Both niacinamide and hyaluronic acid can offer unique benefits for dry skin. However, as a powerful humectant, hyaluronic acid is usually recommended for dry skin. Its hydration benefits are 1000 times more than that of niacinamide. It's also a great agent for boosting skin barrier function.
Vitamin c or retinoid is a great alternative for niacinamide. Just sad you have to give up on Niacinamide. Im a fan of niacinamide for years now. Just recently, I switched to dermafirm cica ac serum, it only has 2% niacinamide and 70% cica.
Vitamin c or retinoid is a great alternative for niacinamide. Just sad you have to give up on Niacinamide. Im a fan of niacinamide for years now. Just recently, I switched to dermafirm cica ac serum, it only has 2% niacinamide and 70% cica.
And if there's one all-around, crowd-pleaser ingredient in skincare, it's niacinamide. It's a super vitamin that suits almost every skin type but is especially loved by those with acne-prone skin. Keep reading the article to discover how niacinamide helps reduce and prevent stubborn pimples and blemishes.
For dry skin, hyaluronic acid is generally more effective as it deeply hydrates by attracting and retaining moisture in the skin. Niacinamide, while beneficial for improving skin barrier function and reducing inflammation, is more geared towards balancing oil production and addressing hyperpigmentation.
Retinol is usually more effective than niacinamide. The adverse side effects of retinol are not present in niacinamide. From a molecular standpoint, retinol mainly penetrates the skin's outer layer. Niacinamide can permeate the skin more deeply than retinol, mainly when made with soy components.
Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a safe, sugar compound naturally occurring in our body with powerful skin moisturizing capability. Niacinamide is a form of dietary vitamin B3, which helps to build a stronger skin barrier. Both compounds are water-based and can be paired without disrupting each other's effects.
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.
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.
Pick a secondary concern: To make a choice, zero in on a secondary skin concern. So, if you want to brighten with oil control – try Niacinamide. To ensure brightening while fighting fine lines, wrinkles and more – we recommend using Vitamin C for the skin.
Niacinamide and vitamin C
This combination sparks a lot of debate among skincare experts. Some say that since both niacinamide and vitamin C contain antioxidants, they cancel each other out and might even lead to irritation.
In general, niacinamide is considered suitable for all skin types and, per the Cleveland Clinic, is rarely associated with side effects. Still, as with any skincare ingredient, it's best to introduce it to your skincare routine slowly to help minimize the potential for redness or irritation.
Niacinamide prevents pigment from being transferred to the upper layers of skin where it becomes visible to the naked eye, says Dr. Maarouf. It also minimizes the appearance of pores and redness, leaving your skin as a smooth, even canvas. It regulates oil production.
Skin Type Suitability: Salicylic acid is particularly effective for oily and acne-prone skin due to its ability to penetrate and clean out pores. Niacinamide, on the other hand, is suitable for all skin types, including sensitive and dry skin, due to its gentle and soothing properties. 3.
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.
Niacinamide-containing foods or supplements are safe when taken in doses lower than 35 mg daily. 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.
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.
Don't: niacinamide and vitamin C
The jury is still out on niacinamide and vitamin C, but some research suggests these two ingredients may have decreased effectiveness when applied together. We recommend using our Skin Renewing Vitamin C Serum in the morning and your niacinamide skincare at night.
Benzoyl Peroxide: Benzoyl peroxide is a common ingredient found in acne treatments. While it can be effective in clearing up breakouts, it can also be drying and may counteract the hydrating effects of hyaluronic acid.
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.