Niacinamide and azelaic acid are two trending skincare ingredients. While both can be useful for acne, hyperpigmentation and other skin conditions, there are also significant differences between these ingredients. The best way to unveil this skincare showdown is to take a closer look at the properties and benefits of niacinamide vs azelaic acid and how these ingredients can work together.
Niacinamide Spotlight: The Versatile Vitamin B3
Niacinamide is a form of B3 that is suitable for topical application. You can choose a serum or cream that contains this ingredient. A lotion that pairs a 10% concentration of niacinamide with hyaluronic acid can be the best product for dry or sensitive skin. This ingredient is effective for addressing several common skin conditions:
- Hyperpigmentation
- Inflammation
- Uneven texture
By reducing deposits of melanin, niacinamide can fade visible discoloration from melasma or acne scarring. This active ingredient also balances oil production, which could reduce the severity of breakouts. Niacinamide is effective for soothing inflammation and strengthening the dermal barrier. Furthermore, this ingredient encourages skin to produce ceramides and keratin to even out skin tone and texture.
Azelaic Acid Unveiled: Targeting Acne and Beyond
Azelaic acid naturally occurs on skin. Using a product that contains a higher concentration of this ingredient, such as a 14 azelaic acid cream, can provide a wide range of benefits. The strongest non-prescription formula delivers all of the effectiveness of this ingredient in a moisturizing lotion base. Azelaic acid is most useful for treating the following issues:
- Acne
- Rosacea
- Hyperpigmentation
Azelaic acid combats acne bacteria to heal existing breakouts and prevent future flare ups. This ingredient can also reduce inflammation and redness from chronic skin conditions. As a gentle chemical exfoliant, azelaic acid promotes skin cell turnover to reduce the visibility of age spots, acne scars and melasma.
The Benefits of Using Niacinamide and Azelaic Acid
If you have skin conditions such as acne, inflammation or hyperpigmentation, there are benefits to including both of these ingredients in your daily skincare routine. As with taking hair growth supplements, you can get the most noticeable results by using these products on a daily basis over the course of weeks and months.
You can layer niacinamide and azelaic acid as long as you allow time for your skin to absorb each product. Apply niacinamide lotion first and use azelaic acid cream as the last step before applying sunscreen in the morning and moisturizer in the evening. If you notice that azelaic acid has a drying effect on your skin, reduce the frequency of this product to once a day or every other day. Regular usage can provide all of the benefits of these effective ingredients.
How To Choose the Right Skincare Treatment
Your skin type and concerns can help you decide whether to use niacinamide, azelaic acid or both. Lotions can be the most gentle way to apply high concentrations of these ingredients on a daily basis, especially if you have dry or sensitive skin. Closely monitor the condition of your skin when adding new ingredients to your routine to decide on the best skincare treatments.
Read more articles for anmolideas
