Should You Use Niacinamide In the AM Or PM? Niacinamide is recommended to be applied up to two times per day. Given this advice, it is typically applied once in the AM and again in the PM before bed. Unlike retinol, niacinamide doesn't increase skin sensitivity and higher chance of reactions from the sun.
Niacinamide generally works well with most products, but it's best not to combine it with vitamin C (ascorbic acid) in the same routine as it can cause irritation. Additionally, avoid using it with strong exfoliants or retinoids in high concentrations to prevent skin sensitivity. For more, check out my Quora Profile.
It does a top-notch job of helping to balance oil production in the skin, as well as soothe redness – making it a great choice for anyone who's struggling with summer-induced breakouts. Niacinamide also plays nicely with the sun. “Niacinamide will not increase sun sensitivity,” says Dr Hextall.
You can apply niacinamide to either dry or damp skin without affecting its efficacy; just make sure not to apply it to wet skin. You can download the example routines here: https://docdro.id/nPvglnx I am not affiliated with or sponsored by any skincare company, as I create content independently.
Niacinamide can be applied after cleansing and toning but before moisturizing. If you're using it in serum form, dispense a small amount and gently pat it into the skin. You can follow with a moisturizer to lock in hydration. It can be used both in the morning and at night.
Don't use it with exfoliating ingredients: Niacinamide can increase skin sensitivity, so it's best to avoid using it with exfoliating ingredients such as salicylic acid and glycolic acid. Don't use it if you have an allergy: Niacinamide, like any other skincare ingredient, can cause allergic reactions in some people.
- Combine with Other Ingredients: Niacinamide can be combined with other active ingredients like hyaluronic acid, retinol, or vitamin C for enhanced benefits. However, it's essential to introduce new products slowly to avoid overwhelming the skin.
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.
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.
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.
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.
But wait—don't just use any pimple sticker: According to Dr. Zeichner, it's best to keep things simple and go for plain hydrocolloid. “Certain soothing actives [like niacinamide] can be helpful, but with an open wound the goal is to just support healing without increasing any potential for irritation,” he explains.
Niacinamide is possibly safe when taken in doses up to 900-1500 mg daily. It might cause side effects such as stomach upset, gas, dizziness, headache, and rash. When applied to the skin: Niacinamide is possibly safe. Niacinamide cream might cause mild burning, itching, or redness.
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.
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.
Is 20% niacinamide too strong? While 20% niacinamide is potent, the independent Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel has concluded that it is safe to use concentrations up to this amount.
Currently, no safe or proven method exists to increase melanin – the pigment, or color, in a person's skin, hair, and eyes. A person's genetics determine their natural melanin levels and skin color. In general, people who have darker skin tones have more melanin than those with lighter skin tones.
No, Niacinamide doesn't lighten skin permanently.
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.
As the percentages suggest, 10% niacinamide contains a higher concentration and strength than 5%. With twice the concentration of their 5% counterparts, 10% niacinamide products offer enhanced delivery of nutrients to skin cells.
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.
Niacinamide could be applied on both dry or damp skin. Higher strength Niacinamide has the potential to irritate skin so best used on dry skin. If it's in combination with Hyaluronic acid it goes on damp skin.
If you happen to be in the unlucky minority who have a bad reaction to a product with niacinamide, there are three primary possibilities: you're allergic, there's another ingredient causing irritation, or you're using too much.