Niacinamide is a skincare all-rounder that treats pigmentation, aging skin, oiliness, dehydration, and other concerns. Dubbed safe for most skin types, the ingredient pairs well with other actives in your skincare cabinet. However, it is important to acknowledge that everyone’s skincare journey differs. So, in rare cases, some individuals may experience flare-ups, inflammation, and skin discomfort on Niacinamide application. 

Luckily, there is an easy way to circumvent this problem! This blog lists 5 common mistakes with Niacinamide that you should avoid for best results minus accidental reactions. Without any further ado, let’s get started.    

Mistake 1: Using Very High Concentration From The Beginning    

If you’re a first-time Niacinamide user, we recommend starting with a low concentration (re: 5%). This allows your skin some time to adjust to the active ingredient while minimizing the risk of flare-ups. If your skin responds well, you can slowly and steadily increase this concentration.  

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. To avoid this problem, we recommend adding the 2 skincare acids to your morning and nighttime routine. 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. 

Mistake 3: Overusing Niacinamide Product 

More product doesn’t guarantee better results. Instead, overusing Niacinamide may lead to skin sensitivities and flare-ups. To steer clear of this problem, we recommend sticking to the appropriate usage frequency – as suggested by your dermatologist. It is important to remember that a serum or treatment contains a high concentration of Niacinamide molecules that seep deep into the skin to address concerns. So, you needn’t go overboard. 

Mistake 4: Skipping Patch Test  

Certain first-time users may experience an allergic reaction to Niacinamide. To avoid this problem, we recommend conducting a patch test before applying the Niacinamide to your face.  Take a small amount of the formula and apply it to your neck. Keep a close watch for any signs of irritation, inflammation or redness. If your skin responds well to the patch test, start by using Niacinamide on your face roughly 2 to 3 times a week. 

Mistake 5: Expecting Overnight Results  

One of the biggest mistakes made is expecting magical results overnight. Good skin requires consistent efforts over a period of time. Niacinamide when used regularly will only deliver results within 6 to 8 weeks.  

How To Use Niacinamide Correctly  

To streamline efforts for good skin, we are bringing you a step-by-step guide to using Niacinamide serum correctly.

1. Conduct a patch test: Use a small amount of Niacinamide on your neck. If your skin responds well (re: without irritation or inflammation), apply it 2 to 3 times a week for best results.

2. Apply only after cleansing: To maximize the results of Niacinamide, apply it only after cleansing. Use a gentle, pH-balancing face wash that removes dirt, grime, and other impurities from the pores. This ensures better absorption of Niacinamide across the lipid barrier for effective results.

3. Use a light hand to apply: Don’t vigorously massage the serum into your skin. Use a light hand to gently dab the formula while observing caution around the eyes and the mouth.  

Application: After cleansing, dab a generous amount of the Ascorbic Acid serum on your face. Once through, use a lightweight yet effective moisturizer to put a sturdy lock on this treatment for best results. 

How Often Should I Use This L-Ascorbic Acid Serum? 

If you’re new to L-Ascorbic Acid, use it only 2 to 3 times a week. This allows your skin to get accustomed to the active ingredient, reducing the risk of flare-ups. In case of no alarming signs, add the serum to your daily AM routine. Pairing Vitamin C with your sunscreen will bolster your skin’s sun protection. Talk about a win-win. 

Who Should Use Ascorbic Acid? 

Ascorbic Acid or Vitamin C bodes well for most skin types. Having said that, we recommend caution while using it for the first time. Do remember to conduct a patch test before adding it your AM/PM rituals. Additionally, avoid layering it with strong actives like AHA, BHAs, Retinoids and more.  

Conclusion 

Ascorbic Acid or Vitamin C is the holy grail of skin brightening. It curbs melanin production in skin cells to fade dark spots and pigmentation. But that’s not all. You can use Vit C (or Ascorbic Acid) to fight premature aging lines, improve skin texture, reduce inflammation, and fight free radicals among other things. 

What Are The Benefits Of Hyaluronic Acid?   

Hyaluronic Acid extends a gamut of benefits to the skin. The most common ones are as follows.    

1. Hydration: As discussed earlier, Hyaluronic Acid Serum binds water molecules to the skin. For those unaware, ample hydration supports the barrier, accelerates healing, adds to Collagen synthesis, and maintains overall skin functionality.   

