"Vitamin C is a perfect choice for pigmentation and dull, tired-looking skin. Niacinamide would be a better choice for those [with] acne or spot-prone skin. Niacinamide is also gentler, so if you tend to have sensitive skin, that would be a better choice.
Both ingredients can fade hyperpigmentation and increase collagen production. Vitamin C (depending on the percentage) can be more harsh for sensitive skin types. Or, you might want to use niacinamide if you have acne-prone skin, and leverage Vitamin C for fading post-acne marks and dark spots.
“I typically recommend the topical form of this ingredient for three main skin concerns, including anti-aging, uneven skin tone, and oiliness and large pores.”
Tranexamic Acid Is The Ingredient Dermatologists Swear By For Hyperpigmentation | Vogue.
Hydroquinone. Topical HQ is regarded as the gold standard for the treatment of facial hyperpigmentation. HQ is a bleaching agent that acts by inhibiting tyrosinase to limit melanin production in the skin.
Vitamin C has powerful antioxidant properties, neutralising free radicals to help protect the skin from damage caused by the sun's rays and other external aggressors. It's also gained a reputation for its ability to lighten areas of hyperpigmentation, helping visibly fade dark spots to achieve a more even skin tone.
In the clinical studies, niacinamide significantly decreased hyperpigmentation and increased skin lightness compared with vehicle alone after 4 weeks of use. Conclusions: The data suggest niacinamide is an effective skin lightening compound that works by inhibiting melanosome transfer from melanocytes to keratinocytes.
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. One of the biggest issues of overdoing niacinamide isn't necessarily the one 10% product you may have.
Yes, you can use vitamin C with niacinamide and hyaluronic acid. To layer them, apply vitamin C first after cleansing, let it absorb, then apply niacinamide. Finish with hyaluronic acid to lock in moisture.
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.
Scientific studies suggest it takes around eight weeks when using niacinamide to see visible improvements in hyperpigmentation, although some users may see benefits more quickly than that.
Another way of applying them is to alternate the time of day you use them on the skin, many prefer to benefit from the glow of vitamin C opting to apply it in the morning, following this with niacinamide in the evening to counteract any damage caused to the skin throughout the day.
Niacinamide and retinol are popular skin care ingredients that can treat acne, hyperpigmentation, and signs of aging. While they have similar effects, retinol is more potent. However, it may also cause more significant side effects. It is possible to use the ingredients alone or in combination.
In conclusion, while both ingredients are effective for treating pigmentation, niacinamide is gentler and more versatile, while ascorbic acid is more potent but may require careful handling and layering.
Topical therapies (creams and lotions applied to the skin) are the most common treatment option for hyperpigmentation. Combination therapy, in which multiple topical treatments are used together, is usually most effective in treating hyperpigmentation. The most common cause of hyperpigmentation is sun exposure.
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.
As sun exposure worsens hyperpigmentation it is important to protect the skin with sunscreen on a daily basis. Treatment often begins with a skin care regimen composed of a daily sunscreen, moisturizers, and skin care brighteners.
Niacinamide is generally considered more effective for hyperpigmentation as it inhibits melanin production. Glycolic acid works by increasing cell turnover to reveal newer skin. Using both can provide a powerful approach.
Hydroquinone
Hydroquinone, a powerful prescription medication, is extensively employed for treating melasma, age spots, freckles, dark spots, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation arising from various factors like aging, sun exposure, inflammation, medications, or acne.
Brightening and Even Skin Tone (4-8 weeks): With continued use, you may start noticing a more noticeable improvement in your skin's brightness and a reduction in the appearance of dark spots, hyperpigmentation, and discoloration.
What Is The Best Vitamin C Serum, According To A Dermatologist? Engelman recommends two vitamin C serums in particular: the SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic and the SkinMedica Vitamin C+E Complex.
It can be caused by a variety of factors, from pregnancy hormones and birth control pills to acne and sun exposure. Depending upon the cause of your hyperpigmentation, it may eventually go away on its own, but melasma—the type that's caused by hormones—is the most stubborn.