There is a certain science in skin care applications. When it comes to layering ingredients, we often forget that different pH levels alter the potency of each ingredient and how it affects the skin. Many users mistakenly believe that layered ingredients are the result of unwanted side effects like rashes, itching, and discomfort. However, these problems can be easily avoided if you know how to combine different ingredients in your daily life. You might be surprised to learn that most skincare ingredients can be used in a single routine, it’s just a matter of knowing their pH levels and when to apply them to the skin.
Which leads us to our question today, can niacinamide be used with mandelic acid? Let’s briefly review what each ingredient does and the benefits they can provide to the skin.
What is Mandelic Acid?
It is derived from bitter almonds and belongs to a group of chemical peels called alpha hydroxy acids, also known as AHAs.
Has a large molecular size, making it gentle enough for all skin types, including redness-prone and sensitive skin.
The layer of dead skin cells on the surface of the skin is removed to reveal fresher new cells underneath.
Combats the signs of skin aging, such as fine lines and wrinkles, and visibly reduces their appearance in just a few weeks.
Helps fight clogged pores and blemishes. Mandelic Acid works to remove excess sebum, dirt, bacteria and other impurities from pores.
Mandelic acid works to prevent hyperpigmentation such as melasma, dark spots, post-acne scars and other areas of uneven skin tone.
There are certain side effects, such as itching, swelling, redness, itching, etc. Therefore, you must seek the advice of your doctor or dermatologist before adding any new ingredients to your routine.
If you want to learn more about mandelic acid, read our dedicated blog post.
What is Niacinamide?
Niacinamide, a form of vitamin B3, is derived from brewer’s yeast and grains.
Known for its moisturizing properties, it ensures moisture is locked in the skin. This helps the skin barrier to function properly and protects itself from free radicals.
Combines effectively with other ingredients, even chemical acids like glycolic, lactic, and mandelic.
May help regulate sebum production, making niacinamide a beneficial ingredient for acne-prone and dry skin types.
The appearance of enlarged pores is visibly reduced for an overall improved complexion.
Fights the signs of aging such as fine lines, wrinkles and signs of dehydration on the skin’s surface.
Helps improve complexion by tightening the skin around the jawline and neck.
Restores skin’s radiance and reduces the dull and lackluster appearance that skin often suffers from.
Learn more about niacinamide at The Beauty Insiders.
How should I use Niacinamide and Mandelic Acid?
There are several ways to use mandelic acid and niacinamide together. Unlike other active ingredients, you can actually stack these ingredients together. However, each contains a different pH, and if they combine too quickly, they can change the pH of the skin. This can cause sudden redness, itching, peeling, and sometimes severe irritation. Here are some examples of how to use niacinamide and mandelic acid together.
- Use these two ingredients in your everyday
As I suggested before, you can use both mandelic acid and niacinamide. Remember, you’ll need to wait approximately 10 minutes between uses to allow the active ingredients to absorb and the pH to rebalance.
- Apply mandelic acid first, then niacinamide
First, use a cleanser or exfoliating toner that contains mandelic acid to remove dead skin cells and dirt from your skin. Next, lock in moisture in the skin with the help of Niacinamide, which helps the skin’s barrier to function properly and ensures it can protect itself from free radicals such as pollution, central heating, cigarette smoke and other environmental infringement.
- Alternate when to apply them
You can also choose to use one ingredient in your morning routine and another in your evening routine. If you already have an established collection, this is an effective way to utilize all your skincare products.
There is a basic rule in skin care, the order of application of skin care products should be consistent. Starting with the thinnest and ending with the thickest, this helps determine which ingredient to apply to the skin first.
What not to mix with mandelic acid?
It is best not to mix mandelic acid with other acids like glycolic, lactic, salicylic and retinol. This is because using too many exfoliating ingredients can lead to overstimulation of the skin, resulting in sudden redness, itching, peeling, severe dryness and general discomfort.
If you want to use AHA and mandelic acid, you can alternate the dates of each ingredient. For example, you can skip mandelic acid once at night when you use retinol. When introducing a new ingredient into your routine, you may want to perform a 24-hour patch test before applying the new formula to your face. To do a patch test, you’ll first apply a small amount of 10p to the inside of your arm. Leave the product on 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 is believed that vitamin C should be avoided when using niacinamide, as both are antioxidants with similar effects on the skin. This information is now considered somewhat outdated, and many product formulations contain a stabilized form of vitamin C, reducing concerns about combining these powerful substances.
There is more information on using niacinamide and mandelic acid there. And don’t forget, if you have any questions, you can visit one of our wellness experts on Instagram.