Niacinamide and Glycolic Acid: Is It A Safe Combo?
4 min read
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There’s a good chance you’ve come across the term active ingredients in skincare, and you might even be using some without realising it. Two of the most popular ones? Niacinamide and Glycolic Acid. One’s a Vitamin B3 derivative that soothes and strengthens, the other, a sugarcane-derived AHA that buffs away dullness. Different functions, same mission: to actively treat your skin’s unique concerns over time.
They’re both stars in their own right, but do Niacinamide and Glycolic Acid pair well together? If that’s the question on your mind, stick around. We’re here to guide you through it, step by step.
Niacinamide Benefits in Skincare
With its reputation for versatility and tolerance across skin types, Niacinamide has become a mainstay in skincare routines. From fortifying your skin’s natural defenses to controlling oil production, this multitasker does it all – and yes, we’ve got the proof to back it up.
- For those with acne-prone skin, it helps regulate sebum production, reducing excess oil and the likelihood of breakouts.
- Its brightening properties stem from its ability to disrupt melanin transfer, making it highly effective. Use it in fade hyperpigmentation, melasma, and sun spots for an even-toned, radiant complexion.
- It also strengthens the skin’s natural barrier, helping protect against environmental stressors. This makes it especially beneficial for sensitive skin types and those dealing with rosacea, inflammation, or general sensitivity.
- Regular use of Niacinamide can visibly improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, making your skin look smoother and more youthful.
- Detailed Guide on Benefits of Niacinamide Serum
Glycolic Acid Benefits for Your Skin
Known for its small molecular size, Glycolic Acid penetrates the skin easily, making it a game-changer when it comes to exfoliation. But its benefits don’t stop there – this AHA brings a whole lot more to the table.
- Glycolic Acid exfoliates by breaking the links between dead skin cells, helping your complexion appear brighter.
- By speeding up cell turnover, Glycolic Acid helps fade acne scars, sun spots, and other forms of hyperpigmentation over time.
- It also softens rough patches and evens out the texture, making your skin appear smoother and brighter.
- Its exfoliating action prevents clogged pores, one of the main culprits behind acne. This makes it a powerful remedy for those dealing with both active acne and the marks it leaves behind.
- Glycolic acid boosts Collagen, too, helping smooth out fine lines and keep wrinkles at bay in the long run.
Related Article: Detailed Guide on Glycolic Acid
Can I Use Glycolic Acid and Niacinamide Together?
Like with most skincare acids, you can use Glycolic Acid and Niacinamide together – you just need to do it right. Glycolic Acid goes deep and can sometimes be a little harsh, especially on sensitive skin. Think dry patches or redness in the beginning. But following it up with Niacinamide can help calm things down and strengthen your skin barrier. It’s a winning combo – Glycolic clears the way, Niacinamide steps in to hydrate and heal.
- Related Article: Secrets of layering different serums
The Right Way to Use Glycolic Acid and Niacinamide in your Routine
Glycolic acid has a pH between 3.0 and 4.0, while Niacinamide sits closer to 6.0. Mixing them directly can shift the pH balance, dulling Glycolic Acid’s performance. Here’s how to avoid that and still reap the benefits of both:
Go For A Product That Combines The Two
Look for high-quality formulations that contain both Glycolic Acid and Niacinamide. These expertly crafted serums are pH-optimized to deliver results without compromising skin health.
Use Them At Different Times Of The Day
A Niacinamide serum is perfect for your morning routine – it’s non-acidic, layers well with moisturizers and SPF, and keeps your skin calm and protected throughout the day. Glycolic acid needs a little more breathing room to do its thing, so the nighttime routine is where it shines. Give it 30 -40 minutes before layering other products for the best results.
Use Them Alternatively
You could also switch things up by using Glycolic Acid one day and Niacinamide the next. It’s an easy way to give your skin the benefits of both without overwhelming it.
To get the best results and avoid irritation, always patch-test new products, introduce actives slowly, and never skip sunscreen, especially when using exfoliants like Glycolic Acid.
