How To Apply Vitamin C & Niacinamide
Skin comfort plays into how you should layer on your vitamin C and niacinamide, too. “Specific use is highly dependent on your skin care routine and goals,” explains the esthetician. Wilson notes that either ingredient is safe for use morning or evening, and that “if youre using a combination product or layering a serum with a moisturizer you can apply them either way!”
And yes, there are more than a handful of facial products which feature both vitamin C and niacinamide, so you can get all those good skin benefits in one swoop.
Ahead, a few of TZR’s favorite vitamin C and niacinamide products.
We only include products that have been independently selected by The Zoe Report’s editorial team. However, we may receive a portion of sales if you purchase a product through a link in this article.
How To Use Vitamin C
Don’t worry, we have got you covered here as well! Simply use the Advance Brightening Face Serum, at least once a day, and unravel the marvelous skin that you have always been waiting for!
You can also consider adding vitamin C to your diet, through foods such as citrus fruits, peppers, strawberries, broccoli, brussels sprouts, and potatoes, or simply use a vitamin c infused moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated and radiant.
Can You Use Vitamin C With Retinol
Vitamin C is another ingredient we are told not to combine with retinol. Again, this myth has stemmed from a pH/acidity issue.
The truth: vitamin C requires a low or no pH to remain stable. We know retinol works well in an acidic environment and that skin’s pH is naturally acidic, so from what the research has shown us, there is no problem pairing vitamin C and retinol.
In fact, research has shown that combining vitamins gives the best results. Teaming retinol with vitamin C works well to defend skin against free radicals when applied under sunscreen vitamin C actually helps retinol work better! It fights free radicals: a process that helps protect retinol from oxidation as it penetrates skinthereby increasing the anti-ageing benefits!
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What Percentage Of Hyaluronic Acid Should You Be Using
Anywhere from 12% is effective, so theres no need to be using formulas that boast higher. Some HA formulations have high percentages that can potentially dehydrate the skin unless combined with a more emollient ingredient to lock in hydration, says celebrity dermatologist Dr. Dendy Engelman. So if youre experiencing irritation, dryness or redness, a good first step would be to stop cocktailing individual ingredients. Irritation is more likely to occur when it comes to pure HA serums that arent formulated with other ingredients to lock in moisture.
Enter: Elizabeth Ardens new Hyaluronic Acid Ceramide Capsules Hydra-Plumping Serum. Because of the addition of ceramides, youre also getting barrier protection that seals moisture in. So when the water that the HA is hanging on to tries to evaporate, it cant escape.
Can You Combine Niacinamide And Vitamin C
Yes, you can either mix them together or use them separately. Research shows that it is beneficial to use both in your skincare routine. Since both niacinamide and vitamin c have similar effects on the skin, so the two can work together to renew and repair your skin. If combined, you can use them in layers. It doesnt matter which ingredient comes first.
The best thing is to use a natural serum that contains both niacinamide and vitamin C in an organic, vegan formula, such as in Plant Mothers Vitamin C serum.
Originally, the main worry was nicotinic acid, which can be bad for the skin. Nicotinic acid forms when niacinamide and vitamin c are mixed at a high temperature for some time. This temperature is extremely high, so it is unlikely that nicotinic acid will be created while the product is stored at a normal temperature.
Whats more important is the formulation of the niacinamide and vitamin c products you use. Serums are better because theyre tylically packed with nutrients. They should always come as a first step after cleaning your skin. This is because serums contain the highest amount of nutrients so your skin needs to soak them in directly. Other textures, such as creams and moisturizers, come after the serum.
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The Best Azelaic Acid Products To Shop
The dermatologists we consulted said that prescription-strength azelaic acids are better than OTC versions because they have higher concentrations of the ingredient. However, if youre still interested in testing out an OTC product that contains azelaic acid of 10% strength or lower, weve compiled a few of our experts suggestions along with some highly rated options that feature azelaic acid paired with other acne-fighting and skin-brightening ingredients like niacinamide.
