Hyaluronic Acid vs Niacinamide: Which Is Right for Your Skin?

Niacinamide and hyaluronic acid are two formidable active ingredients in the skincare industry. Both these ingredients bring their own set of benefits to the table. For instance, the benefits of niacinamide in skin involve brightening your skin. Meanwhile, the benefits of hyaluronic acid include oil control, hyaluronic acid deeply hydrates your skin.

Keynotes:

• Hyaluronic acid is a humectant that is known to keep the skin plump and hydrated.
• Niacinamide has a calming effect and is most suitable for people with oily or acne-prone skin.
• Hyaluronic acid and niacinamide can be combined and used together without side effects.
• These active ingredients can be used in the morning or the night.

When you think of hyaluronic acid, you should automatically think about the word plump. This acid is found in the skin, eyes and joints. The benefits of hyaluronic acid are aplenty. and is credited with keeping the skin plump and moisturised. Hyaluronic acid is a glycosaminoglycan found in the connective tissue of the body. It is naturally occurring. It is known as a humectant, which means it draws water to the skin. It is known to give skin structure.

Depending on your skin type, hyaluronic acid works differently on different skin types. If you have dry skin, then hyaluronic acid replenishes it considerably. Meanwhile, if your skin is oily or prone to acne, it can hydrate your skin without clogging any pores or adding excess oils. If you are wondering “which is better, niacinamide or hyaluronic acid?” then continue reading to learn more about niacinamide.

The benefits of niacinamide in skincare are well known. Niacinamide, which is also known as Vitamin B3, is anti-inflammatory, brightens your skin and is rich in antioxidants. Hands down, this is a popular choice when it comes to skincare. On sensitive skin, niacinamide has a calming effect and reduces sensitivity. Meanwhile, if your skin is oily or acne-prone, it can regulate sebum production and help prevent breakouts while controlling excess oil. Niacinamide helps build keratin. Niacinamide helps your skin grow a ceramide barrier, which can help you retain moisture. If you wish to know more about niacinamide and hyaluronic acid, then continue reading.

The benefits of niacinamide in skin are different compared to the benefits of hyaluronic acid. Below is how they compare to each other.

Key Differences in Function

Primarily, niacinamide soothes and strengthens the skin. It also regulates oil. It is suitable for all skin types and is particularly beneficial for oily or sensitive skin. By strengthening the skin barrier, it indirectly improves hydration. It helps with oil control by reducing sebum production over time. Improves elasticity and prevents water loss. It is gentle on your skin. It also fades out dark spots and helps you gain an even skin tone. Thanks to how affordable it is, it is easily available.

On the other hand, hyaluronic acid gives you hydration and helps your plumps get skin. It suits all skin types particularly dry or dehydrated skin. It provides immediate hydration and does not have a direct effect on oil production. It plumps the skin and enhances its elasticity. Hyaluronic acid’s main focus remains hydration and is less likely to cause skin irritation. It is more expensive when compared to niacinamide.

Can You Use Them Together?

Definitely, niacinamide and hyaluronic acid can be used together as they work well. While hyaluronic acid hydrates the skin by pulling water into the skin and provides immediate hydration, niacinamide locks in moisture by strengthening the skin barrier. It prevents water loss and enhances long-term hydration. To apply both of these together, you must first apply hyaluronic acid and then hydrate your skin. Then you can use niacinamide to lock in the hydration. It also helps with other issues like redness, hyperpigmentation and oiliness. Lastly, use a good moisturiser to seal everything in.

Which Skin Type Benefits More from Each?

If you are deciding whether to choose niacinamide or hyaluronic acid serum, then keep your skin tone in mind. For instance, if you have dry or dehydrated skin, then you will find hyaluronic acid to be the most beneficial as it will hydrate your skin well. For instance, the Anti-pigment Dual Serum will give you smoother, firmer skin and help you look younger. Meanwhile, if your skin type is oily or sensitive, you will find niacinamide the most beneficial. However, no matter what your skin type, be it oily, combination, ageing or dehydrated, you can use both niacinamide and hyaluronic acid.

You can use niacinamide and hyaluronic acid serum and other products to nourish your skin. Read on below to learn about how to do so.

Layering Tips

After cleaning your face with a good cleanser, use a mild daily face cleanser and remove the impurities and allow your skin to easily absorb the active ingredients that come next. If you are using a combination of niacinamide and hyaluronic acid, then this could lead to better results. If you are using multiple serums, make sure you apply the hyaluronic acid serum first. Since it is light and water-based, it helps draw in moisture so that the products get absorbed easily. Niacinamide can be used with other active ingredients for best results.

Morning vs. Night Use

Niacinamide can be used either in the morning or at night. If you combine it with Sun Face Hydro Protect Ultra-Light Fluid SPF50+ sunscreen in the morning, it can protect you from stressors in the environment. If applied at night, it can repair and soothe the skin while fast asleep. The benefits of hyaluronic acid, much like niacinamide, are gentle enough for daily use, be it in the morning or at night.

In the battle between niacinamide vs hyaluronic acid, both these active ingredients are winners as they both replenish your skin. One keeps its plump and firm, and the other strengthens and smoothest it. So, whether you use niacinamide or hyaluronic acid, depending on your skin type, you can rest assured in their effectiveness. If you found this article helpful, be sure to pass it on to anyone who may benefit from it. Also, take a look at the Eucerin website to pick dermatologically tested products with niacinamide and hyaluronic acid for your skin.

1. Can I use hyaluronic acid and niacinamide together?

   Yes, niacinamide and hyaluronic acid can be used together as they complement each other rather well. These two active ingredients help deal with skin issues from within. Hyaluronic acid hydrates your skin, and niacinamide locks in moisture leading to keeping your skin healthy.

2. Which is better for acne-prone skin niacinamide or hyaluronic acid?

   If you have ever caught yourself wondering, “Which is better, niacinamide or hyaluronic acid?” for acne, then know this that niacinamide is your ideal option for acne-prone skin. It tightens your skin, enlarges pores and also strengthens the skin barrier and helps retain moisture.

3. Should I apply hyaluronic acid or niacinamide first?

   Of the two, hyaluronic acid and niacinamide serum, you should apply hyaluronic acid first, as it is lightweight and water-based. It helps draw out moisture from your skin. After applying hyaluronic acid, you can proceed to apply niacinamide.

4. Are there any side effects of combining both?

   No, there are no side effects of combining niacinamide or hyaluronic acid. In fact, dermatologists often recommend using niacinamide and hyaluronic acid together owing to the comprehensive hydration it offers and the skin health it provide.

• Hyaluronic Acid vs. Niacinamide: Benefits, Differences, and Their Impact on Different Skin Types, Netmeds
• Everything You Should Know About Niacinamide, Healthline
• What are humectants, and what do they do?, Medicalnewsstoday
• Why Science Says Hyaluronic Acid Is the Holy Grail to Wrinkle-Free, Youthful Hydration, Healthline