Can You Use Vitamin C With Niacinamide

Use Your Vitamin C Serum First And Let It Dry

Since vitamin C is notoriously unstable, you always want to apply it on clean, dry skin. Then “Let vitamin C completely dry prior to placing niacinamide,” says Lamm. That way, the ascorbic acid has a chance to settle into the skin, and there’s a smaller chance of combining the two actives. Board-certified dermatologist Jennifer Herrmann, M.D., seconds the advice: “It takes a bit of time for products to absorb. The skin should appear dry before applying the next product,” she once told us about layering serums.

Although, you should always apply your skin care products from thinnest to thickest: So, say, if you have a niacinamide serum and a vitamin-C-infused moisturizer, apply the serum first, then follow up with the cream.

What Not To Use With Vitamin C

Mixing certain ingredients with vitamin C can be lethal to your beauty regimen. You should not mix vitamin C with abrasive products. This is because abrasive products can scrub off the top layer of the skin exposing the skin to harmful irritants. When you do use abrasive products, be sure to apply the vitamin C.

• Retinol
• Benzoyl Peroxide
• Beta Hydroxy Acids

You should also not mix vitamin C with products containing alcohol or glycols. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant. It can help make skin look radiant and healthy. However, using a vitamin C product with any of the ingredients mentioned above can severely damage your skin and leave it looking dull and unhealthy.

Does Vitamin C Go Before Niacinamide

Vitamin C should go before Niacinamide in your skincare routine. The approach is applicable for beginners and those with sensitive skins. When you apply Niacinamide serum after Vitamin C, it will help other skincare products penetrate the skin and repair and replenish the skin.

Furthermore, separating Niacinamide and Vitamin C ensures they do not irritate the skin. Although you can use Niacinamide at any time of the day, you should at least be protecting the skin using an effective sunscreen to avoid the harmful rays of the sun. Alternatively, consider alternating them between mornings and nights.

For example, one morning, you could apply Vitamin C, and the following day, Niacinamide. An advantage of this approach is you will be taking your skincare treatment slow. That will allow your skin to adjust to the two ingredients gradually. The method can also work well if you have sensitive skin and cannot endure using both products daily.

You can mix Niacinamide and Vitamin C to form an effective skincare regimen. They help fight free radicals, boost collagen production, fade dark spots, brighten the complexion, moisturise skin, soothe irritations, and treat acne. Although the two ingredients cause a chemical reaction, it is slow or reversible and cannot compromise its effectiveness on the skin.

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Can You Combine Retinol And Niacinamide

Retinol and niacinamide can be used together. Using them together can help decrease the side effects of dryness and irritation of retinol. Retinol alone can irritate your skin. Niacinamide helps protect your skin’s barrier. This can help with the irritation.â

Another study showed that pretreating your face with a moisturizer containing niacinamide may reduce the side effects of using retinoids.

Participants applied a moisturizer with niacinamide to half their face and a normal moisturizer to the other half for 2 weeks. The side of their faces pretreated with niacinamide tolerated the retinoid treatment better.

Using niacinamide before retinol works well. So does combining them into one product. A 2016 study found that a product containing retinol, niacinamide, hexylresorcinol, and resveratrol improved fine lines, sallowness, wrinkling, hyperpigmentation, and skin tone.

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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.

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Possible Questions & Answers

Q: How did you layer niacinamide and vitamin C together?

A: To get the most out of niacinamide and vitamin C together, its best to go for the serums. Serums are known to be more potent as they are concentrated thus more effective.

So, below is how to layer both niacinamide and vitamin C together.

• Step 1: Cleanse your skin with a skin-suitable facial cleanser.

• Step 2: Apply a hydrating toner.

• Step 3: Following the skincare-layering-rule, thinnest to the thickest. When layering these powerful ingredients, apply vitamin C serum first, allow it to completely absorb into the skin, this will give the skin enough time to return back to its normal pH and remain comfortable, then move ahead to layering niacinamide serum. Its best recommended to apply 3-4 drops of each serums.

