wetness, some differences make the chemicals unique from each other.

In this blog, we will be discussing the Niacinamide Vs Hyaluronic Acid benefits and usage of Niacinamide and Hyaluronic Acid.

What Exactly is Hyaluronic Acid?

Hyaluronic Acid is a glycosaminoglycan, a long polysaccharide carbohydrate formed of linked sugar molecules. It’s much easier to recall that it’s a clear, gooey, gel-like stuff. It can be found in the eyes, the joints, the skin, and the connective tissues.

Hyaluronic Acid has become famous in skincare for its ability to assist the skin to retain moisture. It also makes the skin appear smooth and full. Unfortunately, hyaluronic acid levels decline around the age of 40, resulting in dry skin and thinner skin. Hyaluronic Acid, on the other hand, can hold a thousand times its weight in water. That is why it is a renowned anti-aging skincare ingredient.

Benefits of Hyaluronic Acid

Benefits of Hyaluronic Acid-Niacinamide Vs Hyaluronic Acid: Differences, Benefits & Usage

Hyaluronic Acid helps in retaining the moisture of the skin and hydrates the cells deep within. Here are some other benefits of using hyaluronic Acid.

1. It maintains appropriate skin hydration, making it appear bouncy and supple.
2. Reduces early signs of premature aging and fades out wrinkles and fine lines.
3. Minimizes pores and helps develop a healthy skin barrier.

Usage of Hyaluronic Acid

Hyaluronic Acid comes in different forms of moisturizers, serums, and cleansers. Regardless of what you are using, take into consideration that you are using a product that contains only 4% of hyaluronic Acid. Otherwise, it may dry out your skin.

In the form of serum. If you’re using a hyaluronic acid serum, apply it after cleansing and toning your skin. Apply a few drops of hyaluronic acid serum to your damp skin and gently rub it in. Please wait a moment for it to absorb before continuing with your skincare routine.

In the form of moisturizer. Follow your normal skincare routine and finish with your hyaluronic acid moisturizer. Use hyaluronic Acid twice a day to get the maximum benefit for your skin.

What is Niacinamide?

Niacinamide does not have the same effect as hyaluronic Acid. When we are talking about Niacinamide vs hyaluronic Acid, it is important to remember that Niacinamide is a vitamin, whereas hyaluronic Acid is a glycosaminoglycan.

It is a water-soluble vitamin in the form of Vitamin B3. The human body does not produce this vitamin.

Niacinamide is utilized in many topical creams, serums, and cleansers in skincare since it is both gentle and effective.

Benefits of Niacinamide

Niacinamide is the all-rounder in the game of skincare. Hear all the benefits, and you will agree.

Benefits of Niacinamide

1. It provides enough hydration to the skin, which results in regular pH maintenance and normal sebum production.
2. Reduces hyperpigmentation.
3. Reduces redness, dullness, dark spots, and acne scars.
4. It also minimizes the effect of premature aging and smoothes out large pores.

Usage of Niacinamide

Niacinamide is widely used in the form of serum and must be applied on a freshly cleaned and dried face. After cleaning and toning, if you wish, apply your serum before heavier or oil-based serums, moisturizers, and sunscreen.

Niacinamide is water-based, and therefore, applying it over an oil-based serum will reduce its efficacy. You can use Niacinamide twice a day for effective benefits.

Niacinamide Vs Hyaluronic Acid

On paper, they appear to be pretty similar; both aid in hydration, are antioxidants, and possess anti-inflammatory qualities, yet they are not. Let’s only consider the top-line benefits of Niacinamide vs hyaluronic acid (HA). The former is an oil regulator that can aid with redness, while HA is primarily concerned with hydration.

Experts believe they are very different because Niacinamide is a type of vitamin B3, and hyaluronic Acid is a sugar molecule. HA is a potent hydrating product, but Niacinamide serves as more of an antioxidant with extra moisturizing effects.

Can You Use Niacinamide & Hyaluronic Acid Together?

Niacinamide promotes fatty acid production and reduces the loss of water in dry skin, while hyaluronic Acid is a substance that helps the skin retain moisture. The moisturizing benefits of these two substances complement each other, resulting in deeply moisturized skin. It is especially beneficial for persons who have dry, acne-prone, or aging skin.

When it comes to increasing hydration in your skin, hyaluronic Acid and Niacinamide work well together.

Popular Customer Queries on Niacinamide Vs Hyaluronic acid?

1. Can I use Niacinamide and Vitamin C together?

Answer: Yes, you can use Niacinamide and Vitamin C together. In fact, they complement each other well. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that brightens the skin, while Niacinamide helps to reduce inflammation and improve skin texture. However, it's important to introduce these products gradually to avoid potential irritation.

2. Is there a specific age to start using Niacinamide and Hyaluronic Acid?

Answer: You can start using both Niacinamide and Hyaluronic Acid at any age. They are suitable for all skin types and can be incorporated into your skincare routine as early as your teens.

3. Can I use Niacinamide and Hyaluronic Acid with Retinol?

Answer: Yes, you can use Niacinamide and Hyaluronic Acid with Retinol. However, it's important to introduce these products gradually and listen to your skin. Using too many active ingredients at once can irritate your skin.

4. Can Niacinamide help with acne-prone skin?

Answer: Yes, Niacinamide can be beneficial for acne-prone skin. It helps regulate sebum production, reduce inflammation, and minimize the appearance of pores.

5. Can Hyaluronic Acid help with dry skin?

Answer: Absolutely! Hyaluronic Acid is a powerful humectant that draws moisture into the skin. It can help to hydrate dry, flaky skin and improve its overall texture.

6. Can Niacinamide help with hyperpigmentation?

Answer: Yes, Niacinamide can help to lighten dark spots and hyperpigmentation. It works by inhibiting melanin production, the pigment responsible for skin color.

7. Is it necessary to use a moisturizer after applying Hyaluronic Acid?

Answer: While Hyaluronic Acid is a humectant that draws moisture into the skin, it's still important to follow up with a moisturizer to seal in the hydration.

8. Can I use Niacinamide and Hyaluronic Acid in the morning or at night?

Answer: You can use both Niacinamide and Hyaluronic Acid both morning and night. In the morning, they can help protect your skin from environmental stressors.

At night, they can help your skin repair itself.

9. Can I use Niacinamide and Hyaluronic Acid on sensitive skin?

Answer: Yes, both Niacinamide and Hyaluronic Acid are generally well-tolerated by sensitive skin. However, it's important to start with a low concentration and gradually increase it as your skin adjusts.

10. What are the best ways to incorporate Niacinamide and Hyaluronic Acid into my skincare routine?

Answer:

Morning: Cleanse your face, apply a hydrating toner, follow with Niacinamide serum, then apply Hyaluronic Acid serum, and finish with a moisturizer with SPF.

Night: Cleanse your face, apply a gentle exfoliator (2-3 times a week), apply Niacinamide serum, then Hyaluronic Acid serum, and finish with a night cream.