Possible Side Effects and How to Prevent Them
Starting a routine with Glycolic Acid and Niacinamide? It’s normal to notice some redness, flakiness, or irritation, especially if your skin is sensitive or you’re new to actives. Here’s how to make the transition smoother:
• Start with a lower percentage of Glycolic Acid.
• Limit it to 2-3 times a week.
• Layer hydrating products into your routine.
• Finish with Niacinamide – it keeps your skin hydrated and your barrier strong.
- Related Article: Side effects of Niacinamide
Conclusion
Still side-eyeing that combo of Niacinamide and Glycolic Acid? Now you know they can – with the right routine! So go ahead, layer thoughtfully, hydrate generously, and let your skin soak in all the glow-boosting goodness.
Related Articles:
1. AHA BHA and niacinamide tips
2. Exfoliation for combination skin
FAQs
1. Can I use Niacinamide and Salicylic Acid together?
Ans. Yes, you can! While Salicylic Acid works to unclog pores and reduce acne, Niacinamide helps soothe the skin and reduce inflammation while strengthening the barrier. Just make sure to apply Salicylic Acid first (on clean, dry skin) and follow up with Niacinamide to soothe and calm your skin.
2. Does Niacinamide cause purging?
Ans. Not really. Unlike exfoliating acids or Retinoids that speed up skin cell turnover (often causing breakouts as your skin adjusts)—Niacinamide works gently to regulate oil production, reduce redness, and improve overall texture. If you do notice breakouts, it might be irritation or sensitivity rather than true purging.
3. Can we use Glycolic Acid everyday?
Ans. It depends on your skin type and the product’s concentration. While some low-strength Glycolic Acid products are formulated for daily use, most people do better using it 2-3 times a week to avoid over-exfoliation. If you’re just starting out or have sensitive skin, start slow and always follow with hydrating products and SPF in the daytime.
4. Is Glycolic Acid good for oily skin?
Ans. Yes, Glycolic Acid is great for oily skin! As an AHA (alpha hydroxy acid), it exfoliates the skin, helps clear out dead skin cells, and reduces the appearance of pores. It can also improve texture and prevent buildup that can lead to breakouts – making it a great choice for those with oily or acne-prone skin.
Is Vitamin C Toner or Vitamin C Serum Best for the Skin?
How To Layer Moisturizer For Extra Hydration In Winter
These articles are reviewed and written by Foxtale's content and skincare research team. Our content is developed using published skincare research, dermatologist guidance, ingredient studies, and consumer education principles to help readers make informed skincare decisions.
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How To Layer Moisturizer For Extra Hydration In Winter
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We know that moisturizer is non-negotiable in skincare. This staple forms a protective barrier on the dermis, sealing in hydration and treatment for long periods. But that’s not all. A good dry moisturizer also softens ageing lines, soothes inflammation, and gives your skin an unparalleled glow.
Now, if you weren’t aware – your skin has an even harder time retaining moisture during winter. Blame it on the dry, frigid winds, the lack of humidity, and the heated indoors that zap every water molecule from the skin. This dramatic TEWL or transepidermal water loss gives rise to a gamut of concerns like dehydration, dryness, flare-ups or lackluster skin.
Luckily, there is a solution in sight a.k.a. layering moisturizer. To cite a borrowed analogy, it is layering multiple sweaters and jackets to protect yourself from winter’s wrath. More on the technique ahead
What Is Moisturizer Layering?
True to its name, moisturizer layering is slathering several products to maximise hydration. This includes your essence, serums, other treatments, and two or more moisturizers.
How To Go About Moisturizer Layering?
A Godsend for folks with dry and dehydrated skin, you can go about moisturizing layering in the following way.
1. Start with cleansing: Use a pH-balancing, non-drying cleanser to remove dirt, grime, and other impurities from the skin. This little step also ensures better absorption of your hydrating serums and moisturizer – leading to better hydration.
2. Use an essence or a toner: If toners aren’t your thing, feel free to skip this step. However, if your skin is dry, we recommend applying a few drops of toner. This formulation removes makeup and residue from the skin while maintaining hydration.
