Niacinamide vs. Hyaluronic Acid vs. Salicylic Acid: Which is Best for Acne?

• The Comparison
  

| What is Niacinamide?

Niacinamide,  also known as vitamin B3 or nicotinic acid, is a water-soluble vitamin that works with the natural substances in your skin to help visibly improve enlarged pores, uneven skin tone, fine lines and wrinkles, dullness, and a weakened surface.

In addition, niacinamide can also reduce the impact of environmental damage as it has the ability to improve the skin's barriers and also helps the skin to repair signs of past damage. Niacinamide is also applied to the skin for treating eczema, as well as a skin condition called inflammatory acne vulgaris.

| Benefits of Niacinamide

One of the biggest appeals of niacinamide is its long list of benefits, not to mention how well it cooperates with both your own skin and other ingredients. Niacinamide works with your skin's natural chemistry to improve overall skin texture by rebuilding a lipid layer, minimizing the appearance of pores, and preventing UV damage and inflammation as an antioxidant.

Concerning brightness specifically, nicotinamide has been shown to prevent the transfer of pigment within the skin, which can help reduce brown spots. Less redness (thanks to vitamin B3's anti-inflammatory properties), preserved hydration, a strengthened skin barrier, and the improved synthesis of healthy fats (key for glowing skin) are other benefits.

| Product Recommendations

1. The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% 

($5.90, up to 8% cashback at Skinstore)

Using advanced science and high concentrations of vitamins and minerals, the lightweight serum infuses skin with an intense dose of Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) that has been proven to minimise the look of blemishes and discolouration. A high 10% concentration of this vitamin is supported in the formula by zinc salt of pyrrolidone carboxylic acid to balance visible aspects of sebum activity.

2.  Paula's Choice 10% Niacinamide Booster

($44, up to 7% cashback at Paula's Choice)

10% Niacinamide Booster is the first concentrated 10% niacinamide formula blended with natural calming and superior hydrating ingredients to address the frustrating combination of enlarged pores plus visible signs of aging.

The light-as-water texture is designed to dramatically enhance your skincare while also providing soothing agents to promote visibly calm skin. Antioxidants and skin-replenishing ingredients make this product a multi-tasking must-have solution for all skin types.

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3. The Inkey List Niacinamide Oil Control Serum

($6.99, up to 4% cashback at Sephora)

A dream come true for oily skin, this potent Niacinamide serum from THE INKEY LIST targets breakouts, minimises pores and decongests confused complexions by regulating sebum production. Uniting 10% Niacinamide, a naturally occurring B3 vitamin that helps to reduce excess oil, blemishes and redness as well as 1% Hyaluronic Acid for added hydration and effective delivery, this hardworking formula is a must-add to your collection.

| What Is Hyaluronic Acid?

Hyaluronic acid is a sugar molecule that occurs naturally in the skin, and it helps to bind water to collagen, trapping it in the skin, so that skin can appear plumper, dewier, and more hydrated. It can absorb more than 1,000 times its weight in water.

| Benefits of Hyaluronic Acid

As the chief glycosaminoglycan in skin, hyaluronic acid works to keep every aspect of skin stable, safeguarded, and constantly renewed. Hyaluronic acid is also a moisturizer, a type of hygroscopic skin care ingredient that means it draws moisture from the surrounding. Humectants are commonly found in water-based moisturizers, serums, and other leave-on skin care products because they help boost hydration of all skin types, which is especially beneficial for dry, dehydrated skin.

Scientific researches have shown that Hyaluronic Acid helps improve skin hydration and collagen production, fight free radicals, maintain skin elasticity, and even has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, which contribute to wound healing.

| Niacinamide vs. Hyaluronic Acid

Hyaluronic acid and niacinamide have some common ground. They are both great skincare ingredients with anti-aging and moisturizing benefits. They also both are safe for all skin types. Both of these ingredients are considered safe to use even for those with sensitive skin, oily skin, or acne.

Niacinamide and hyaluronic acid have key differences as well. Hyaluronic acid is produced naturally in the body and niacinamide comes from our diet.

| Product Recommendations

1. SkinCeuticals Hyaluronic Acid Intensifier

($102, up to 6% cashback at SkinCeuticals)

Drench and correct dry, aging skin with the H.A Intensifier Treatment from SkinCeuticals. This unique serum is suitable for all skin types. It contains a concentrated combination of pure Hyaluronic Acid and Proxylane™, which work in synergy to balance the molecular moisture levels, support the skin's natural barrier function and improve skin firmness.

