Concentration: Niacinamide serums typically range from 5% to 10% concentration. For beginners, a 5% concentration is a good starting point. You can increase the concentration as your skin gets accustomed to the ingredient. Skin type: If you have sensitive skin, look for a fragrance-free and gentle formulation.
Should you use 5% niacinamide face serum or 10% face serum? Serums contain active ingredients in concentrated form. Therefore, if you are a beginner to facial serums, start with 5% and increase as per your skin's tolerance.
Whether one chooses a niacinamide skincare product with 5%, 10%, or any percentage in between depends on one's unique skin needs and concerns. For those new to this powerhouse skin-enhancing ingredient, starting with a 5% formula allows the skin to acclimate while gradually imparting incredible benefits.
I have nothing against 10% niacinamide 🤣, I even recommend it to some. But the problem with such 10% is that it can dry you out to the point that you start to break out. Just becareful with 10%, and rearrange your skincare for the 10% by adding hydrating and moisturizing products.
How much niacinamide is too much in skincare? It seems like niacinamide really hit superstardom level with the Ordinary's 10% Niacinamide serum. Because of this, most people tend to think of 10% as the standard when it comes to niacinamide. However, niacinamide is actually clinically tested at 2% to 5%.
Shirazi says that higher concentrations of niacinamide—“particularly those at 10% or higher—“can potentially cause irritation such as redness and rebound oil production.” On that note, Dr. Green recommends that sensitive-skinned folks start with a lower concentration to avoid potential irritation and redness.
Some may also have skin discoloration due to using niacinamide combined with other active ingredients that are too harsh for your skin type. Niacinamide can also cause problems when it's mixed with the following substances: Acids, including lactic acid, glycolic acid, and azelaic acid.
Does Niacinamide cause purging? No, Niacinamide alone doesn't cause any purging of the skin. A product containing Niacinamide also contains other active ingredients like retinol, retinaldehyde, or AHAs, which can increase cellular turnover and shows signs of purging.
DON'T MIX: AHA/BHA and niacinamide
Niacinamide is used to treat hyperpigmentation and reduce fine lines and wrinkles, while alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) are chemical exfoliants. To understand why niacinamide shouldn't be mixed with AHAs and BHAs, you need to consider pH.
It is recommended for those dealing with dry or sensitive skin, inflammatory conditions like rosacea, oily or greasy skin, pigmentation, and wrinkles. Using niacinamide for acne is also recommended, as well as if your skin cannot tolerate retinol or vitamin C.
Users looking for quicker and more noticeable improvements in fine lines, wrinkles, and overall skin texture often opt for 10% niacinamide. The increased potency leads to faster and more comprehensive results compared to the gentler 5% counterpart.
Niacinamide and hyaluronic acid
While you may not see any significant results during the first few weeks, there should be a notable difference by about 4 weeks. After 8 weeks, you should notice more hydrated, smoother, and toned skin.
Beginner and Sensitive Skin Friendly
The concentration of 10% Vitamin C, makes it suitable for beginners & people with sensitive skin.
"Niacinamide reduces sebum production, which can both help prevent acne and also diminish shine," says dermatologist Kenneth Howe, MD.
While acids and retinol can increase sun sensitivity, niacinamide does not, so it's fine to use in the morning. It also has protective antioxidant properties, so it's a great ingredient to use prior to UV and pollution exposure. At the same time, the anti-inflammatory ingredient is also ideal for use at night.
After the skin has properly absorbed the serum, apply a moisturiser. For oily skin, opt for a gel or water-based lightweight hydrating moisturiser. If you have dry skin, choose oil or cream-based heavy moisturiser. If it is a night routine, this is the last step, but the day routine has one more step left.
Niacinamide and vitamin C
This combination sparks a lot of debate among skincare experts. Some say that since both niacinamide and vitamin C contain antioxidants, they cancel each other out and might even lead to irritation.
When used together, always go with applying hyaluronic acid first, followed by Niacinamide. By following this, you would be able to attract plenty of hydration first. After that, apply Niacinamide to help regulate sebum production and help with the minimization of pores.
Pairing Hyaluronic acid with niacinamide is good because they both are water-based ingredients that combine to make the perfect regime for all skin types. Considering the nature of these acids, their chances of evoking a skin reaction are slim.
In other words, when you use certain products, your skin is likely to look worse before it looks better. A purge can look like blackheads and whiteheads, and it's likely to appear in the places where you normally break out.
You might be experiencing breakouts if your skin is too sensitive to niacinamide or if you are using it in combination with other irritating products. These breakouts could be new pimples, redness, and inflammation in areas where you do not normally get acne.
When applied to the skin: Niacinamide is possibly safe. Niacinamide cream might cause mild burning, itching, or redness.
How long does niacinamide take to work? Generally, you should start to see results after 2-4 weeks of twice daily usage (depending on the severity of your skin concerns and the concentration of your niacinamide formula). Ongoing use is required for continued improvement and maintained results.