The Ultimate Guide to Niacinamide and Hyaluronic Acid: Benefits, Usage, and More

When it comes to skincare, Niacinamide and Hyaluronic Acid are two powerhouse ingredients that have been gaining significant attention for their skin-loving benefits. But can you use them together? If so, in what order should they be applied? In this blog, we’ll explore the benefits of Niacinamide and Hyaluronic Acid, how to incorporate both into your skincare routine, and answer some frequently asked questions.

What Are Niacinamide and Hyaluronic Acid?

Before diving into the details of using Niacinamide and Hyaluronic Acid together, let’s briefly break down what these ingredients do:

• Niacinamide (Vitamin B3): This versatile ingredient is known for its anti-inflammatory properties. It helps reduce redness, even out skin tone, minimize enlarged pores, and improve the skin's elasticity. Niacinamide is also known to strengthen the skin's barrier, making it more resistant to environmental stressors.

• Hyaluronic Acid: A naturally occurring substance in our skin, Hyaluronic Acid is famous for its ability to attract and retain moisture. It can hold up to 1000 times its weight in water, making it one of the best ingredients for boosting hydration and plumping the skin.

Niacinamide and Hyaluronic Acid Benefits

Combining Niacinamide and Hyaluronic Acid in your skincare routine can offer a multitude of benefits for all skin types. Here’s why these two ingredients work so well together:

• Hydration Boost: Hyaluronic Acid draws moisture into the skin, while Niacinamide helps to strengthen the skin’s barrier, preventing water loss and ensuring that hydration stays locked in.
• Improved Skin Texture: Niacinamide helps to smooth the skin and minimize the appearance of pores, while Hyaluronic Acid gives the skin a plump, refreshed look.
• Anti-Inflammatory: Niacinamide’s anti-inflammatory properties, combined with the soothing effect of Hyaluronic Acid, make this combination perfect for calming irritated or sensitive skin.
• Even Skin Tone: Niacinamide helps reduce dark spots and hyperpigmentation, while Hyaluronic Acid maintains hydration, promoting a bright and even complexion.

Should I Use Niacinamide or Hyaluronic Acid First?

A common question when using Niacinamide and Hyaluronic Acid together is: Which should you apply first?

In most cases, you should apply Hyaluronic Acid first, followed by Niacinamide. Here’s why:

• Hyaluronic Acid is a humectant, meaning it draws moisture into the skin. When applied first, it can penetrate the skin deeply and hydrate effectively.
• Niacinamide works well as a follow-up product because it helps lock in that moisture and strengthens the skin’s barrier, ensuring the hydration doesn’t evaporate.

How Long to Wait Between Hyaluronic Acid and Niacinamide?

One of the great things about Niacinamide and Hyaluronic Acid together is that they can be used in the same skincare routine without waiting too long between layers. After applying Hyaluronic Acid, you can apply Niacinamide within a minute or two.

There is no need to wait for a long period, but allow the products a few moments to fully absorb before moving on to the next step of your routine.

Niacinamide and Hyaluronic Acid Serum Together

Using a Niacinamide and Hyaluronic Acid serum together can be incredibly effective. Many skincare brands have formulated serums that combine these two ingredients, allowing you to take advantage of their benefits without having to apply separate products.

The Ordinary is one such brand that offers an excellent combination of these two ingredients. Their Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% serum targets blemishes and congestion, while their Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 serum hydrates and plumps the skin. Using both in tandem can address a wide range of skincare concerns.

Niacinamide, Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamin C: Can You Use Them Together?

You may be wondering, "Can I use Niacinamide, Hyaluronic Acid, and Vitamin C together?" The answer is yes! While there was once a myth that Niacinamide and Vitamin C shouldn’t be used together, recent studies show that they can be combined in your skincare routine without issue.

Here’s how you can layer these three ingredients:

1. Start with Vitamin C (if you're using it in your morning routine) for its antioxidant properties and brightening effects.
2. Apply Hyaluronic Acid for hydration.
3. Finish with Niacinamide to reduce inflammation and lock in moisture.

Vitamin C can make the skin more sensitive to the sun, so always follow up with sunscreen in the morning.

Niacinamide and Hyaluronic Acid Order: The Right Layering Technique

If you’re wondering about the Niacinamide and Hyaluronic Acid order, the ideal routine would be:

1. Cleanser: Start with a gentle, hydrating cleanser to remove any dirt or makeup.
2. Toner (Optional): Apply a hydrating or soothing toner, especially if your skin is on the drier side.
3. Hyaluronic Acid: Apply your Hyaluronic Acid serum while the skin is still damp for maximum hydration.
4. Niacinamide: Follow up with Niacinamide to help reduce redness, balance oil production, and improve overall skin texture.
5. Moisturizer: Seal everything in with a nourishing moisturizer.
6. Sunscreen (AM Routine): Finish with sunscreen to protect your skin from harmful UV rays.

Niacinamide and Hyaluronic Acid: The Ordinary

The Ordinary is a cult favorite when it comes to affordable, high-quality skincare. Their Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% serum is perfect for those dealing with blemishes and uneven skin tone, while their Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 serum offers intense hydration and plumping. You can easily incorporate both products into your routine for an effective, budget-friendly skincare regimen.

Conclusion

Niacinamide and Hyaluronic Acid are a dynamic duo that can provide a wide range of benefits for your skin, from hydration to reducing the appearance of pores and uneven skin tone. By understanding the right way to use these ingredients together, you can create a skincare routine that maximizes their potential. Whether you're using them together in a serum, applying them in the correct order, or mixing them with Vitamin C, the combination of Niacinamide and Hyaluronic Acid is a winning formula for healthy, glowing skin.