A unique blend of Licorice Root and Purple Rice extracts help maintain natural levels of Hyaluronic Acid for maximum efficacy and long-term benefits, leaving skin feeling smoother and more refined. 

2. La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Hyaluronic Acid Serum

($29.99/30ml, up to 8% cashback at La Roche Posay)

This anti-aging ultra hydrating pure hyaluronic acid face and neck serum leaves skin feeling plump to the touch and helps repair skin by replenishing the natural moisture barrier. This serum combines concentrated pure hyaluronic acid, madecassoside and vitamin B5 for optimal effectiveness while also being suitable for sensitive skin.

3. Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel

($15.97, up to 4% cashback at Walmart)

Unique Hyaluronic Gel Matrix – Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel is infused with hydrating hyaluronic acid, which is naturally found in skin. This acts as a sponge to absorb up to 1,000 times its weight in water, and the formula leaves skin more supple and smooth. The unique water gel formula absorbs quickly, like a gel, but has the long-lasting, intense moisturizing power of a cream.

| What Is Salicylic Acid?

Salicylic Acid is a beta hydroxy acid that occurs as a natural compound in plants. It has direct activity as an anti-inflammatory agent and acts as a topical antibacterial agent due to its ability to promote exfoliation.

| Benefits of Salicylic Acid

Salicylic acid is a keratolytic, meaning it dissolves the bonds that hold dea skin cells together and helps them to shed away more effectively. It's naturally occurring in white willow bark and wintergreen, but most of the salicylic acid used today is synthesized.

Salicylic acid is especially helpful in treating acne due to its ability to penetrate the follicle. It encourages the shedding of dead skin cells from within the follicle, helping keep the pores clear. And keeping the pores clear is the first step in getting all types of blemishes under control. It also assists to decrease oil and inflammation.

| Niacinamide  vs. Salicylic Acid

Niacinamide and salicylic acid paired together are ideal for people battling breakouts. Since salicylic acid is soluble, it easily penetrates into pores to loosen dirt, oil and debris. At the same time, niacinamide reduces sebum production by decreasing glyceride and fatty acid production of surface sebum. Together, they reduce pore size, clear up skin, and improve skin texture.

Niacinamide and salicylic acid have key differences as well. Their most important difference is their mechanism of action. Also, salicylic acid doesn't help hydrate the skin whereas niacinamide does. Sure, salicylic acid may help your moisturiser work better but it can't hydrate the skin on its own.

| Product Recommendations

1. Murad Acne Control Clarifying Cleanser 

 ($32, up to 4% cashback at Murad)

The ultimate acne gel cleanser that helps dissolve excess oil, purify pores, clear existing blemishes and prevent future breakouts. Murad's Clarifying Cleanser is formulated with two types of salicylic acid—a free form that starts treating immediately and an encapsulated form that continues treating even after rinsing. Green tea extract helps soothe and calm irritation for healthier-looking skin. 

2. Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant

($29.50, up to 7% cashback at Dermstore)

Paula's Choice SKIN PERFECTING 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant boosts the skin's tone and texture to enhance a natural glow. This non-abrasive formula is laced with BHA salicylic acid to remove dead skin cells both on the skin's surface and within the pore. Combined with its anti-inflammatory properties, this helps to reduce blemishes and blackheads for a more clarified complexion. 

The addition of Green Tea delivers essential antioxidants to neutralize free radicals and provide anti-aging properties, while Methylpropanediol optimizes the efficacy of the BHA and imparts a dewy, fresh finish. Ideal for blemish-prone, oily or combination skin types. 

3. The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Masque

($12, up to 4% cashback at Sephora)

This mask targets the removal of dead skin cells on the surface of oily and blemish-prone skin, with the purpose of revealing more radiant skin beneath. Charcoal and clays are ingredients renowned for their deep cleansing abilities; they aid the removal of facial impurities that would otherwise remain on the skin's surface and clog pores. Salicylic Acid exfoliates deep into the pores, promoting a smoother and clearer complexion. This rinse off mask is perfect for a pamper evening or as a rescue treatment for when your skin is feeling congested.

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