3. Apply serum: Before you seal the layer with a moisturizer, use a Hyaluronic Acid Serum or Glycerine-infused serum to maximize hydration. For those unaware, these humectants bind moisture molecules to the skin for best results.
4. Apply a moisturizer: Next, opt for a lightweight, non-greasy moisture to seal the serum or treatment. Use a gel-based formula that doesn’t make your skin feel heavy or icky.
5. Follow up with a heavier cream: Finally, slather a generous amount of cream and ointment. This formula, often replete with occlusives, forms a physical barrier on the dermis to prevent TEWL or transepidermal water loss.
Things To Keep In Mind Before Layering Your Moisturizer
While layering is a simple technique, here are a few things you should bear in mind
1. The thumb rule of layering is to apply formulations or cream with thinner consistencies first. If you’re layering 2 or more moisturizers, the lightest one should be applied after your hydrating serum.
2. Be aware of the texture of textures created by all these products. At no point, these formulas should feel too icky or heavy on the skin.
What Are The Benefits Of Layering Moisturizer In Winter?
Apart from doubling down on hydration, here are the benefits of layering moisturizer in winter -
1. Reverses skin damage: During winter, your skin is more prone to become dry, cracked or damaged. Layering moisturiser alleviates these problems by locking moisture into the skin.
2. Targets several concerns: If you’re grappling with more than one skin concern during winter, layering is the way to go. For example, use a serum only to focus on hydration, a gel-based moisturizer to soothe inflammation, and a heavy cream to prevent TEWL.
3. Mimics the skin’s natural barrier: The harsh weather conditions can impair your skin’s natural barrier or lipid barrier, leading to dramatic water loss. Layering moisturizer creates a physical barrier of sorts that keeps skin hydration intact.
Best Facial Moisturizer For Layering In Winter
Now that you’re well-versed in the layering techique, here are some potent moisturizers for your consideration -
1. Hydrating Moisturizer with Ceramides: Infused with Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, this cream ensures long-lasting hydration to the skin. It does away with dryness, flakiness and rough texture within 5 days from use. The star ingredient of the cream, Ceramides, puts a lock on hydration and makes your skin smooth while shielding it from environmental aggressors.
2. Oil-Free Moisturizer: This gel-based moisturizer has been formulated for folks with oily and acne-prone skin. It contains Niacinamide that blots excess sebum and prevents sebum for a balanced skin microbiome. Moreover, the gel is replete with Hyaluronic Acid and Marine Extracts for multi-level hydration of the skin.
3. Skin Repair Cream: This cream uses ERS technology (Enhance-Repair-Seal) to nourish, heal, and hydrate the skin. It is the perfect product for people with dehydrated or damaged skin.
4. Nourishing Moisturizer: Give your skin some TLC this winter with Foxtale’s Nourishing Moisturizer. Packed with Hyaluronic Acid, Kokum Butter, and Niacinamide, this cream keeps your skin hydrated for 24 hours at a stretch. It combats dryness, dullness, and patchy texture by boosting skin nourishment.
Related Reads:
1. Best moisturizer for dry skin
2. How to take care of dry skin
3. Hydrating serum for dry skin
FAQs
1. How to use moisturizer in winter?
Ans. To double down hydration in winter, you can layer moisturizer. This process involves using hydrating toner, treatments, serums, and 2 or more moisturizers.
2. Which moisturizer is best in winter?
Ans. For dry or dehydrated skin, use a cream-based moisturizer packed with occlusives. This will prevent TEWL or transepidermal water loss, restoring your skin’s moisture balance.
3. Which moisturizer is best for dry skin?
Ans. Try Foxtale’s Oil Free Moisturizer. This gel-based formula with Niacinamide hydrates the skin without making it greasy or heavy.
4. Can we use moisturizer in winter?
Ans. Yes, you must use moisturizer in winter. The lack of humidity, dry winds, and indoor heat makes your skin lose moisture molecules faster during this season –leading to dehydration, dryness, dullness, inflammation and other concerns. A potent moisturizer forms a protective barrier on the dermis to remedy this situation.
