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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Niacinamide may help prevent acne breakouts and improve the appearance of sun damage, fine lines, and wrinkles. Concentrations of topical niacinamide products go up to 10%, but studies have shown effects with strengths as low as 2%.
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.
Niacinamide is possibly safe when taken in doses up to 900 mg daily. It might cause side effects such as stomach upset, gas, dizziness, headache, and rash.
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 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.
When should I use hyaluronic acid? While some skincare ingredients, like retinol, are best used at night and others, like vitamin C, work their magic in the daytime, hyaluronic acid can be used both morning and night. “I recommend use of an HA serum up to twice daily, depending on your skin's needs,” says Abdulla.
How often can you use it? It's always best to follow specific product instructions and to start off slowly. Generally, though, you can safely use hyaluronic acid both morning and night.
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.
"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.
Can I use niacinamide in the morning and vitamin C at night? Yes, you could use niacinamide in the morning and vitamin C at night. Both ingredients are highly effective and are able to deliver impressive results whenever they are applied to the skin.
Many gentle serums, such as a hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum, barrier-boosting niacinamide serum or soothing, Anti-Redness Serum are effective applied morning and/or night.
Hyaluronic acid and Niacinamide are a great pair as both are water-based treatments. 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.
The simple answer is yes. They complement each other well. Being oil soluble, salicylic acid can penetrate deeper into the skin layers, but it can also dehydrate and irritate skin. Niacinamide, on the other hand, reduces inflammation and boosts skin's natural moisturization.
Not all skin care ingredients pair well together. Some combinations can react negatively or lessen the ingredients' benefits. Fortunately, it's safe to mix niacinamide and retinol. In fact, the combination is considered to have numerous benefits.
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."
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.
If you are adding a niacinamide treatment into your routine, use it after cleansing, toning, and any exfoliants and before your moisturizer or sunscreen.