• Step 5: Layer your sunscreen to protect skin from UV rays exposure. Read how to apply sunscreen correctly.

Q: Did you experience any irritation while using niacinamide and vitamin C together?

A: While using niacinamide and vitamin C together in the same skincare routine, I didnt encounter any sort of irritation, negative reaction or breakouts. I used a 10% vitamin C serum in combination with a 10% niacinamide serum.

Note:4-5% niacinamide concentration

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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Benefits Of Using Vitamin C

Vitamin C is a powerful natural antioxidant that provides the following benefits:

• Protects the skin against environmental pollution
• Brightens skin tone and helps fade scars and dark spots
• Assists with collagen production this makes skin appear younger
• Treats UV damage caused by the sun

While its usually clear if a skin product contains Vitamin C, the ingredient also goes by other names which you can look out for:

• L-ascorbic acid this is the purest chemical form of Vitamin C on the market. Note that people with sensitive skin can react to using the synthetic Vitamin C. It can cause dryness, redness, and stinging.
• Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate & Ascorbyl Palmitate both are gentler versions of a synthetic Vitamin C.
• Natural, plant-based Vitamin C should come from the following botanicals: Kakadu Plum, Prickly Pear, Maracuja, Cloudberries, and Hibiscus, among others.

Which Ingredients Can You Combine With Niacinamide

However, niacinamide is more frequently studied in combination with other topical medications, not on its own, which makes it difficult to know how effective it might be by itself. Based on the available evidence, well-studied options like prescription retinoids or other antioxidants, like vitamin C, will probably do more for you than niacinamide if hyperpigmentation, fine lines, or wrinkles are your primary concerns. But if your skin is too sensitive to handle those other options, or youre just looking for a gentler treatment for whatever reason, niacinamide might be a helpful alternative.

For example, the skin barrier protection that comes with niacinamide can offset the dryness and irritation that comes with retinol products, Dr. Amin says. Niacinamide works in a similar way with salicylic acid, which can also be drying to your skin. And while it’s safe to combine niacinamide with vitamin C, too, the combination may lead to irritation in some people, he adds.

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How Do You Use Niacinamide In Skin Care

Adding topical niacinamide to your skin-care routine is simple and low-risk: Buy a product that contains it, such as a hydrating face mask, and apply as directed. Some people experience some mild irritation, which will likely go away with repeated use.

Dr. Amin gives you the green light to use niacinamide for skin care every day, particularly in a daytime moisturizer. Most major studies that weve cited here used topical preparations containing 2-10% niacinamide, so look for a product in that range if you canDr. Amin suggests a concentration of 5% to see any anti-aging or hyperpigmentation improvement. If youre looking for a moisturizer with niacinamide, you may want to check out CeraVe PM Face Moisturizer , and Dr. Zampella also recommends The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% serum .

There isnt a prescription version of topical niacinamide, but your dermatologist may be able to add it to topical prescriptions in a process called compounding. According to Dr. Ferris, if you go through a pharmacy that specializes in compounded medications, it could be cheaper than a generic. The actual cost depends on your insurance and the compounding pharmacies in your area, so be sure to ask your dermatologist for more information.

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Then Why All The Drama About The Combo

There is an old study from almost 60 years ago that showed that when these two products were used together under unique circumstances involving extremely high temperatures, they led to the development of nicotinic acid, which is irritating to the skin, says Ilyas. This will not happen in real world circumstances.

Since this niacin flush or tingling would only occur in extreme heat, you probably dont want to leave your niacinamide in the car in the middle of August. And if were keeping it real, you dont want to do that with your vitamin C or any skincare product, for that matter. Like any ingredient, both are best left stored in a room temperature environment, says Dr. Anna H. Chacon, a board-certified dermatologist who serves on the advisory board for Smart Style Today. If stored at high temperatures , combining these products may be an issue, as vitamin C does best in an acidic environment and niacinamide does best at a neutral pH. However, most skincare products do better when stored at room temperature and often dont work as effectively if left for many hours out in the sun, or in a heated environment. In conclusion, you should take just as good care of your skincare products by storing them in a suitable setting, as you take care of your skin.