5. Can we use aloe vera gel as moisturizer
Ans. Yes, aloe vera gel can be used as a moisturizer. It's lightweight and hydrates the skin without feeling greasy. It’s especially beneficial for soothing dry or irritated skin.
Niacinamide and Glycolic Acid: Is It A Safe Combo?
How to Choose a Lip Balm That's Safe for Everyday Use
Passionate about beauty, Srishty’s body of work spans 5 years. She loves novel makeup techniques, latest skincare trends, and pop culture references. When she isn’t working, you will find her reading, Netflix-ing or trying to bake something in her kitchen.
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How to Choose a Lip Balm That's Safe for Everyday Use
5 min read
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A lip balm is a nifty lil’ stick that wields immense power in your routine. A single swipe ensures a soft, shiny pout that makes you look put together in seconds. Chapped lips, who?
But what many don’t know is that this humble production has a gamut of other benefits. Intrigued? Scroll ahead for an exhaustive guide on everything lip balms.
Why Does A Lip Balm Do?
Your skin bears sebaceous glands that produce oils, ensuring natural moisturization. However, the same isn’t true for your pucker. Plus, it doesn’t help that the skin on your lips is thinner, making it more susceptible to dryness and flakiness. To circumvent this problem, you need a deeply moisturizing lip balm.
As discussed earlier, lip balm is not a single trick pony. Here are some other benefits of this skincare staple -
1. It creates a smooth base for your lipstick application. Think of this balm as a primer, that keeps your lipstick color intact for prolonged hours.
2. A potent balm fills the creases and cracks on your lips, ensuring a fuller and plumper appearance.
3. Sun protection is also crucial for your lips. It helps prevent pigmentation, burns, and premature aging This is where SPF-infused lip balms come into the picture
Why Choosing The Right Lip Balm Matters?
Ahead, we list all the reasons why choosing the right lip balm matters-
1. The wrong ingredients can flare up sensitivities. That’s right. Folks with sensitive skin may experience discomfort with petroleum jelly, menthol, artificial fragrances, and more. To prevent this problem, seek natural, moisturizing alternatives like shea butter or beeswax.
2. Are you prone to sun spots and dark patches on the lips? If yes, pick an SPF-infused lip balm only. Experts suggest that SPF 15 to 30 bodes well for your pucker.
3. Just like the rest of your skincare, lip balms are now infused with active ingredients to address specific concerns. So, if you want to focus on hydration, try a Hyaluronic Acid-based lip balm. For brightening, a Vitamin C formula and so forth.
Ingredients You Should Look For In A Safe Lip Balm
Since lip balm is any everyday essential, you shouldn’t pick a random tube from the local store. Narrow your search by looking for the following -
1. Natural hydrating ingredients
Ingredients like Shea Butter, Coconut Oil, and Cocoa Butter ensure multi-level and long-lasting hydration for the lips. You can also opt for actives like Hyaluronic Acid and Glycerin for a plump, cushiony pucker.
2. Protective and healing ingredients
Beeswax creates a protective barrier on the lips, preserving hydration. Furthermore, to heal cracks and creases on the pucker, opt for soothing ingredients like aloe vera and Vitamin E in your balm. This phenomenal duo also has antioxidant properties that offset oxidative stress.
3. SPF for sun protection
We have already established that sun protection is crucial for the pucker too. Look for ingredients like Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide in your lip balm to keep pigmentation and burns at bay.
Harmful Ingredients To Avoid In Lip Balms
To aid your search for a safe lip balm, we recommend steering clear of the following ingredients-
1. Harmful chemicals and irritants
a. Parabens: For the unaware, parabens are preservatives omnipresent in the skincare industry. These ingredients are associated with hormone disruption and can cause flare-ups on your lips.
b. Artificial dyes: Since the skin on your pucker is extremely sensitive, we recommend steering clear of colorants. These artificial dyes add to the risk of inflammation and other flare-ups.
