Niacinamide is a popular skincare ingredient that is known for its anti-aging and skin-brightening properties.
However, there are certain ingredients that should not be mixed with niacinamide.
Similar to retinol, niacinamide should not be used with acidic skincare ingredients like alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) and even vitamin C. Ordinary niacinamide combined with an acid can cause a bad chemical reaction of redness and flushing.
AHAs and BHAs are used to exfoliate the skin and help reduce the appearance of wrinkles, acne, and other skin blemishes. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that helps protect the skin from free radical damage and can also help brighten the skin.
When these ingredients are combined with niacinamide, they can cause a reaction that can irritate the skin and cause redness and flushing. This reaction is due to the pH level of the ingredients. Niacinamide has a higher pH level than AHAs, BHAs, and vitamin C, and when they are combined, the pH level of the mixture is too low. This can cause the skin to become irritated and inflamed.
To avoid this reaction, it is best to use these ingredients separately. If you want to use niacinamide and an acid, make sure to apply them at different times of the day. For example, you can apply the niacinamide in the morning and the acid in the evening.
It is also important to note that there are some products that contain both niacinamide and an acid. These products are formulated to be used together and are usually safe to use. However, it is still important to read the label to make sure that the product is suitable for your skin type.
In conclusion, niacinamide should not be mixed with acidic skincare ingredients like AHAs, BHAs, and vitamin C. This can cause a reaction that can irritate the skin and cause redness and flushing. To avoid this reaction, it is best to use these ingredients separately and to read the label of any product that contains both niacinamide and an acid.