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.
Niacinamide can be applied after cleansing and toning but before moisturizing. If you're using it in serum form, dispense a small amount and gently pat it into the skin. You can follow with a moisturizer to lock in hydration. It can be used both in the morning and at night.
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.
Niacinamide and hyaluronic acid can make a powerful pair. If you're using a facial serum like our CeraVe Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum, layer the serum directly onto clean skin before applying your niacinamide product in the next layer.
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.
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.
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.
Use a few drops of niacinamide serum on your face and neck, gently patting it into the skin. Serums have a lightweight texture, allowing the active ingredient to penetrate deeply. After applying the serum, use a moisturizer to lock in hydration and further support your skin barrier.
To use both ingredients together, apply a niacinamide serum followed by a vitamin C serum. However, if you have sensitive skin, it's best to use them at different times of the day to avoid potential irritation.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Layering Niacinamide and Salicylic Acid
Salicylic acid and niacinamide complement each other and can provide synergistic results when used together. After you cleanse your skin, apply a salicylic acid product. Then, follow that with niacinamide, and finish by moisturizing and adding sun protection.
It's suitable for all skin types and fits easily into your existing skincare routine. As for when to use niacinamide serum, we typically recommend applying products in order of consistency. That means your serum should come after toner, but before richer lotions or creams.
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.
Niacinamide might not reach its full effectiveness when mixed with AHAs or BHAs. Moreover, this combination could be overwhelming for your skin, leading to adverse effects such as skin peeling, redness, and itchiness.
Pat your skin dry with a clean towel. Apply toner (optional): If you use a toner, apply it after cleansing and before the serum. Dispense a few drops: Dispense 2-3 drops of niacinamide serum onto your fingertips. Apply evenly: Gently massage the serum onto your face and neck, avoiding the delicate eye area.
It's an ingredient found in a number of moisturizing skin-care products as well as in certain foods and supplements like multivitamins. Can you use niacinamide every day? Yes. In fact, you can use niacinamide-containing topical products in the morning and night because it's generally a gentle ingredient.
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.