Can niacinamide and glycolic acid go in the same routine?

Why use them together?

Glycolic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid, or AHA, that loosens dead skin cells to improve texture and uneven pigmentation. Niacinamide is vitamin B3. It can calm inflammation and soothe irritation caused by glycolic acid, and may help your skin's protective barrier retain moisture. A routine can include both ingredients without becoming a competition to fit in the most bottles.13

How should you use them?

1. 1Test each new product before applying it to your face. Apply a small amount to your inner forearm twice daily for four to five days. If redness, itching or another reaction develops, do not proceed with facial use.
2. 2Introduce one product first. Once you know how your skin responds, add the other rather than changing several products together.
3. 3Use glycolic acid at night, initially once or twice weekly. Follow its label for application and whether it needs rinsing off. Increase frequency only if your skin tolerates it.
4. 4Keep moisturizer in the routine. Niacinamide can be used once or twice daily after gentle cleansing; applying it after moisturizer is one option. Using niacinamide in the morning and glycolic acid at night is a simple way to separate them.
5. 5During the day, use broad spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher and reapply every two hours. Glycolic acid increases sun sensitivity.

What should you leave out?

When starting glycolic acid, leave out other exfoliating acids, retinol and vitamin C serums to keep the routine simpler. An exfoliating mask also counts: adding one to an existing acid routine can trigger dryness and irritation. Check your cleanser, serum and moisturizer for niacinamide rather than stacking several products containing it. Choose products for the benefit you want, not to give every bottle on the shelf a speaking role.134

Who should be careful?

Be cautious with glycolic acid if you have dry or sensitive skin, rosacea, eczema, an active skin infection or skin that is not healing. Start with a low niacinamide concentration if your skin is sensitive. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, check with your healthcare provider before using glycolic acid, even at a low concentration.13

Stop a cosmetic product that stings, burns or tingles. If it is prescribed, ask your dermatologist whether that reaction is expected before stopping it. Wash off a mask immediately if it causes itching, burning or stinging, and see a dermatologist if your skin feels worse afterward.24

How long before you see results?

Glycolic acid products used at home can take several months of consistent use to noticeably improve brightness or uneven pigmentation. Applying more than directed can cause problems rather than improve results. Keep to the label's amount and frequency.23