If this isn’t your first rodeo and you’re new to skin care, you may be wondering how to fight blackheads using two skin care ingredients with such different effects. Well, that’s our focus today. So, if you’re wondering whether you should use salicylic acid or niacinamide to remove blackheads, stay here to learn more.
What is niacinamide?
Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3 found in many vitamin-rich foods, such as kale, green vegetables, and almonds. With its impressive multi-tasking capabilities, it plays an important role in keeping your skin healthy. Niacinamide’s benefits for skin include its ability to moisturize, protect skin from external aggressors, and retain moisture in the skin’s underlying layers. You’ll see signs of aging such as fine lines and wrinkles significantly reduced, and your skin’s tone and texture visibly improved. A final benefit of niacinamide is that it regulates the skin’s sebum production, helping to keep oily and acne-prone skin types balanced, hydrated, and healthy.
What is salicylic acid?
Salicylic acid is one of the most commonly used beta hydroxy acids (BHA) and has a reputation for targeting acne-prone skin as well as other blemishes and breakouts. As a chemical peel, it removes accumulated dead skin cells and debris from the surface of the face. The unique benefit of salicylic acid is that it is oil-soluble, which means it can penetrate oil and penetrate deep into pores to remove bacteria, dirt, and excess sebum.
Compared to niacinamide, salicylic acid is less versatile and instead focuses on exfoliating and reaching areas of skin unaffected by other chemical peels, such as the popular alpha hydroxy acids, glycolic acid, and lactic acid. This BHA is very effective, and it’s up to you to make sure you incorporate it into your daily routine correctly. This is recommended to avoid unwanted side effects such as severe dryness, irritation and redness. People with dry and sensitive skin should consult a doctor or dermatologist before using salicylic acid on their face. People who are prone to oiliness should remember not to use too many products rich in this acid, as it can cause dryness and streaks in the skin due to the outer layer of oil.
Does Niacinamide Help Remove Blackheads?
Yes, niacinamide helps get rid of blackheads, but it won’t get rid of them on its own. This is achieved by preventing blackheads from forming as it reduces inflammation, regulates sebum production and minimizes the appearance of pores. All this while ensuring that the skin barrier remains fully functional and has the correct water and oil content. This is important for the health of your skin and the overall appearance of your complexion, as it will reduce any signs of damage and prevent further damage.
Which is better, salicylic acid or niacinamide?
This is one of the hardest questions to answer when it comes to these two powerful ingredients. The truth is, one is not better than the other as they both have unique benefits for the skin. Salicylic acid is very effective at clarifying the complexion, clearing the dead skin cell barrier and preventing active ingredients in other skin care formulas from being absorbed into the skin. Unlike niacinamide, it increases facial hydration while reducing imbalances in the outer surface protective barrier.
Does Niacinamide Help Whiteheads?
As I mentioned before, niacinamide has anti-inflammatory properties, which basically means it can target any area of inflammation and prevent acne from developing into active spots and breakouts. While niacinamide won’t eliminate blackheads that have already formed on your skin, it can reduce the frequency of blackheads appearing, thereby reducing blemishes and blackheads over time.
Can niacinamide and salicylic acid be used together?
Absolutely! These two ingredients combine to create an impressive skin combo, especially for those with oily and acne-prone skin. We often find that people with oily skin tend to overuse products rich in salicylic acid in the hope that it will clear your skin. The problem you face is that after cleansing, it’s important to hydrate your skin. Niacinamide can then intervene and store moisture in the skin. When you combine these together, you’ll find that salicylic acid benefits your complexion by removing all impurities, while niacinamide and its hydration-boosting help counteract signs of dryness.
Can salicylic acid remove blackheads?
In fact, 100% removal of blackheads is one of the main benefits salicylic acid provides to the skin. The chemical exfoliating properties of BHA remove all impurities, bacteria, and surface debris before they can build up and form blackheads and other blemishes. If you already have blackheads, you can remove them from your skin with the help of skin care products rich in salicylic acid, such as an exfoliating toner or serum.
With regular use, your complexion will become clearer. But be careful: Don’t use salicylic acid too often, especially if you’re new to the ingredient, as it can cause dryness, discomfort, and redness. If you are concerned, I recommend consulting a doctor, dermatologist, or trained professional to find the product that is best for you and your skin.
Can Niacinamide Remove Acne Scars?
Niacinamide is an important skin nutrient with a variety of benefits, from improving skin hydration to reducing the appearance of acne scars. There’s nothing more frustrating than suffering from blemishes only to find that the lingering effects of acne scars are still there. If left untreated, these scars may remain on the skin for a long time. Incorporating niacinamide into your daily routine can help minimize the visibility of these dark spots and hyperpigmentation. Your skin will feel balanced, nourished and in its healthiest condition.