New Delhi [India], June 25: From unceasing grease to massive pores to acne lesions, it demands a mindful and result- oriented routine. To help you in this undertaking, we’re rallying for Niacinamide and Salicylic Acid, an understated yet effective duo for all your woes.

If you’re a skincare novice, wondering how to layer these actives for maximum results, allow us to jump in. Scroll ahead for an exhaustive guide on the combined benefits of Salicylic Acid and Niacinamide, expert layering tips, and the common mistakes that can derail your skincare efforts.

Understanding Oily Skin And Its Challenges

Oily skin occurs due to overstimulated sebaceous glands. The resulting slick easily binds dead cells, dirt and pollutants, leading to acne, lackluster skin, and other problems.

To alleviate oily skin concerns, one needs to be well-versed in its triggers. We list the most common ones below -

  1.    Genetics: You may be genetically predisposed to oily skin.
  2.    Hormonal fluctuations: Hormonal imbalances during pregnancy, menstrual cycles, and puberty heighten sebum production.
  3.    Over-cleansing: Cleansing repeatedly dehydrates the skin, cueing the sebaceous glands into overdrive. This leads to more greasiness and shine than ever.
  4.    Diet and other lifestyle choices: Consuming fatty, high-glycemic, and sugary foods ramps up sebum production.
  5.    Incorrect skincare products: Using regular skincare products can counterproductive for the skin type. Steer clear of heavy, oil-based, and comedogenic creams and sunscreens at all costs.

Benefits Of Niacinamide For Oily Skin

A type of Vitamin B3, Niacinamide is a skincare all-rounder. From preventing transepidermal water loss to strengthening the lipid barrier, the active does it all. Folks with oily or acne-prone skin can use Niacinamide to -

  1.    Cut excess shine and regulate sebum production
  2.    Prevent clogged pores
  3.    Minimize pore appearance
  4.    Soothe inflammation
  5.    Improve bumpy skin texture

How Salicylic Acid Works For Oily Skin

Salicylic Acid has been popularized for oil and acne control. A type of BHA (or Beta Hydroxy Acid), topical application of Salicylic Acid helps -

  1.    Remove excess oil from deep inside pores
  2.    Exfoliate the dermis to prevent clogged pores and flatten bumps
  3.    Inhibit bacterial growth to prevent breakouts
  4.    Soothe inflammation
  5.    Enhance skin texture and clarity

Combining Salicylic Acid And Niacinamide

When used correctly, Salicylic Acid and Niacinamide can work wonders for oily skin. The two active ingredients pair exceptionally and address the following concerns -

1. Excess oil and shine

Salicylic Acid seeps into the pores to remove excess sebum. On the other hand, Niacinamide regulates oil production and cuts shine, granting a matte finish to the skin.

2. Clogged pores or enlarged pores

The meticulous exfoliant, Salicylic Acid, dissolves buildup and oils, preventing clogged pores. Whereas Niacinamide shrinks pore size by boosting Collagen production over time.

3. Inflammation

Salicylic Acid possesses anti-inflammatory properties that help soothe redness and swelling. Topical application of Niacinamide reinforces these efforts by bolstering the barrier – and preventing flare-ups.

Effective Ways To Layer Niacinamide And Salicylic Acid Together

To make the most of Salicylic Acid and Niacinamide for oily skin, you can:

  1.    Add a Salicylic Acid cleanser to remove oils, dead cells, and debris from the pores. Once your skin is dry, follow up with a potent Niacinamide Serum to address any shine, enlarged pores, and bumpy texture. Word to the wise: Do a patch test beforehand to minimize accidental flare-ups.
  2.    Want to use both Salicylic Acid and Niacinamide in serum form? Follow this rule of thumb. Use Salicylic Acid in your PM routine, 2-3 times weekly. Additionally, use Niacinamide daily in your morning or nighttime routine – whatever works best for your skin. Remember to patch test beforehand and discontinue the product in case of any flare-ups.

How To Incorporate Niacinamide And Salicylic Acid In Your Skincare Routine

These Salicylic Acid and Niacinamide-infused products can help elevate your oily skin routine -

  1.    Niacinamide Serum: Formulated with Double Encapsulation Technology, this potent serum helps combat excess oil, clogged pores, uneven texture, and other acne-related concerns. The lightweight formula doesn’t feel icky or heavy and melds beautifully into the skin. Grab this Niacinamide Face Serum for oily skin to ensure a balanced and healthy microbiome.
  2.    Oil Balancing Moisturizer: The Niacinamide moisturizer provides non-greasy hydration for the skin while controlling sebum for over 8 hours. Use it in your morning and nighttime routine without the fear of clogged pores or acne bumps.
  3.    AHA BHA Exfoliating Serum: Hero ingredient Salicylic Acid in the formula dissolves oils, buildup, and impurities to fight greasiness, dullness, uneven texture, and acne. Use it 2- 3x weekly for best results. To avoid flare-ups, follow up with sunscreen for oily skin the following morning.

Common Mistakes To Avoid With Salicylic Acid And Niacinamide

 Steer clear of these mistakes while using Salicylic Acid and Niacinamide in your skincare routine:

  1.    Overusing Salicylic Acid: Why Less Is More

Salicylic Acid is a potent exfoliant that fights oiliness and clogged pores, but going overboard with the active can be counterproductive. That’s right – overusing Salicylic Acid dehydrates the skin, hampers barrier health, and leads to flare-ups. To minimize these episodes, summon the ingredient 2-3x weekly.

  1.    Mixing Salicylic Acid And Niacinamide Incorrectly

While Niacinamide and Salicylic Acid pair exceptionally, using them in the incorrect order can backfire. Experts suggest applying a thin layer of Salicylic Acid, waiting for the treatment to infuse into the skin, and following up with a dab of Niacinamide.

  1.    Skipping Moisturizer After Using Niacinamide And Salicylic Acid

Moisturization is non-negotiable when you’ve introduced actives ingredients into your routine.

A potent oil free moisturizer seals the treatment into your skin, boosting its effectiveness. Moreover, a soothing calming formula helps offset any accidental flare-ups from using Niacinamide and Salicylic Acid together.

  1.    Ignoring Sunscreen In Your Routine

The use of active ingredients can make your skin more photosensitive. To prevent sun-induced burns, tanning, pigmentation, and more, it's important to add a broad-spectrum SPF into your routine. For oily skin, look for a lightweight, non-greasy formula with mattifying ingredients like Niacinamide.

Conclusion

Managing oily skin is no easy feat. This is why we propose the combined power of Niacinamide and Salicylic Acid in your routine to alleviate your underlying woes. The two actives blot excess oil, regulate sebum production, prevent clogged pores, minimize their appearance, and keep painful breakouts at bay.

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