Do I use niacinamide before or after hyaluronic acid? When it comes to layering both hydrating ingredients together, it is considered by many dermatologists and skin experts to apply hyaluronic acid first.
Waiting a minute or two will ensure that the serum has absorbed deep into the skin.
If you decide to layer, it's recommended to start with Hyaluronic Acid to hydrate skin cells, and then top it up with Niacinamide to protect the skin's surface and prevent moisture loss.
Things You Should Know
Wash your face with a gentle cleanser and pat it dry before applying a couple of drops of Niacinamide 10% Zinc 1% to your skin. Apply heavy creams or other oil-based serums on top of the Niacinamide 10% Zinc 1%.
But if you're using two distinct products with these ingredients, wait 15 minutes between applications, or save one for morning use and the other for evening use.
Niacinamide is no different. Apply your serum after cleansing (and toning, if you're a fan), and before heavier or oil-based serums, moisturiser and sunscreen. Applying oil-based serums first can impair the efficacy of your niacinamide serum, which will typically be water-based.
While it is quite safe to apply niacinamide on damp skin, it is important to understand your skin type and skin concerns.
Niacinamide Serum – As most niacinamide serums are water-based, it's best to apply them after cleansing and toning and before oil-based serums or moisturizers. This way, you ensure the highest possible absorption and effectiveness. Cover your entire face with the serum, but feel free to concentrate on oily areas.
According to the experts, the hero ingredient actually needs to be applied to damp skin in order to work. In fact, applying it to a dry face can have the opposite effect of what is intended, and actually leave skin more dehydrated. "Hyaluronic acid is a moisture magnet," says Allies of Skin founder Nicolas Travis.
Don't Mix: Niacinamide and vitamin C. Although they're both antioxidants, vitamin C is one ingredient that's not compatible with niacinamide. "Both are very common antioxidants used in a variety of skincare products, but they should not be used one right after the other," says Dr. Marchbein.
“Hyaluronic acid plays well with most ingredients, while caution must be taken when using retinol in combination with alpha hydroxy and beta hydroxy acids, benzoyl peroxide, and some types of vitamin C.” Linkner echoes the tip about avoiding vitamin C.
If using a niacinamide serum, apply before heavier creams or oils and avoid mixing with vitamin C (as it can minimise its effects). Niacinamide can be used both morning and night.
A hyaluronic acid serum involves a slightly different routine. After cleansing, and while your skin is still damp, press a couple of drops into your face with the palms of your hands. Don't forget to apply a moisturizer immediately afterward to seal in all that hydration.
Hyaluronic Acid
To prevent this, one must apply Hyaluronic acid-based products on damp skin and wait for a minute for the product to settle later. Sublime's verdict: Hyaluronic acid-based products to be applied on damp skin and let it absorb for a minute before layering.
It can take up to 2-weeks for the Hyaluronic Acid Filler to completely set in. Below are a set of rare risks associates with this treatment that should not occur if done by a Trained Professional.
When used topically every day, niacinamide may have a positive impact on your overall skin health. The ingredient can help reduce inflammation and hyperpigmentation, smooth your overall skin texture, and brighten your skin.
The reaction is likely due to another ingredient in the product. However, a high concentration of niacinamide can cause irritation. Try using a product with lower potency if this is happening. If you have a severe reaction to niacinamide or any skin care ingredient, discuss your symptoms with a dermatologist.
Hyaluronic acid is much more efficient in keeping your skin hydrated than niacinamide. It can retain up to one thousand times its molecular weight in water.
“It helps seal it into your skin and provides a barrier against moisture loss,” she explains. Deasy also advises applying serum to damp – not completely dry – skin for better results.
“High concentrations of hyaluronic acid can leave the skin feeling sticky,” says Dr. Zeichner.
Many Vitamin C serums already include that healthy dose of weights of hyaluronic acid, so you don't have to add it in as a separate step. After applying a hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid serum (or serums), wait a few moments for it to absorb, and then gently smooth on your regular moisturizer.
Applying 3 or 4 drops is enough for an excellent result, you will not need more.