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.
Frequency of Use: Daily Use: Niacinamide can be used both in the morning and evening. It's generally well-tolerated, but start with once a day if you have sensitive skin and gradually increase to twice a day as your skin adjusts. Duration of Use: Long-Term: Niacinamide is safe for long-term use.
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.
A 5% concentration of niacinamide has been shown to be effective in reducing hyperpigmentation and improving fine lines and wrinkles according to some studies. ¹⁷ Additionally, a concentration of lower than 10% may be more suitable if you have sensitive skin or if you're new to using niacinamide.
But also, a word of warning: Dr. 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.
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.
For general skin tone correction, a niacinamide concentration between 4-5% is often effective and well-tolerated by most individuals. For those looking to tackle more pronounced hyperpigmentation, a higher concentration of 10% may be beneficial, though it's important to monitor the skin for any signs of irritation.
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.
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.
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.
Beginner and Sensitive Skin Friendly
The concentration of 10% Vitamin C, makes it suitable for beginners & people with sensitive skin.
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.
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.
', the simple answer is yes. Niacinamide and retinol have a synergistic relationship, so you can use them together as long as you're familiar with the basics of how to layer serums and ingredients.
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. If your skin is used to active ingredients in a serum formulation, you can use 10% after doing a patch test.
Now, most people can tolerate niacinamide well even at 10% twice daily. But if you have a mysterious skin rash or unexplained irritation, it could be time to take a closer look at your niacinamide levels. One of the biggest issues of overdoing niacinamide isn't necessarily the one 10% product you may have.
Niacinamide aids in skin barrier function, helping skin recover from acne, rosacea & dermatitis. It also increases its resiliency, improving skin quality by making pores look smaller. It also helps balance oil production, and—bonus! —it's good for all skin type including sensitive skin & darker skin types.
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.
Does niacinamide cause pimples? Niacinamide does not cause any pimples as it is gentle on most people of all skin types. But it might irritate if it is used in larger quantities.
Though niacinamide is a soothing and non-irritating ingredient, applying products with a higher concentration (10 percent or more) can irritate the skin, especially if you have sensitive skin. “Stick to 5-10 percent, and not more. As a beginner, use products with 5 percent concentration,” the doctor added.
Dr. Henry says that it's typically okay to use niacinamide twice a day (in the morning and in the evening), but advises that more than that could be excessive. As with any skincare ingredient, pay attention to its effect on your complexion to determine if you need to change its use in your regimen.
Does niacinamide cause purging or breakouts? Niacinamide isn't typically known to cause purging, but some people may experience mild breakouts as their skin adjusts. These usually clear up within a few weeks.