Can I Use Salicylic Acid with Niacinamide and Hyaluronic Acid?

Combining skincare ingredients can be tricky, but when done right, it can lead to glowing, healthy skin. So can you use Salicylic acid with niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid together? The simple answer is “Yes”. These three powerful ingredients, when used together, can address a variety of skin concerns like acne, oiliness, and dehydration.

Salicylic acid – exfoliates, niacinamide – rejuvenates and hyaluronic acid – hydrates. These unique properties help your skin radiate. This combination is suitable for you if you have normal to oily skin type, acne scars, mild acne and fine lines/wrinkles or you just want that glowing skin

In this guide, I will break down how to use these ingredients effectively in your skincare routine. I will also add another ingredient into the routine “Retinol”, in case you want to introduce this too. This means you are going to be starting slowly… you will gently introduce your skin to these ingredients without it being overbearing.

To understand how these ingredients work, we need to look at them individually and understand the basics of it. You may also be interested in Salicylic acid and vitamin C routine, salicylic acid and retinol routine and other ingredients that goes well with salicylic acid.

Now let’s get to know a little bit of these ingredients individually before going over skincare routines.

The Ingredients

Salicylic Acid

Salicylic acid is a great ingredient for those with oily/acne-prone skin. It is highly effective in unclogging pores and increasing skin cell turnover making it very useful in acne treatment. You will find salicylic acid in cleansers, face wash, or leave-on exfoliants. For beginners, it is vital to start with the lowest percentage before working your way up. Starting with 0.5% to 2% is a good idea. Learn more about Salicylic acid in my beginner’s guide to salicylic acid.

Hyaluronic Acid

Hyaluronic acid is big on hydration. It will draw moisture and keep your skin moisturized. This works well for people with dry skin and if you use hyaluronic acid properly, you will get the most out of it. Read my post on the real truth about hyaluronic acid.

Niacinamide

Niacinamide is that ingredient everyone says it is. It helps with acne, oily skin, hyperpigmentation, reduces pore size, reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, improves rosacea, is UV protectant and improves skin elasticity. It is an all-round ingredient and deserves all the hype. I am not sure it is getting enough hype. Learn more about Niacinamide.

How to Use Salicylic Acid, Niacinamide, and Hyaluronic Acid Together

Now that we know all salicylic acid, niacinamide and hyaluronic acid individually. It is time to start with skincare routines. You need to understand the importance of starting slowly, this will give your skin time to adjust to this routine.

Also when starting a new product, it is important to do a patch test. This will help you know if a product works well for you and if it doesn’t. We are all different and our skin reacts differently to different products. What works well for you might not work for another. So don’t forget to patch test before using any of these products.

Skincare Routine – Week 1 (For Normal To Oily Skin)

Begin your skincare routine with a gentle, non-stripping cleanser that suits your skin type. Cleansing is essential to remove dirt, oil, and makeup, preparing your skin for the active ingredients that follow. Cleansers like KraveBeauty Matcha Hemp Hydrating Cleanser and CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser. Then move to Hyaluronic acid serum – The Ordinary hyaluronic acid and Good molecules hyaluronic acid and sunscreen.

This week is your testing week where you are gradually introducing hyaluronic acid and salicylic acid in your skincare routine. Follow the morning routine designed here daily

The salicylic acid cleanser in the evening routine should be used every other day. This will allow your skin to get used to the salicylic acid cleanser and hyaluronic acid together. You may reduce the frequency if you notice any irritation on your skin.

On the days when you are not using your salicylic acid cleanser in your evening routine, use your gentle cleansers KraveBeauty Matcha Hemp Hydrating Cleanser and CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser and hyaluronic acid serum.

Skincare Routine – Week 2-4 (For Normal To Oily Skin)

Once your skin is used to the routine above. Move on to week 2 and 4.

In week 2-4, you will introduce niacinamide like Paula’s Choice Niacinamide or Cosrx Niacinamide serum to your evening routine. Use your salicylic acid three times per week. On days when you are not using salicylic acid, use your favourite gentle cleansers.

If after all this is said and done, you are fine with salicylic acid with niacinamide and hyaluronic acid combination. No irritation, you may then introduce Retinol to this routine if you wish. This is totally up to you.

If you are not going to be using retinol, you can stop reading here. Otherwise, keep reading!

Retinol

Retinol’s main job is to tell the skin to behave more healthily. It has anti-aging benefits, anti-acne benefits, and tones the skin to look brighter and smoother. Retinol is beneficial in this routine should you want to use it

So how can you mix retinol with salicylic acid with niacinamide and hyaluronic acid? I will show you how with this easy morning and evening routine

Skincare Routine – Week 4-8 (For Normal To Oily Skin)

To use retinol, start with the lowest then work your way up depending on how your skin reacts. Use retinol twice weekly. You will notice that I put gentle cleanser instead of salicylic acid in your evening routine, this is to avoid irritation. On the days when you are not using retinol, substitute with salicylic acid cleanser, hyaluronic acid and niacinamide.

Wheeeewww… I hope this does not get confusing. But if you have any questions about this routine, send me an email. I will definitely respond.

Please note: Do not use salicylic acid cleanser and retinol in the same routine. It will be best if you separate them. Read my post on how to use salicylic acid and retinol to get a grasp.

Tips for Success

• Patch Test: Always patch test new products to ensure they don’t cause irritation or an allergic reaction.
• Introduce Slowly: If you’re new to these ingredients, start by using them on alternate days to see how your skin reacts, and then gradually increase usage.
• Moisturize: Even though hyaluronic acid provides hydration, it’s important to use a good moisturizer afterward, especially if your skin tends to be dry or sensitive.

Conclusion

Using salicylic acid with niacinamide and hyaluronic acid can be a powerful combination for achieving clear, hydrated, and balanced skin. By understanding how each ingredient works and how to layer them effectively, you can enhance your skincare routine and enjoy the benefits they offer. Always remember to listen to your skin and adjust your routine as needed to maintain a healthy and glowing complexion.

I hope these routines make a bit of sense so that you can have a basic understanding of how to combine salicylic acid with niacinamide, hyaluronic acid and retinol.