Can Niacinamide and Salicylic Acid Be Used Together for Acne Treatment? - Dermatology

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Can "niacinamide" be used in conjunction with "salicylic acid"? Should special attention be paid if acne appears in the same area?


Due to the pandemic, I've been staying at home and recently I've been experiencing some stress, which has led to breakouts.
I have two main questions for the doctor, and I appreciate your time in answering them:
1.
Regarding skin care, I am considering using the "pure.tiful 2% Salicylic Acid Treatment Essence" (2% salicylic acid, witch hazel, dimethyl isosorbide; ingredient list: http://www.cosdna.com/cht/cosmetic_a6eb534357.html) to address my acne, blackheads, and acne scars.
I plan to combine it with their other products: "HA Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum" (low molecular weight hyaluronic acid, alginate hyaluronic acid, panthenol, sodium phytate), "B12 Repair Lotion" (vitamin B12, shea butter, butterfly pea extract), and "Perfect Essence Balancing Oil" (niacinamide, low molecular weight hyaluronic acid, alfalfa extract, soft hair pine algae extract, castor oil) for overall skin care and repair.
At the same time, I want to enhance my skin brightening in preparation for future work, considering using "OLAY ProX Brightening Spot Fading Essence" (the small white bottle) which contains niacinamide (5%) and "OLAY Brightening Spot Fading Essence" (the light-sensing small white bottle) that includes niacinamide, phenylalanine undecylenate, vitamin C glycoside, SEPITONIC M3.0, etc.
However, I've read online that niacinamide and salicylic acid should not be used together.
I would like to understand: (1) If they truly cannot be used together, why does the "Perfect Essence Balancing Oil" from pure.tiful contain niacinamide in their recommended product combination? Wouldn't that conflict with salicylic acid? (2) Will these two OLAY products really conflict with the pure.tiful skincare line and affect my skin? (Are there any other ingredients in these two products that might conflict with salicylic acid?) If I want to treat acne while also aiming for brightening, is there a way to do this? For example, can I apply them separately in the morning and evening? Or can I use the brightening serum on my entire face and apply salicylic acid sparingly on the acne and blackheads without conflict? Or would you recommend abandoning one of them altogether? What ingredients should I look for in brightening products to avoid conflicts? Thank you very much for your response!
2.
I have consistently had breakouts primarily around my mouth and chin area.
Recently, I am considering using salicylic acid and other oil-controlling products to balance my skin's oil and moisture levels, hoping to improve this situation.
However, I would also like to understand if having breakouts concentrated in these areas indicates any warning signs from my body.
(I've often heard that different areas of the face breaking out can signify different issues, but I'm wary of hearsay that may lead to unnecessary worry.) Thank you very much! I appreciate your hard work during this time!

Women who want to improve their skin condition, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2021/06/02

Dr. Wu Yuxin reply Dermatology


1.
The reason why niacinamide and salicylic acid should not be used together is due to the potential for niacinamide to become less effective when combined with acidic ingredients, which may lead to reduced efficacy of both compounds.
2.
The areas where acne appears, primarily around the corners of the mouth and chin, have specific interpretations in Traditional Chinese Medicine.
However, Western medicine tends to focus more on external factors, such as friction from masks and helmets.

Reply Date: 2021/06/02

More Info


When it comes to treating acne, the combination of niacinamide and salicylic acid is a topic of interest for many individuals seeking effective skincare solutions. Let’s delve into your questions regarding the use of these two ingredients, as well as the broader context of your skincare regimen.


1. Can Niacinamide and Salicylic Acid Be Used Together?
Niacinamide, also known as vitamin B3, is renowned for its anti-inflammatory properties, ability to improve skin barrier function, and its role in regulating sebum production. Salicylic acid, on the other hand, is a beta hydroxy acid (BHA) that penetrates the pores to exfoliate and help clear acne.
The concern about using these two ingredients together stems from the potential for irritation, especially for individuals with sensitive skin. However, research and anecdotal evidence suggest that niacinamide can actually complement salicylic acid. Niacinamide may help mitigate some of the irritation that can occur with salicylic acid, making it a beneficial addition to an acne treatment regimen.

Regarding your specific products, the "pure.tiful" line you mentioned contains salicylic acid, and it also includes niacinamide in the "完美精萃平衡油" (Perfect Essence Balancing Oil). This formulation suggests that the brand has considered the compatibility of these ingredients. Therefore, using them together in a skincare routine is generally acceptable, provided that your skin tolerates both ingredients well.


2. Product Compatibility and Application Strategy
To address your concerns about potential interactions between the "OLAY ProX" products and the "pure.tiful" line, it’s essential to consider the overall formulation of each product. The OLAY products you mentioned contain niacinamide and other brightening agents, which can be beneficial for skin tone and texture.
If you are worried about irritation or adverse reactions, a practical approach would be to apply the products at different times of the day. For example, you could use salicylic acid in the morning and niacinamide-containing products in the evening. Alternatively, you could apply the OLAY serum to the entire face while using salicylic acid as a targeted treatment on specific areas affected by acne. This method allows you to reap the benefits of both products without overwhelming your skin.


3. Understanding Acne Locations and Body Signals
As for the acne localized around your mouth and chin, this area is often referred to as the "T-zone" and can be indicative of hormonal fluctuations, particularly in women. Hormonal acne is commonly linked to menstrual cycles, stress, and other hormonal changes. While the idea that different areas of the face correspond to specific internal health issues is popular in traditional beliefs, it is essential to approach such claims with caution.
Acne in the lower face can indeed suggest hormonal influences, but it is also crucial to consider lifestyle factors such as diet, stress levels, and skincare routines. Maintaining a balanced diet, managing stress, and using appropriate skincare products can help improve your skin condition.


Conclusion
In summary, niacinamide and salicylic acid can be used together effectively, especially if you are mindful of how your skin reacts to each ingredient. It is advisable to introduce new products gradually and monitor your skin's response. If you experience irritation, consider adjusting the frequency of application or consulting with a dermatologist for personalized advice.

For your acne concerns, focusing on a consistent skincare routine that addresses both acne and skin tone can yield positive results. Remember to stay hydrated, maintain a balanced diet, and manage stress to support your skin health holistically. If you have persistent concerns about your acne or skin condition, seeking professional guidance from a dermatologist is always a wise choice.

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