Tips While Using The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin And Niacinamide:
1. Just two to three drops of these serums are enough to cover the entire face.2. Do not leave out the neck area, we often apply skincare products only on the face, not on the neck.3. Instead of vigorously massaging, pat the serum into the skin till they get absorbed.
4. Do not use more than three serums at a single time.
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Combine Vitamin C + Niacinamide Yes You Can
I have always been big on multi-ingredient products or product combinations which provide various benefits to your skin in one go, every time you use them. But multiple ingredients raise the issue of interaction between ingredients which may cause problems.
This blog looks at two popular ingredients, Vitamin C and Niacinamide , which offer a host of potential complementary benefits,/ from helping relieve redness and irritation to brightening and improving your skin texture.
Can You Use Retinol During The Daytime
Retinol does not cause the same sensitivity to daylight as more potent, prescription-only forms of Vitamin A. But we always recommend that you protect your skin with SPF 30, rain or shine. Research has shown that retinol and vitamin C work well under SPF-rated sunscreens to protect the skin from UV light. And that vitamins A, C and E, even in combination, also remain stable and effective under an SPF-rated product.
Research also has shown that a vitamin A and E combination remains stable when exposed to UV rays and paired with sunscreen, as does pure vitamin A when used alone. That’s excellent proof of retinol’s stability when teamed with a sunscreen.
Antioxidants plus sunscreen are a formidable defence against wrinkles, uneven skin tone, loss of firmness, and brown spots. For best results, be sure to apply antioxidant-rich skincare products morning and evening.
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What Does Niacinamide Do For The Skin
Niacinamide, one of the major forms of vitamin B3, enables your body to make nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide , a molecule that allows your skin cells to repair damage and regenerate. This skin cell activity results in numerous niacinamide benefits, from healing inflammatory pimples and regulating sebum production, to preventing pigment transfer and boosting collagen production .
But Can You Use Both In Tandem Or Is This Something To Avoid
My view is yes, you can use products that contain Vitamin C with others that contain Niacinamide in your skin care routine, in fact you most definitely should.
There was a time when some people reported it was unsafe to mix the two, but as is often the case this stemmed from very specific research using non-skincare grade forms of Niacinamide with Vitamin C in the form of unstable ascorbic acid under extreme lab conditions. Such outdated research has no application to skincare products and the real-world environments in which we live.
It is important to note that while both ingredients target similar various indications of ageing, they have slightly different mechanisms of working, so you’re addressing the specific skin concern from different angles. For example, in the case of skin brightening, using both creates a positive interaction because they’re working in different ways to achieve this benefit. Vitamin C works by inhibiting the pigment producing enzyme tyrosinase, while Niacinamide is indicated to prevent the transmission of pigment within cells. So, there is no doubling up or cancelling out.
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Vitamin C + Vitamin E
Among ingredient MVPs, vitamin C tops the list. The powerful antioxidant helps protect against free radical damagethe culprit behind visible agingand is a salve for most skin woes. Its essential for collagen production, which gives our skin support and structure to combat fine lines and wrinkles, Dr. Libby says. She suggests pairing it with another antioxidant powerhouse, vitamin E. When formulated together, they work to make each others benefits more potent, she says. Vitamin E makes vitamin C four times stronger. Wow! Do yourself a favor and go for a bottle that already combines the two ingredients, like the cult favorite Skinceuticals C E Ferulic With 15% L-Ascorbic Acid. Vitamins C and E will tag-team to increase protection for your skin and limit UV rayinduced damage.
What Benefits Does It Have For Skin
Buckle up, because this is a lengthy list. Niacinamide is a great choice for those with acne-prone skin. “Niacinamide reduces sebum production, which can both help prevent acne and also diminish shine,” says Kenneth Howe, MD, board-certified dermatologist of UnionDerm in New York City. The vitamin is also known for its anti-inflammatory effects, which are beneficial both when it comes to treating acne and conditions such as eczema, adds Dr. Frieling.
