Is it Advisable to Pair Lactic Acid With Niacinamide?

Lactic acid can gently exfoliate while niacinamide is known to smooth the texture, but what if your skin requires both ingredients? Combining two skincare ingredients in your routine can take you one step further toward your goal of healthy, glowing skin. However, pairing them effectively is imperative to get the most out of the combination and avoid any potential side effects. 

This blog will address the question, "Can we use lactic acid and niacinamide together?". We will explore the pros and cons of combining them and achieving the maximum results. 

What is Lactic Acid?

Lactic acid is an alpha-hydroxy acid found in many over-the-counter and topical products. It is a good exfoliant and is used in skin peel treatments to aid post-acne hyperpigmentation and sensitive skin problems. Lactic acid increases cellular turnover to get rid of dead skin cells, making your skin bright and healthy, and can reduce the appearance of wrinkles, sagging skin, and fine lines. 

It is one of the mildest forms of AHAs, making it a safe option for sensitive skin. It can be an optimal solution for the clogged pores to remove dirt and sebum, reducing the appearance of enlarged pores. Your skin, with the continuous use of lactic acid, will improve its health without losing its hydration. 

What is Niacinamide?

Niacinamide - a water-soluble form of vitamin B3 is a versatile skincare ingredient that assists in keratin synthesis. Largely known for its ability to fade blemishes on the skin, niacinamide is widely used in serums and other OTC products. From blemishes to dark spots and stubborn acne marks, niacinamide can show significant results. 

Renowned for its anti-inflammatory properties, it can calm redness and itching in case of mild to severe allergic skin conditions like rosacea and atopic dermatitis. It can benefit the acne-prone skin by combating the overproduction of oil. It can aid in shrinking enlarged pores, can help your skin lock the moisture and keep it safe from environmental aggressors. 

Can We Use Lactic Acid and Niacinamide Together?

Yes, you can combine lactic acid with niacinamide. This combination can work well together and is generally declared an effective and safe duo. To begin with, you can test small amounts of both and observe if they do not induce any allergic reactions or sensitivity to the skin. 

Using niacinamide and lactic acid together can be harsh on your skin if it struggles with eczema, psoriasis, or sensitive skin. People with acne-prone skin or a broken skin barrier can experience dryness. Therefore, it is best to consult your doctor before layering lactic acid with niacinamide. 

Read more: Can You Use Salicylic Acid with Niacinamide?

Benefits of Pairing Niacinamide and Lactic Acid

Lactic acid and Niacinamide complement each other when combined correctly. Their blend can balance hydration in the skin without leaving that tightness or feeling of dryness, making it feel plump and smoother with a radiant glow. 

Both these ingredients work synergistically to prevent premature fine lines and wrinkles, like fine lines, loose skin, and sagging skin. Applying niacinamide and lactic acid acts from within the deeper layers of the skin to smooth and brighten the texture, heal the sun-damaged skin, and provide barrier support.

How to Layer Lactic Acid With Niacinamide in Your Skincare?

Following an appropriate order of application can improve the effectiveness of this combination. 

Remove all traces of makeup from your skin. Cleanse it with a mild cleanser to get rid of all the dirt and impurities, and pat it dry. 

Go with the lactic acid first. Take it in a small amount and apply it thoroughly all over the face. Give it some time to get absorbed into your skin. Wait for at least 10-12 minutes to allow your skin to return to its normal pH state. 

As an exfoliant, it acts on the outermost layer of the skin and prepares it for upcoming products. You can use a formulation of your choice or as prescribed by your doctor. A serum is a good option to consider as it's lightweight and gets absorbed quickly. 

Consider your skin niacinamide-ready. Apply any niacinamide-infused serum evenly on your face and neck and give a gentle massage for a few minutes. It eliminates the potential irritation that might be caused due to the exfoliation and strengthens the skin’s barrier. 

This way can improve the penetration of both lactic acid and niacinamide into your skin. But always be conscious of how your skin reacts to both these ingredients. Mild irritation can be normal, but if it’s unbearable, wash off immediately and see your doctor. 

Tips to Layer Niacinamide with Lactic Acid

While lactic acid is generally safe to use with niacinamide, it’s crucial to know that everyone’s skin is unique, and this combination may or may not work for them. 

Niacinamide is generally well-tolerated for all skin types, but pairing it with lactic acid can make your skin suffer by inducing irritation, resulting in redness and itching. 

Let’s walk you through some precautions to take while trying on this layering. 

• Go for the patch test: A patch test can always save your skin from upcoming adverse reactions. Take a little of the product and apply it to a small region of your skin. If there is irritation, you can wash it off and tell your doctor about the same. 
• Incorporate gradually: Don't start using lactic acid and niacinamide like a pro, but like a true beginner. If you are new to any of the acids, allow your skin to get introduced to them. Hence, go slow. Apply them alternatively or 1 to 2 times a week, instead of every day. 
• Hydrate your skin: Your skin requires a moisturiser to save itself from pH imbalance and help you cooperate with these two. 

DRSQ’s Body Elixir with Niacinamide & Lactic Acid 

DRSQ's Body Elixir is a body serum that contains lactic acid and niacinamide in one, so you don’t have to look for separate lactic acid and niacinamide formulations. It exfoliates and calms your skin, cleans out the dead skin cells and provides nourishment. This can help Keratosis Pilaris with consistent use. 

Lactic acid in this serum gently exfoliates the skin and makes it smoother. It is a humectant, so it attracts moisture to the skin's surface, keeping you hydrated. It has niacinamide - an anti-inflammatory that soothes all kinds of acne, encourages the production of ceramides and improves the natural barrier of your skin. 

Cleanse your body well and then take one to two pumps and apply it all over the skin. Use once a day or twice, as advised by your doctor.

Conclusion

Using niacinamide and lactic acid can address multiple skincare concerns if applied properly and consistently. But your skin must be tolerant toward this duo. They are powerful together to improve your skin texture, reduce hyperpigmentation, and fade marks. While it's commendable that you are making extra effort to care for your skin, be aware that there might be potential irritation. Asking your doctor for advice before use is a smart move.

References:

Donald L Bissett, John E Oblong, Cynthia A Berge, "Niacinamide: A B vitamin that improves aging facial skin appearance", July 2005, Volume 7, Part 2
Diane S. Berson, Rosemarie Osborne, John E. Oblong, Tomohiro Hakozaki, Mary B. Johnson, Donald L. Bissett, "Niacinamide", November 2013
Piyush Madaan, Priyanshi Sikka, Deepinder Singh Malik, "Cosmeceutical Aptitudes of Niacinamide: A Review",  2021
Sheau-Chung Tang, Jen-Hung Yang. "Dual Effects of Alpha-Hydroxy Acids on the Skin”, April 2018