BHA and Niacinamide are two powerful active ingredients highly praised by dermatologists for treating oily, acne-prone skin and enlarged pores. However, many skincare enthusiasts still wonder if these two ingredients can be used together. In what order should they be applied to achieve optimal results and minimize irritation?

The article below from ohoh will help you understand the scientific mechanisms and 5 outstanding benefits of combining these two active ingredients into your daily routine.

1. What are BHA and Niacinamide?

To understand why the combination of BHA and Niacinamide holds such transformative power for the skin, we first need to clearly understand the individual mechanisms of each ingredient.

1.1. What is BHA?

BHA (Beta Hydroxy Acid), most commonly Salicylic Acid, is an oil-soluble chemical exfoliant. Thanks to this property, BHA can penetrate through the sebum layer, deep into the hair follicles. There, it dissolves adhesive dead skin cells and removes accumulated excess oil. This is the key to addressing the root cause of clogged pores and blackheads.

1.2. What is Niacinamide?

Niacinamide is Vitamin B3 – a versatile ingredient widely used in the world of cosmetics and cosmeceuticals. Unlike the exfoliating mechanism of BHA, Niacinamide acts as a restorative and cell-communicating agent. This active ingredient stimulates the natural production of Ceramides, thereby strengthening the skin's protective barrier. Additionally, Niacinamide is known for its anti-inflammatory properties, oil control, and ability to prevent melanin pigments from migrating to the skin surface, providing outstanding skin brightening effects.

2. Should BHA and Niacinamide be combined?

The answer is definitely Yes. This is one of the combination recommended by dermatologists for oily and acne-prone skin.

Many mistakenly believe that the acidic nature of BHA will neutralize or reduce the effectiveness of Niacinamide. In reality, the two active ingredients work synergistically through a "build and repair" mechanism. BHA paves the way by deeply cleansing, allowing Niacinamide to absorb better into the skin. Conversely, Niacinamide soothes the stinging sensation caused by the acid.

3. Top 5 benefits of combining BHA and Niacinamide you should know

By incorporating both BHA and Niacinamide into the same skincare routine, the achieved effectiveness is not just an addition but a multiplication.

3.1. More effective acne reduction

BHA takes on the task of clearing out pore-clogging agents deep within the follicles. This active ingredient cleanses dirt, dead skin cells, and dislodges closed comedones and blackheads. Immediately after, Niacinamide's anti-inflammatory properties come into play. It calms inflamed pimples, reduces redness, and minimizes the attack of bacteria that cause new breakouts.

3.2. Controls oil and reduces shine

Excessive sebum production causes the skin to constantly look shiny and oily. A clinical study showed that using Niacinamide at concentrations of 4% or higher is effective in reducing sebum excretion rates. When combined with BHA's oil-dissolving ability, this duo doubles down on controlling excess oil, keeping the skin surface clear and fresh all day long.

3.3. Improves enlarged pores

Enlarged pores are caused by accumulated dirt that expands the follicle walls, combined with skin aging and sagging. BHA works to remove dirt and excess oil, helping to shrink hair follicles. At the same time, Niacinamide improves skin surface texture and stimulates natural collagen production to make the skin firmer and smoother.

3.4. Evens skin tone and helps reduce post-acne marks

After acne clears, it often leaves behind the lingering problem of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH). BHA accelerates cell turnover, helping dull skin layers shed faster. Meanwhile, Niacinamide inhibits the transfer of melanosome pigment packets to keratinocytes. This combination provides twice the effectiveness in treating post-acne marks, brightening, and evening skin tone compared to using them individually.

3.5. Strengthens skin barrier, reduces risk of irritation

Using active acidic treatments like BHA can easily lead to dry, tight, stinging skin, and even damage the skin's protective barrier. In this situation, Niacinamide acts as a soothing, moisturizing active ingredient. It boosts ceramide synthesis multiple times over, enhancing the skin's natural moisture retention. As a result, your skin is restored and healthy from within, minimizing the risk of irritation.

4. How to combine BHA and Niacinamide correctly

For this duo to maximize its efficacy without causing adverse reactions, you need to follow the principle of applying from thinnest to thickest consistency, and from lowest to highest pH.

4.1. How to use in an evening routine

You can refer to the standard skincare routine below:

• Step 1: Makeup Remover and Cleanser (Double cleansing).

• Step 2: Apply ohoh BHA 2% Toner. This product contains 2% pure Salicylic Acid combined with tea tree leaf and centella asiatica extracts, helping to gently deep cleanse hair follicles.

• Step 3: Gently pat the toner until fully absorbed. Wait about 3-5 minutes for the skin to stabilize.

• Step 4: Apply ohoh Daily Nia 23 Advanced Correcting Serum for brightening and reducing dark spots. This product contains a concentrated Niacinamide level of up to 23%, combined with 3% N-Acetyl Glucosamine (NAG) to create a powerful effect in brightening skin, fading dark spots, and strongly repairing the skin's protective barrier.

(Note: During the day, it is essential to use sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher for comprehensive skin protection).

4.2. How should beginners use it?

If your skin is sensitive or new to acids, apply the "slow and steady" rule.

• Weeks 1-2: Use BHA 2-3 times/week in the evening. Niacinamide can be used daily due to its gentle restorative properties.

• From week 3 onwards: Once your skin has built up good tolerance, you can increase the frequency of BHA use to every other day, depending on your skin's oiliness and acne condition.

5. Important notes when using BHA and Niacinamide

Listening to your skin is the ultimate rule in advanced skincare. You need to remember the core notes when using BHA and Niacinamide as follows:

• Do not overuse BHA: Excessive exfoliation will strip away the natural oil layer, causing the skin to react by producing more sebum.

• Always patch test products first: Apply a small amount of serum/toner to your jawline area for 24 hours before applying it to your entire face.

• Adequate hydration: Don't forget to supplement with humectants like Hyaluronic Acid to keep your skin plump and hydrated.

• If combining with other strong active ingredients: If BHA and Niacinamide are already in your routine, be cautious if you want to add Retinol or Vitamin C. To optimize effectiveness, schedule them on alternating days to avoid overloading your skin.

6. Conclusion

The combination of BHA and Niacinamide is a breakthrough solution to comprehensively address the problems of oily and acne-prone skin: from clearing sebum and minimizing pores to fading dark spots and completely restoring the skin. Investing in a scientific routine is the shortest way to achieve smooth, healthy skin.

Don't let acne and enlarged pores diminish your confidence. Experience the powerful duo of ohoh BHA 2% Toner and ohoh Daily Nia 23 Serum now to feel the clear change in your skin after just 4 weeks!