2. Drying agents
Menthol, camphor, and phenol have a cool, soothing effect on the lips initially. However, regular use of these ingredients makes the lips drier and more sensitive. The same goes for alcohol. Other than leading to dryness and flakiness, alcohol can cause a stinging sensation on the pucker. So, beware.
3. Petrochemical and synthetic waxes
While a popular choice for balms, petrochemical, and synthetic waxes prove counterproductive to holistic lip care. These ingredients create a shield on the pucker, trapping water molecules for a while. However, according to experts, synthetic waxes seriously fall short of nourishment and hydration – making your lips extremely dry, rough, and flaky in the long run.
To circumvent this problem, opt for natural alternatives like beeswax, cocoa butter, and shea butter.
How To Choose The Right Balm For Your Need
Here’s how to the right lip balm vis-a-vis your underlying concerns -
1. For dry and chapped lips: If you want a no-frills option, one that addresses only dry, flaky lips – focus on moisturizing and hydrating ingredients. Beeswax, Hyaluronic Acid, Peptides, Shea Butter, Cocoa Butter, and more are great options.
2. For sensitive lips: Prone to flare-ups? Look for a lip balm devoid of parabens, sulfates, and alcohol and minimize the risk factor.
3. For everyday wear: To keep your pout happy and hydrated everyday, look for a lightweight and hydrating option in the market. This lip balm should glide easily on the surface without feeling greasy or icky on application. To prevent sun damage, look for an SPF 30-infused lip balm.
How To Use Your Lip Balm Effectively
Use the following tips to reap your lip balm’s maximum benefits.
1. Only slather the balm on clean lips. In case of excess dryness or flakiness, we recommend using a scrub prior to the application. This intermediate step ensures better absorption of the lip balm for best results.
2. Just like sunscreen, reapply your balm every few hours. Avoid licking your lips as it zap every last moisture molecule, leading to more dryness than ever.
3. Use your lip balm as an overnight treatment to address concerns like spots, dullness, dehydration, and more.
Conclusion
The nifty little lip balm in your carry-on has several benefits. It hydrates, nourishes, and heals your pucker while adding a glossy shine that turns heads. To support overall lip care, steer clear of parabens, alcohol, synthetic waxes, and artificial colorants in your everyday balm.
FAQs
1. How do I know that my lip balm is safe?
If your lip balm is devoid of parabens, SLS, and alcohol, it is safe for everyday use.
2. Can I use lip balm every day?
Yes, you can use lip balm every day. It helps hydrate, nourish, and heal the uber-sensitive skin on your pucker.
3, What’s the best lip balm for sensitive lips?
Try Foxtale’s Brightening Lip Balm for sensitive lips. Infused with Hyaluronic Acid and Peptides, the formula ensures long-lasting hydration while soothing inflammation. Additionally, Vitamin C fights oxidative stress and fades pigmentation with time.
4. Is SPF lip balm necessary?
Yes! SPF in lip balm prevents pigmentation, defers aging, and burns.
How To Layer Moisturizer For Extra Hydration In Winter
5 Steps To Prepare Your Skin Before Sleeping
Passionate about beauty, Srishty’s body of work spans 5 years. She loves novel makeup techniques, latest skincare trends, and pop culture references. When she isn’t working, you will find her reading, Netflix-ing or trying to bake something in her kitchen.
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5 Steps To Prepare Your Skin Before Sleeping
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There is nothing like 8 hours of uninterrupted sleep to reset your skin. If you don’t know – the skin has a circadian rhythm that prioritizes protection in the morning and slips into repair mode in the PM. It sheds old-dead cells, regenerates healthy ones, and supports maximum Collagen production when you’re busy counting sheep. But that’s not all. Skin’s outermost layer a.k.a. the lipid barrier, is the most absorbent at night, making treatments like Retinol, AHAs, BHAs, and Peptides more effective around this time.
