The truth is, niacinamide serum isn't better than niacinamide moisturizer or vice versa—it all comes down to preference and efficacy. If you want a really targeted treatment, Dr. Henry recommends incorporating a niacinamide serum into your routine.
Niacinamide is a skincare workhorse with a myriad of benefits. It is the holy grail of brightening that fights pigmentation and dark spots – by reducing the concentration of melanin. This ideal serum for open pores regulates sebum production for a balanced, healthy microbiome.
For dry skin, creams are generally better as they provide a thicker layer of hydration and moisture retention. Serums can be beneficial for targeted treatment but may not provide enough hydration on their own. Consider layering a serum under a cream for optimal results.
When used as part of a daily skincare routine, niacinamide may help calm the skin, reduce transepidermal water loss (TEWL), and increase hydration in the skin's uppermost layer. This makes niacinamide a beneficial skincare ingredient for those looking to promote hydrated, smooth, and even-toned skin.
How often should you use niacinamide? For optimal benefits, we recommend using niacinamide either daily or twice a day. Whether you apply niacinamide once or twice a day will depend on your skin type, skin concerns and which other ingredients are contained within your morning and night routines.
What are the side effects of Niacinamide? Topical application is completely safe and may not cause any skin problems for a healthy person. People with sensitive skin may face mild redness, itching, or a burning sensation. Stomach upset.
Yes! Your skin can benefit from both serum and moisturizer, and it's recommended to use both of these products. However, it's not strictly necessary when you are using a moisturizing face serum.
Niacinamide has been shown to ease inflammation, which can help calm redness due to conditions like acne, rosacea and eczema. It can also soothe irritation caused by strong exfoliants like retinol or glycolic acid that remove dead cells from the surface of your skin.
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.
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.
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.
For those struggling with acne, inflammation, or excess oil production, niacinamide may be the better option. On the other hand, if your primary concern is dryness, dehydration, or aging skin, hyaluronic acid could be the way to go.
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.
If you want to get rid of dark spots fast, a procedure that removes layers of discolored skin may work better than a lightening cream. These techniques include laser treatments, freezing (cryotherapy), dermabrasion, microdermabrasion, microneedling, and chemical peels.
Niacinamide, a vitamin B3 derivative, is effective at reducing hyperpigmentation, capable of lightening dark spots significantly after several weeks' usage. Importantly, niacinamide is NOT a skin bleaching agent.
4. Don't skimp on moisturizer: Once the serum is on, apply a generous layer of moisturizer. A potent formula will seal the Niacinamide molecules into the skin – reducing accidental flare-ups.
Serums are much lighter in weight with an easy penetration and locking of the skin, thus people have eventually switched to serums from creams making them a better option to use.
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.
How do you know if niacinamide is not for you? You might find that niacinamide isn't for you if you experience side effects like redness, itching, or irritation after using it. Some people may also have an allergic reaction, resulting in hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.
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.