When it's used with hyaluronic acid, which holds moisture in the skin, niacinamide can make skin look plump and hydrated. Mixing it with zinc helps fight acne because zinc calms down red, angry skin. It's also helpful to pair niacinamide with vitamin C to make skin brighter and fade dark spots.
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.
For smoother-looking skin, pair Retinaldehyde and Hyaluronic Acid. For clearer-looking skin, pair Salicylic Acid and Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%. For hydrated skin, pair Hyaluronic Acid and Niacinamide.
Niacinamide serums, being lightweight, should be applied before the thicker-textured retinol products. For an evening skincare routine: Begin with a mild, non-exfoliating acid cleanser to cleanse the skin. Pat dry after. Apply a hydrating toner if available; otherwise, skip this step.
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.
You can combine niacinamide with all other serums and creams. For example vitamin c serum with niacinamide works wonders for the skin. You can also use it with retinol, Hyaluronic acid, BHAs, or AHAs. Niacinamide and retinol work well together.
Similar to retinol, niacinamide should not be used with acidic skincare ingredients like alpha hydroxy acids and beta hydroxy acids. Ordinary niacinamide combined with an acid can cause a bad chemical reaction of redness and flushing.
In general, you'll want to apply niacinamide serum to a freshly washed face before using moisturizers or sunscreen. Plus, give each product time to absorb in the skin before applying another.
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.
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.
Niacinamide works well with other skincare ingredients, including retinol and hyaluronic acid. However, some ingredients, like vitamin C, may interact negatively with niacinamide. Therefore, it's recommended to use products containing these ingredients at different times of the day or on alternate days.
Take for example Vitamin C and Niacinamide - two active ingredients we don't recommend using together in the same routine. The key word here is routine. You can use Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% in the AM routine and Ascorbyl Glucoside Solution 12% in the PM routine -- just not together in the morning or evening.
Do mix: Niacinamide can be mixed with almost any other skincare ingredient, except vitamin C products. Don't mix: As mentioned above, niacinamide should not be used with vitamin C products as this can decrease the effectiveness of vitamin C.
Do: Pair with other active ingredients. Niacinamide can be paired with ingredients to address hyperpigmentation, such as lactic and glycolic acids to provide synergistic results, or can be combined with retinol to help boost tolerability and stimulate ceramide production, notes Dr. Garshick.
You can (and should) consider layering niacinamide and retinol in the same routine, especially if you have sensitive skin. Retinol is a well-known ingredient that helps reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and other signs of aging.
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 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.
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.
It is not unusual to find a combination of niacinamide and retinol in a single skincare product, but you can use niacinamide and retinol as separate steps in a consistent routine. If you're using separate products, it is recommended that you apply retinol first then move forward with niacinamide application.
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.
Consider pairing your niacinamide face serum with hyaluronic acid for an enhanced skincare regimen. Combining niacinamide with hyaluronic acid can brighten, hydrate, and plump up your skin. Apply niacinamide serum on a cleansed skin and let it absorb. After a few seconds, follow up with hyaluronic acid face serum.