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Scientific Studies On Vitamin C And Niacinamide

In a series of studies where 50 women who showed signs of aging were treated with a Niacinamide cream, the results indicated that the women treated with Niacinamide showed significantly more improvement in skin elasticity and appearance than women treated with a placebo. Studies also suggest that Niacinamide skincare products can reduce the signs and symptoms of severe acne or rosacea by reducing the inflammation of the skin. If you have oily skin in particular, Niacinamide is equipped to regulate how much oil your skin produces. And with less oily skin, pores appear smaller.

Vitamin C, or pure Ascorbic Acid, is a naturally occurring antioxidant that helps to protect the skin from UV damage, as well as reduce hyperpigmentation and even increase collagen production. Couple these two ingredients together and you have a dynamic duo for glowing skin. We previously spoke about how to get glowing skin, but weve outlined everything you need to know about niacinamide below.

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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Hyaluronic Acid And Retinol

While youre better off not mixing retinol with AHAs and BHAs , retinol and hyaluronic acid are a perfect match. Combining these two actives can mean less fine lines and dry skin which is a win-win, #letsbefrank. Use my Rewind Retinol Serum twice a week in the evenings after applying my Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum.

How To Apply Niacinamide

How you apply niacinamide will very much depend on the niacinamide product being used of course, the way you apply a niacinamide toner is not the same as you would apply a serum or moisturiser. Our advice is to always refer to the instructions that come with the product to ensure that you are reaping the benefits.

According to certified dermatologists, the best way to achieve results is to use leave-on niacinamide products such as toners, serums or moisturisers, and apply them twice a day. As mentioned earlier, the niacinamide products you choose to use will vary depending on your skin type. Remember, you can use more that one niacinamide skin care product in your routine!

You may choose to use a hydrating toner with niacinamide right after cleansing and patting your skin dry, followed by a niacinamide serum and/or moisturiser, before locking it all in which an oil of your choice. The important thing to remember is the order in which the products are applied cleanser, toner, serums, moisturisers, oil. Thinnest to thickest, and finish with oil as the final step in your skincare routine.

Here are a few commonly asked questions about combining niacinamide with your existing skincare products.

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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.

Vitamin C + Benzoyl Peroxide

Benzoyl peroxide is used as a treatment for mild to moderate acne. This ingredient not only reduces acne-causing bacteria but also prevents your skin from becoming dry and flaky. However, combining benzoyl peroxide with Vitamin C may not do any good for your skin. Treating your skin to benzoyl peroxide topically will, in fact, oxidize the Vitamin C, counteracting each others effects.

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Can It Give You Cancer

According to the CIR, While some animal data suggested tumor promotion and weak carcinogenicity, kojic acid is slowly absorbed into the circulation from human skin and likely would not reach the threshold at which these effects were seen.

Were not rats or mice. Just because something is bad for them, doesnt mean its bad for us. In the low concentrations used in skincare products , Kojic Acid does NOT cause cancer.

Can I Use Niacinamide In The Morning And Vitamin C At Night

Yes, you could use niacinamide in the morning and vitamin C at night. Both ingredients are highly effective and are able to deliver impressive results whenever they are applied to the skin. Packed with antioxidants, vitamin C is the perfect active to apply in the evening as it will repair and restore any damage caused from exposure to free radicals. When it comes to applying vitamin C, it can often boil down to personal preference as many favour using serums enriched in vitamin C during their morning routine to reap the rewards of a glowing complexion throughout the day.

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What Is The Science Saying

Niacinamide mitigates oxidative stress of skin cells by way of direct molecular free radical scavenging action or an indirect action that enhances the antioxidant resistance of cells.

An increasing number of clinical trials have shown that the formulation containing Niacinamide has the effect of relieving skin ageing such as wrinkles, elasticity when used in a well-rounded routine. Has an anti-ageing effect comparable to that of retinol products