Any skin type and age can benefit from using niacinamide in their skincare routine. Ideally you should use it twice a day, both morning and evening. For the most beneficial results, opt for formulas (like serums and moisturisers) that can be left on the skin for maximum absorption.
Niacinamide can be used morning and night. Because it plays well with other skincare ingredients (even potentially tricky actives such as exfoliating acids and vitamin C) it will sit happily alongside anything else you're using.
"Niacinamide can reduce the effectiveness of vitamin C, so it's best to apply them alternatively — one in the morning and one at night," says Dr. Irwin.
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.
The Ordinary Lactic Acid 10% + HA 2% Exfoliating Serum
"It's best used at night and contains lactic acid, a gentle but effective alpha hydroxy acid that works to eliminate dead skin cells to improve the overall texture and tone of the skin," the derm revealed.
How long does Niacinamide take to work? Using 5% or 10% Niacinamide-containing products show better effects with no skin problems like irritation. Most studies show that even though you may find improvement immediately after starting Niacinamide, it usually takes anywhere between 8-12 weeks for a visible change.
When selecting niacinamide products, Dr Ho advises that “a concentration of 4-5% niacinamide is ideal—enough to improve acne and fine wrinkles”. Higher concentrations, like The Ordinary 10% Niacinamide + 1% Zinc, have not yet been proven to exhibit a higher rate of efficacy.
First, apply hyaluronic acid on a clean and cleansed face both morning and evening, so as to effectively rehydrate your skin after cleansing. Layering the niacinamide on top will help regulate any excess sebum production and avoid breakouts. Finish off by applying your choice of moisturiser.
DO USE: All the Antioxidants
"I love using products that contain antioxidants like niacinamide or matcha when going out in the sun," says Yoon, "like the Peach & Lily Glass Skin Refining Serum and Matcha Pudding Antioxidant Cream to help give your skin that boost of brightening benefits."
As it's well tolerated by most people, niacinamide can be used twice a day everyday. It works at any time of the year although it comes in particularly handy in winter during cold, dry weather and frequent use of central heating. Use it in the run-up before starting your retinol treatment and alongside it, too.
Niacinamide in Sunscreen
Sunblock* application is a non-negotiable part of your daily skincare routine, so you can select a sunscreen that includes vitamin B3 for an effortless way to apply niacinamide.
If you're looking to add niacinamide into your skincare regimen, keep potency in mind. Dr. Li explains that "the scientific literature suggests 5% as optimal for achieving desired effects" and she goes further to caution that higher concentrations may cause skin irritation.
The short version: Your skincare products will be more effective if you wait for a little bit of time in between adding each layer. How long? Each product is different, but wait until the tackiness of the product has subsided. A good rule of thumb is to wait about one minute in between each product.
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.
Applying 3 or 4 drops is enough for an excellent result, you will not need more. And the most important thing is: is this serum effective? In my case it is VERY effective. Now in summer my skin tends to get more oily and I usually get extra black spots.
Though some people do report experiencing irritation and breakouts after using the ingredient, niacinamide is unlikely to cause purging. That's because it doesn't affect the skin in a way that usually triggers purging.
Most niacinamide products also contain a variety of other ingredients. If any of these ingredients increase skin cell turnover then they may be behind any 'purging'. Some ingredients can also be 'comedogenic' which means that they are more likely to clog pores and cause breakouts.
Niacinamide is an ingredient that is gentle enough to be used twice a day, seven days a week, Dr. Gonzalez and Dr. Rabach say. To apply niacinamide, first wash your face and, if you use one, apply a toner.
"Niacinamide is a powerful ingredient for both skin moisturization and skin brightening," Mun reiterates. "But when used in high concentrations in a skincare formulation, it may cause skin irritation.
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.
Niacinamide is an important nutrient that has numerous skincare abilities and can assist with helping to reduce signs of acne-scarring. Those who experience acne-prone skin will understand the frustrations of unwanted blemishes that tend to appear at the most inconvenient times.
Retinol has similar benefits, but it's stronger than niacinamide. It's also known to cause irritation, redness, and dry skin. Pairing the two ingredients is safe and can make retinol easier to use. Niacinamide helps hydrate the skin, which reduces the risk of irritation caused by retinol.
Great stuff in here including 4% niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, capric/caprylic triglyceride, dimethicone, and repairing skin identical ingredients like ceramides and cholesterol.
You should use the Niacinamide 20% if you have advanced concerns such as stretched, sagging pores, orange peel-like texture, or stubborn oil-related bumps. If your concerns are enlarged pores and uneven skin tone, the 10% strength is ideal.