Moisturize: Finish by hydrating your skin with a moisturiser. Because niacinamide can help improve skin barrier function, using a moisturizer will help lock in the serum's benefits.
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 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.
If pigmentation and blemishes are your primary concern, then niacinamide and vitamin C is your go-to combination. Vitamin C expresses its skin-brightening capabilities by inhibiting tyrosinase, an enzyme required for pigment production.
Thin to Thick: Layer by lightest to thickest consistency. Many serums have a similar viscous consistency, but if you notice one is thicker, start with the thinner formula first. Take Your Time: Give each serum several seconds to set before moving onto the next.
If you're applying them together, you should apply Vitamin C first, followed by hyaluronic acid or niacinamide. Don't use it with AHAs, BHAs, and retinol at once. You can use it in low concentrations of AHA and BHA in your routine on alternate nights – Vitamin C one night and retinol the other.
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.
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 are a dynamic duo for brightening the complexion and reducing the appearance of dark spots and uneven skin tone. This combination leverages vitamin C's potent antioxidant properties and niacinamide's ability to improve skin's resilience and reduce inflammation.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Additionally, such flare-ups can happen due to incorrect layering of ingredients. Remember, Niacinamide goes in the end (before moisturizer) to help alleviate inflammation, redness, or irritation. More product doesn't guarantee better results. Instead, overusing Niacinamide may lead to skin sensitivities and flare-ups.
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.
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.
No, Niacinamide doesn't lighten skin permanently.
Directly applying the serum to your skin will not be sufficient. Rather, you need to add the product to your skincare routine properly for the best result. As the serum is usually a lighter product, you must apply it before layering the skin with heavier products like sunscreen and moisturisers.
Mistake 2: Pairing Niacinamide With Incompatible Ingredients
While Niacinamide pairs well with most active ingredients, layering it with an unstable form of Vitamin C or acids like AHAs, BHAs may lead to flare-ups – especially for people with sensitive skin.
When using niacinamide and hyaluronic acid together, we recommend using hyaluronic acid first, followed by niacinamide. This layering method allows hyaluronic acid to hydrate the skin effectively, drawing moisture from the environment, while niacinamide helps to strengthen the skin barrier and lock in that hydration.
How long does Niacinamide take to work? Using 5% or 10% Niacinamide-containing products show better effects with no skin problems like irritation. Most studies show that even though you may find improvement immediately after starting Niacinamide, it usually takes anywhere between 8-12 weeks for a visible change.