Skincare 101: Are Hyaluronic Acid & Niacinamide Products Worth the Hype?

Skincare 101: Are Hyaluronic Acid & Niacinamide Products Worth the Hype?

When thinking about coveted skincare that are said to be the be-all-end-all ‘holy grail’ for mature skin and aging skin, there are two common products that come to mind: hyaluronic acid and niacinamide. It seems like you can’t look anywhere without seeing this dynamic duo, from online forums to in-store marketing, promising what seems like the world in terms of better skin health and appearance.

But what are hyaluronic acid and niacinamide? How do they even work? Are they really ‘holy grail’ products in the world of skincare? If you’re looking for more insight on hyaluronic acid and niacinamide, what they are, how they work and if they’re worth the hype, we’re here to help. We’ve done the research, looked at the results and will break it down in detail for you below - keep reading to discover more and to find out if either of these products are right for you.

What Are Hyaluronic Acid and Niacinamide Anyways?

Before we talk about whether hyaluronic acid and niacinamide are really worth the hype, let’s break down what these coveted products actually are.

What is Hyaluronic Acid?

Hyaluronic acid, more commonly called “HA,” is a naturally occuring substance known as a humectant that can be found throughout our bodies. These substances play a vital role in the health and appearance of our skin, as they hold onto moisture while also adding a further layer of protection. In fact, according to Harvard, this product is, “capable of binding over one thousand times its weight in water.” Talk about hydration!

What is Niacinamide?

Niacinamide, also known as Vitamin B3, isn’t naturally occurring in the body but rather is a water-soluble vitamin that also works to maintain moisture and protect the skin. In fact, niacinamide plays a key role in skin health, offering anti-inflammatory effects and working to support the skin barrier that locks moisture in and protects against the environment. Because it isn’t naturally produced within the body, niacinamide must be brought in as either a topical skincare or supplement.

How Do They Work?

Now that we’ve gone over the basics, let’s talk about how these products actually work when integrated into your anti-aging skincare routine.

How Does Hyaluronic Acid Work?

As we age, our natural production of hyaluronic acid tends to slow down, which can lead to loss in hydration and less volume in the face. When considering how hyaluronic acid works within the world of mature skincare, we’ll focus on topical application. By adding hyaluronic acid back to the skin through a serum, moisturizer or cream, you can help protect against both the signs of aging and loss of hydration. The HA molecules will penetrate deeply into the skin, helping to support its health and radiance through binding to water molecules and trapping hydration. This process isn’t agitating and won’t negatively affect dry or damaged skin, making hyaluronic acid a great choice for all skin types, ages and textures.

How Does Niacinamide Work?

Now that we’ve gone over how hyaluronic acid works, let’s get into niacinamide. In short, niacinamide works to improve the skin barrier, partnering with other naturally-occurring substances within the skin to improve both appearance and health. When applied topically to the skin, this vitamin will be broken down into a usable enzyme, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide. This enzyme then works to improve the appearance and health of the skin barrier, which in turn improves the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, helps to minimize pores, brightens the complexion and helps to retain moisture.

How Do They Work Together?

The true beauty of hyaluronic acid and niacinamide lies in their ability to work as a team to boost the look and feel of the skin. When used in tandem, HA actually helps to increase absorption of niacinamide! This, in turn, will lead to less inflamed skin, more retained moisture and a decrease in the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and other signs of aging.

Are They Really Worth the Hype?

To summarize things in as few words as possible, “Yes.” These products might just be the holy grail that they claim to be, especially when used together. Separately, both hyaluronic acid and niacinamide work to increase moisture retention in the skin, countering some of the more visible effects of aging such as laxity, dryness and dullness. When used together, these super ingredients work hand-in-hand to boost the health and appearance of your skin, providing you with that coveted lit-from-within glow.

How Long Do They Take to Work?

In our modern day and age of wanting immediate results, the only drawback of using hyaluronic acid and niacinamide lies in how long they take to visibly work. Truth be told, these products take about 6-8 weeks of continued results to see substantial changes within the health and appearance of the skin. However, just because you don’t see the results immediately doesn’t mean that nothing is happening underneath the outermost layer of the skin. Trust the process and keep your routine rolling to reap the amazing benefits of these two products.

For those of us who are always on the hunt for the next great anti-aging skincare, chances are that you’ve run across two familiar products being touted as ‘the next big thing:’ hyaluronic acid and niacinamide. These two skincare superstars work both separately and in tandem to promote more hydrated skin, better skin texture and improved skin health for a truly radiant appearance. Through continued use as part of an anti-wrinkle skincare routine, both of these products can help promote a glowing, hydrated complexion with a more even skin tone as well as less visible lines and wrinkles. Try incorporating a product with one or both of these superstars into your daily routine - you can thank us later.

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Rebel Skincare Products

Interested in further exploring your skincare journey? Discover our comprehensive range of Anti Aging Skincare products, each meticulously formulated to combat the signs of aging. Dive deeper into targeted solutions with our curated collection of Anti Wrinkle Products, designed to smooth and refine your skin. For those specifically addressing the challenges of maturing skin, our Aging Skin Treatments offer advanced options for rejuvenation. And don't forget to explore our general Skin Care collection for a comprehensive approach to maintaining your skin's health and vitality

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