Include vitamin C and niacinamide serum in your skincare routine and get an instant brightening effect and reduced dark spots in a few days. Both Niacinamide (vitamin B3) and Retinol (vitamin A) have expertise in tackling signs of ageing, acne, hyperpigmentation, and sun damage, making it a popular combination.
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.
Together, hyaluronic acid and niacinamide help boost hydration and soothe the skin, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Layering niacinamide and hyaluronic acid is beneficial for all skin types since everyone can afford more hydration in their routine.
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.
After you cleanse apply Niacinamide on damp skin not to wet. Apply two drops of Niacinamide on to your hands, rub hands together slightly and then rub all over your face (particularly oiley areas and pores) followed by patting dry, wait 30 secs then seal in with your moisturiser.
- Combine with Other Ingredients: Niacinamide can be combined with other active ingredients like hyaluronic acid, retinol, or vitamin C for enhanced benefits. However, it's essential to introduce new products slowly to avoid overwhelming the skin.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
A gentle active ingredient that is very well tolerated by all skin types, niacinamide has the advantage of being compatible with the majority of cosmetic active ingredients, including the most sensitive substances such as retinol, peptides, hyaluronic acid, glycolic acid, lactic acid, salicylic acid and vitamin C.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Safe but not totally for people with sensitive skin. As mentioned above, niacinamide seems to have an irritating effect when used with concentration formulas. Redness and itching are some of the common reactions. Although these are rare issues, they may still cause a great impact on someone's skin health.
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.