To finish your routine, you can put on heavy cream products, like moisturizers. Rub that into your skin on top of the Niacinamide 10% Zinc 1% and any oil-based serum that you used. Always save any heavy creams for last, because they take the longest to soak into your skin.
Niacinamide is no different. Apply your serum after cleansing (and toning, if you're a fan), and before heavier or oil-based serums, moisturiser and sunscreen. Applying oil-based serums first can impair the efficacy of your niacinamide serum, which will typically be water-based. So, use your Vitamin B3 first.
Here are a few ways you can make this powerful ingredient part of your daily routine: 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.
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.
The reaction is likely due to another ingredient in the product. However, a high concentration of niacinamide can cause irritation. Try using a product with lower potency if this is happening. If you have a severe reaction to niacinamide or any skin care ingredient, discuss your symptoms with a dermatologist.
You just need to wait for them to dry before putting on the next product. “If your creams are peeling and rolling into little balls on the skin, you're either applying too much product or you need to wait a minute longer for it to fully dry before layering,” says Nazarian.
Moisturizing ingredients: damp skin
If your facial routine is simple and you're just applying a moisturizer after you cleanse, you'll want to do this ASAP, while your skin is still wet. The same goes for any moisturizing serums you may layer into your routine, like hyaluronic acid, squalene, or niacinamide.
Serum and Moisturizer: 1 minute
Goldenberg's go-to recommendation for timing between serums and moisturizers is about one minute. This wait has the same reasoning: Sixty seconds — give or take — gives each product a moment to delve into your pores.
You can absolutely use vitamin C and niacinamide together, Singh goes on to emphasize. That said, if you ever have any doubts as to whether it's safe to mix two skin care ingredients, a dermatologist can always offer advice.
It's always advisable to apply leave-on niacinamide products like toners, serums, moisturizers, etc., twice a day. Bear in mind that you can have more than one niacinamide product in your skincare routine. After cleaning and drying your skin, you can apply a niacinamide toner, then a niacinamide serum, or a face cream.
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.
While some niacinamide-containing products start to show initial benefits in two weeks, most results will show in four weeks or more. "You have to remember that it doesn't take two days for spots to form so you can't expect them to be removed in two days either," explains Engelman.
To allow serums to fully absorb, apply and wait 5 minutes before moisturizing. Take note: Well-formulated serums absorb quickly and disappear into your skin.
"It helps with dark circles and wrinkles, two of the major complaints of the skin around the eyes." Because there's a low risk of irritation or inflammation from using it, you can apply it to the delicate, thin skin around the eyes without worry.
“When used topically, niacinamide can improve skin hydration by preventing evaporation of moisture from the skin into the environment. It's also a natural anti-inflammatory ingredient, so it's great for calming irritated skin but also good for people with sensitive skin,” says Nazarian.
When used topically every day, niacinamide may have a positive impact on your overall skin health. The ingredient can help reduce inflammation and hyperpigmentation, smooth your overall skin texture, and brighten your skin.
The Ordinary niacinamide can actually be used daily both day and/or night after cleansing the skin. Niacinamide is an ingredient that is great for overall skin health, so it can easily slot into any skincare routine.
Shirazi says that higher concentrations of niacinamide—“particularly those at 10% or higher—“can potentially cause irritation such as redness and rebound oil production.” On that note, Dr. Green recommends that sensitive-skinned folks start with a lower concentration to avoid potential irritation and redness.
“It is important to leave a 10-20 minute wait time before applying the next product.
Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3 that helps build proteins in the skin and retain moisture. Signs it's not working: You're not seeing results and notice that the product is pilling on your skin. Also, if you experience redness, itching, or burning, you might want to skip this ingredient.
How long does niacinamide take to work? Generally speaking, you should start to see results after 2-4 weeks of twice daily usage (depending on the severity of your skin concerns and how concentrated your niacinamide product is). Ongoing use is required for continued improvement.
by soothing yet powerful ingredients. Niacinamide, tea tree oil, and salicylic acid perform damage control by cleaning up and calming down the site of the eruption. Niacinamide helps quell redness and uneven skin tone caused by zits, then tea tree oil sinks in and unclogs the most stubborn of pores.
As with most acne treatments, niacinamide takes time to work and you should allow for twelve weeks of use before determining whether or not the product has worked for you.