To reap the maximum benefits of these nighttime processes, here are 5 steps to prep your skin. So, keep reading
5 Steps To Prepare Your Skin Before Sleeping
Step 1: Remove Makeup And Cleanse Thoroughly
Your skin bears the brunt of pollutants, dirt, and other environmental aggressors daily. This creates an unwarranted buildup which hampers the cellular renewal process. To circumvent the problem, use a pH-balancing, gentle cleanser on your face. If you’re donning a full face of glam, use micellar water to remove makeup from the pores first.
A meticulously cleaned base ensures better absorption of your serum and treatments – leading to better results.
Step 2: Apply A Hydrating Toner
Makeup removal and cleansing can disrupt your microbiome, therefore we recommend introducing a toner into your PM routine. This lightweight formula dissolves any remaining dirt and makeup residue while restoring your skin’s pH. Moreover, a toning essence preps the base for better absorption of serums and treatments.
Step 3: Use A Targeted Serum For Your Skin Concern
As touched upon in the intro, the lipid barrier is most absorbent at night. So, if you want to target and address specific concerns like dullness, aging, or a weakened barrier – summon the fix into your PM routine. Here’s how popular active ingredients benefit the skin overnight -
Vitamin C: Topical application of Vitamin C supports Collagen production in the skin cells at night – softening fine lines and wrinkles. Moreover, the active inhibits melanin production to enhance your skin’s overall glow.
Retinol: The Vitamin A derivative supports the skin’s turnover process. Its application sheds dead cells and boosts Collagen production, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Additionally, Retinol improves skin texture by preventing clogged pores and acne outbreaks.
Step 4: Moisturize To Lock In Hydration
The downside to having an extremely absorbent barrier at night? Your skin loses moisture molecules rapidly and becomes dehydrated. This is worrisome, as ample hydration is indispensable to all the nighttime processes like repair and regeneration. Enter moisturizer. This formula contains humectants like Hyaluronic Acid or Glycerine that bind moisture to the skin for prolonged hours. On top of that, emollients like Ceramides, PCA, or NMF put a robust lock on this hydration.
Step 5: Care For Lips And Under Eye Area
Your lips and under-eye area also deserve some TLC! Here’s how you can do so-
For eyes: If you have dark, deep hollows underneath your eyes, we recommend seeking Vitamin C and Hyaluronic Acid in your eye treatment. The brightening agent, Vitamin C, fades pigmentation whereas Hyaluronic Acid instantly plumps up the area. For puffy eyes, use Caffeine as it boosts the blood circulation to this area.
For lips: Do flaky, chapped lips have you down in the dumps? If yes, add a hydrating and nourishing lip treatment to your PM routine.
Additional Nighttime Skincare Tips
These tips will help you make the most of your PM skincare.
1. Your pillowcase traps dirt, excess sebum, and bacteria over a period of time. If not addressed, this menacing buildup can cause acne, inflammation, and other infections on the skin. To prevent this problem, we recommend changing your pillowcases regularly.
2. Sleep on your back to avoid facial lines and creases.
3. Drink a glass of water for overnight skin hydration. This little step promotes the healthy turnover process, prevents dryness, and makes your skin look plump in the morning.
FAQs
1. Is it necessary to wash your face before sleeping?
Yes. Cleansing your face removes dead cells, dirt, and impurities from the skin, ensuring a healthy regeneration process overnight. It also ensures better absorption of your treatments and serums – leading to faster and long-lasting results.
2. Can I skip toner in my nighttime skincare routine?
Yes. Skip toner in your nighttime routine your skin doesn’t need
- Extra hydration
- PH-balancing
3. How many hours of sleep are best for skin repair?
Experts suggest that 7 to 9 hours of sleep is indispensable to skin repair.
Conclusion
Your skin has a circadian rhythm that prioritizes protection during the day and repair in the PM. So, your skin sheds buildup, repairs itself, and sees an impressive increase in Collagen production. To reap the maximum benefits of these processes, we recommend adhering to a proper nighttime routine.
Passionate about beauty, Srishty’s body of work spans 5 years. She loves novel makeup techniques, latest skincare trends, and pop culture references. When she isn’t working, you will find her reading, Netflix-ing or trying to bake something in her kitchen.
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