Tip: For your PM Treat step, try applying Retinal 0.2% Emulsion, after Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% for additional support for signs of aging.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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 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.
You can pair niacinamide and hyaluronic acid together as part of your skincare routine, as both are water-based ingredients. A hyaluronic acid product like Hyalu B5 serum should be applied first to hydrate and replenish the skin.
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.
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.
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 is best absorbed on damp skin,” the dermatologist suggested. If you are using it in combination with other active skincare ingredients, you can apply it on dry skin. “Otherwise, as a solo agent, application on damp skin gives best results,” dermatologist Aanchal Panth added.
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.
Yes, you can use niacinamide every day without any reactions or skin problems.
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.
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.
Purging should end if the breakouts last longer than these 6 weeks. Purging usually occurs when you start a new skincare product that accelerates the turnover rate of your skin cells. The most common culprits behind purging are acids (AHA, BHA), retinoids, vitamin C, or even niacinamide.
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.
Salicylic acid and niacinamide are all good to use together. Niacinamide is water soluble while salicylic acid is oil soluble, allowing it to deeply penetrate your pores.