Skincare commercials spout a lot of medical-sounding jargon, so it can be hard to know what’s legitimate and what’s fluffy marketing terminology.
But when it comes to ingredients, we’ve got two legit terms you can listen for: hyaluronic acid and niacinamide. Used separately or together, these two substances create a lengthy menu of positive effects on your skin.
Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic acid is a humectant—ie a thing that preserves moisture—that naturally brings water and collagen together. When applied to the skin, it pulls moisture from the deeper layers and brings the water closer to the surface, where it then binds with the lipids around your skin cells. And anyone interested in skincare knows that water and collagen are two essential parts of keeping your skin healthy and youthful.
And while hyaluronic acid may sound alien, it’s actually already present in your skin. However, your hyaluronic acid supply dwindles as you age.
Niacinamide
Niacinamide is a B vitamin as well as a skincare super ingredient. It essentially boosts collagen production and also acts as an antioxidant, neutralizing harmful free radicals.
Those two qualities mean niacinamide is A) beneficial to a wide range of skin types, and B) useful for treating all kinds of skin conditions. Niacinamide can diminish wrinkles and also reduce your skin’s oil production; its anti-inflammatory properties make it a great treatment for acne and even wound care.
The Hyaluronic Acid and Niacinamide Combo
Together, hyaluronic acid and niacinamide form a skincare super-pair. This is because their hydrating properties bring moisture to your epidermis from inside as well as outside.
Hyaluronic acid draws up water from deeper in your skin and brings it closer to the surface, where it provides moisture for the lipids that hold your skin cells together.
At the same time, niacinamide is making your body generate even more of those lipids. The hyaluronic acid will make sure those new lipids have plenty of moisture, too.
That simultaneous boost of moisture and natural oils results in skin that is both full as well as supple. And full, supple skin is always a great skincare goal.