Niacinamide helps strengthen the skin barrier, another major boon for those with eczematic and sensitive skin, according to both experts. It’s a choice brightening ingredient, too, combating hyperpigmentation by blocking the transfer of pigment from the pigment-producing cells to the skin cells on the surface where discoloration is visible, says Dr. Howe.
As if all that weren’t enough, there’s also some data showing that niacinamide can help reduce wrinkling and photoaging, by ensuring cells function properly and helping repair DNA damage, says Dr. Howe. In short, there’s really not much that niacinamide can’t do.
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Here’s Why You Should Use Them Both
Okay, so we know combining the two isn’t going to be problematic, but will it be beneficial? Again, the short answer is yes. “Given the multitude of benefits of both of these ingredients, and the complimentary nature of these benefits, they’re a powerful combination,” says Arch. Even though they both target various signs of aging, they have slightly different mechanisms of action, so you’re addressing the issue from various angles. Take skin brightening, for example. Combining the two could be helpful because they’re working in different ways to achieve this effect, notes Romanowksi. Vitamin C works by inhibiting an enzyme known as tyrosinase, necessary for the production of pigment, while niacinamide is thought to prevent the transfer of pigment within cells.
Niacinamide, on the other hand, is much less delicate and finicky than vitamin C, says Arch. You can find it in plenty of serums, moisturizers, masks, and more, at a variety of price points. But when it comes to which ingredient should go on your skin first, it doesn’t really matter. Your best bet is to decide based on the formula of the particular products you’re using, applying them from thinnest to thickest, advises Arch. In other words, a serum would always go before a moisturizer, and an oil should always be applied last.
Is Niacinamide Better Morning Or Night
Since niacinamide can be used twice a day, any time you apply this potent and clever ingredient you will reap the rewards. By keeping the skin at its healthiest state, you will find your products give you the best results with an all-over improved finish to the complexion. One additional benefit of niacinamide is its ability to regulate the skins natural sebum production which can control any potential flare-up in breakouts, such as spots, blackheads, and blemishes. This is another reason to use niacinamide morning and night for a balanced, healthy skin.
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But Does Retinol Work Better Without Aha Or Bha Exfoliants
In short, no. Research has actually shown that retinol combined with exfoliants helps to fade hyperpigmentation in skin, and improves the results you get from both ingredients.
The belief that the skin’s pH neutralises acidic skincare products is misguided. A neutral pH is 7, yet skin is naturally more acidic. Even more so than thought in the one, lone study that’s often cited. Today’s research demonstrates that skin’s pH actually hovers between 4.7 and 5. Does this then mean you must raise your skin’s pH to use a retinol product? Of course not! We know from research that retinol works when applied to the skin, and it works at the skin’s naturally acidic pH.
Salicylic Acid + Niacinamide
Anyone who’s ever had a breakout is familiar with salicylic acid. It treats acne by targeting and removing oil and dead-skin-cell debris from pores, but this type of acid exfoliation can lead to irritation. Heres where niacinamide comes in. Dhaval Bhanusali, MD, a dermatologist in NYC, adds it to patients routines because its a great anti-inflammatory that can help adjust the irritation of many strong topicals. And it matches well with salicylic acid because they both work toward the same end goal of treating pigmentation and evening skin tone, says Tiffany Libby, MD, a fellow NYC derm. Use a toner like La Roche-Posays Effaclar Clarifying Solution Acne Toner With Salicylic Acid. Then slather on a serum like The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%.
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Can I Use Niacinamide Serum Every Day
Yes, in fact, Niacinamide serum can be easily used twice a day, every day! This is because it can be is well-tolerated by most skin types. Moreover, this skincare ingredient can be worn in almost all seasons and proves to be particularly helpful during the dry winters where it helps keep the skin moisturized.
