Hyaluronic acid and niacinamide are two powerhouse ingredients in skincare regimens. Using products that contain both ingredients can prove highly beneficial for your skin, but as with anything in the skincare world, it pays to know how to use each product. And one of the things you need to think about is what you can pair with other ingredients. Often, you can use several ingredients together, but certain products are best separated to avoid skin irritation or ineffectiveness. Fortunately, you can mix hyaluronic acid with niacinamide if you are keen to benefit from both of those products. Here’s what you need to know about using hyaluronic acid and niacinamide together.

More and more, we are seeing hyaluronic acid in a multitude of skincare products. And for a good reason: hyaluronic acid helps our skin hang on to water so it stays plump and hydrated. At the root of most skincare problems is an underlying problem with dryness. Also, bear in mind that water makes up most of our body, so our tissues need hydration to maintain their structure and function.

Our bodies naturally produce hyaluronic acid. This substance helps all our tissues hold onto water to prevent it from evaporating into the air. Thus, hyaluronic acid helps keep things well lubricated and moist. However, as we get older, the amount of hyaluronic acid in our bodies decreases. And, because about half of the body’s hyaluronic acid is contained in the skin, skin changes are one of the first signs of a decrease in the amount of this substance. Hyaluronic acid also:

• Protects the lipid barrier we have in our skin so that we hang onto water
• Regulates inflammation
• Encourages blood flow to congregate in areas where tissue damage has occurred
• Supports a more youthful appearance because plenty of skin hydration helps decrease the appearance of lines and wrinkles
• Sustains a bright and vibrant complexion because skin cells are healthier in the presence of hyaluronic acid
• Improves skin texture overall

Plenty of clinical studies support the use of hyaluronic acid in skincare regimens. What is more, it also is gentle and effective for most skin types. Where other products may cause skin irritation and even redness and peeling, hyaluronic acid is typically safe for all skin types.

As a form of vitamin B3, niacinamide helps prevent damage to the skin and effectively repairs your skin from harmful agents like UV rays, pollutants, and even trauma. Like hyaluronic acid, it also encourages hydration. Many people use niacinamide to help treat:

• Scarring from acne blemishes
• Sun damage
• Poor skin texture
• Dryness and irritation
• Large pores

All in all, niacinamide is an excellent reparative agent. And, like hyaluronic acid, it is safe for most skin types when used properly.

Both hyaluronic acid and niacinamide usually come in serums. Most skincare experts agree that serums offer the most powerful results because they contain the most potent form of active ingredients. With that said, you have to be careful when using multiple ingredients in serums.

Some ingredients, like Retin A and vitamin C, are best separated throughout the day because they are acidic and together can be highly irritating to the skin. However, hyaluronic acid and niacinamide can be used together with a relatively low risk of causing skin irritation.

The best way to use your products is to give each one a few minutes to soak into the skin before adding another product. Ideally, you will want to cleanse your skin first, follow it with your serum and then finally seal it with your moisturizer. If you use multiple serums, allow each serum a few minutes to soak in before adding the next one. And, should you choose to use hyaluronic acid and niacinamide together, put the hyaluronic acid on first, followed by the niacinamide.

Of course, you can also separate them and use one in the morning and the other at night. Ideally, you will want to use the hyaluronic acid in the morning to increase your skin’s hydration and plumpness and then end your evening with niacinamide to repair your skin cells overnight.

If you have any skin irritation with using these products together, you should separate when you use them. In general, before using any new product, it is best to test it on a small area of your skin so you can see if any irritation develops. Also, if you are using a topical prescription for your face, make sure you check with your doctor before combining it with other skincare products.

Additionally, some skincare procedures may require you to stop using certain ingredients before or after to allow the skin to heal. Otherwise, most people can safely use these two products together unless they use a topical prescription that prohibits the use of other products.

For the highest quality hyaluronic acid with proven efficacy, try the Advanced Hyaluronic Booster Hydrating + Filler Effect serum from DS Laboratories.