Main Skin Benefits Of Vitamin C
- Reduces the appearance of dark spots and pigmentation.
- Reduces the looks of wrinkles by stimulating collagen production.
- Powerful antioxidants that fend-off free radicals and environmental aggressors.
- Improves the appearance of red marks left on the skin from spots and breakouts.
- Builds skin resilience to UV exposure making it able to protect itself better from the sun.
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How To Use Niacinamide And Vitamin C
One factor that has emerged in recent times is whether one can mix or use Niacinamide and Vitamin C together. Generally, you can use the two vitamins together by looking for one product containing both or layering them separately. Here is a more detailed explanation of Niacinamide and Vitamin C.
The Short Answer Is Yes
You can use niacinamide and vitamin C together. Niacinamide is often used in conjunction with vitamin C to help with skin issues, such as acne and wrinkles. You may find a niacinamide serum with added vitamin C.
Niacinamide and vitamin C are both highly effective ingredients. These two ingredients are also both able to penetrate the skin to address hyperpigmentation. However, niacinamide is a skin moisturizer, while vitamin C and an exfoliant. The two ingredients work well together, but you should use them at different stages in your skincare routine.
The long answer is that not all vitamin C is created equally. L-ascorbic acid is a patented form of vitamin C that is water-soluble, meaning that it can dissolve in water. Niacinamide is a different form of vitamin C that is oil soluble, meaning that it dissolves better in fats and oils.
You can use both L-ascorbic acid and niacinamide together, but they will go to work in separate stages. L-ascorbic acid will enter the skins uppermost layers and begin to brighten skin, while niacinamide will go right into your pores and begin cleaning out dirty oil and dirt.
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Benefits Of Using Vitamin C & Niacinamide Together
Why use both vitamin C and niacinamide, then? “They both have similar benefits while also ‘filling the gaps’ within the other,” notes Wilson. She explains that using a combination, rather than just one or the other, “can amplify their similarities” in the natural glow and skin protection department, while also tapping into the individual perks.
“For the most part, niacinamide is known to support a strong and resilient skin barrier as well as helping to reduce the look of dryness, irritation, and dullness in the skin,” says Wilson. “However in the right formula niacinamide has been also shown to help the look of blemishes and excess oil production.”
When combined, vitamin C and niacinamide work to fight existing discoloration and hyperpigmentation on the skin as well as prevent new discoloration from forming, Dr. Lolis adds. Vitamin C works by suppressing an enzyme known as tyrosinase, which is needed to produce pigment within the skin. Studies have shown that niacinamide may prevent the transfer of pigment within the cells, which can stop future pigmentation from forming.
What Can Vitamin C And Niacinamide Do For Your Skin
Now we have established it is safe to use both ingredients, lets recap their actual benefits for your skin.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is one of the most effectiveantioxidant ingredients in topical skincare products with numerous potential benefits:
- Brightens and reduces dullness
- Lightens hyper-pigmentation and brown spots and can also help relieve blotchy or inflamed patches of skin
- Helps to clarify a troubled skin
- Contest free radical damage from UV exposure and environmental pollution
- Increases collagen production which can help firm up skin and reduce the look of fine lines and wrinkles.
Vitamin C Brightening Serum with Kakadu Plum, Turmeric & Rosehip
Learn about Vitamin C Brightening Serum with Kakadu Plum, Turmeric & Rosehip
Niacinamide
Niacinamide is a form of Vitamin B3, also offers several potential skin benefits when applied directly to the skin, including:
- Reduction in the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, and other early signs of skin ageing
- Improved hydration and barrier function of the skin which over time assist to strengthen your skin barrier and further protect against moisture loss
- Promote a more uniform skin tone by reducing areas of hyper-pigmentation and patchiness
- Shrink the look of pores
- Assists to regulate oil production and thus lead to fewer acne breakouts and improve redness and swelling
- Assists to reduce facial discoloration, flushing and inflammation caused by skin conditions like rosacea.
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