2. Soothes inflammation: Hyaluronic Acid also helps soothe inflammation, redness, rashes and more.   

3. Reverses signs of aging: Regular use of Hyaluronic Acid softens fine lines, wrinkles, crow’s feet, laugh lines, and more. If you wish to begin your anti-aging journey, Hyaluronic Acid should be on the radar.  

Compatibility With All Skin Types   

The best thing about Hyaluronic Acid is that it bodes well for all skin types.  

1. For people with dry skin, Hyaluronic Acid administers ample hydration to remove dry and rough patches.    

2. For oily skin folks, topical application of Hyaluronic Acid prevents the sebaceous glands from going berserk.   

3. A Godsend for sensitive skin, Hyaluronic Acid strengthens the barrier, soothes inflammation, and makes the skin look plump and soft. 

Product Recommendations  

Reap the benefits of Glycolic Acid and Hyaluronic Acid using the following Foxtale products -  

1. AHA BHA Exfoliating Serum  

Key Ingredients: Glycolic Acid, Hyaluronic Acid and Salicylic Acid 

The meticulous yet gentle serum works on a plethora of concerns. It blots excess oil, unclogs pores, and clears buildup to tackle different stages of acne. Moreover, Hyaluronic Acid in the blend offsets any accidental inflammation while ensuring ample hydration to the skin.  

2. Hydrating Serum 

Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic Acid and 5 other humectants  

With Hyaluronic Acid and 5 other humectants at the heart of the formula, this serums seeps deep to ensure long-lasting skin hydration. Lightweight, non-greasy, and blendable, use it to fight redness, inflammation and premature signs of ageing. 

Related Article:
1. Hyaluronic acid vs glycolic acid
2. Why hyaluronic acid is a game changer for dry skin
3. Side effects of hyaluronic acid

Conclusion 

Glycolic Acid and Hyaluronic Acid are two skincare actives that pair exceptionally. While Glycolic Acid works as an exfoliant, humectant Hyaluronic Acid binds water molecules to the skin. Together, these two ingredients tackle premature ageing, improve skin texture, and soothe inflammation. 

If you want glowing, gorgeous skin, might we recommend Niacinamide for your skincare routine? A form of Vitamin B3, Niacinamide is found in fish, dairy, nuts, and other food sources. However, due to its water solubility, one ought to seek topical products with artificially infused Niacinamide for visible results.  

Still in two minds about this efficacious active ingredient? You have landed on the right page. This blog explores how Niacinamide enhances your skin’s latent radiance while boosting overall health. Additionally, we learn about the gamut of other concerns Niacinamide addresses like dehydration, oiliness, aging, and more. So, keep reading. 

How Niacinamide Helps With Skin Brightening? 

Niacinamide, just like Vitamin C Serum, fades dark spots and pigmentation over time. While Vit C achieves this by inhibiting melanin synthesis, Niacinamide controls melanin distribution across the skin cells to attain the coveted uniform complexion.  

The best part about Niacinamide for brightening is that it works well for almost all skin types. It restores moisture balance in dry skin, controls sebum production in oily skin, and soothes inflammation or flareups in sensitive skin. 

Other Benefits Of Niacinamide  

Albeit best known for its brightening effects, Niacinamide extends a gamut of other benefits to the skin like -

1. Reducing inflammation and redness: Topical application of Niacinamide alleviates redness, inflammation, and hives – the perfect fit for sensitive skin.  

How To Use Niacinamide In Your Skincare Routine?

Now that you’re well-versed in the varied benefits of Niacinamide, consider these tips and tricks before adding it to your routine. These hacks will help you make the most of Niacinamide while minimizing possible flare-ups - 

1. Always conduct a patch test: Before adding any new product to your skincare rotation, remember to conduct a patch test. Take a small amount of your Niacinamide-infused formulation and apply it to your neck. Keep a close watch for signs of skin distress. 

2. Start with a small concentration: To help your skin get accustomed to Niacinamide, start with a small concentration of the active ingredient. We recommend anything between 5 to 10%.  

Choosing The Right Niacinamide Product  

To pick the right Niacinamide products for your skin, here are a few checks you ought to carry out

1. Zero in on your skin concerns: Before incorporating a potent Niacinamide product into your routine, have an unerring knowledge about your skin concerns.

2. Check the product concentration: If your skin is too sensitive, start with a 2 to 5% concentration of Niacinamide. If you’re grappling with a severe case of pigmentation and dark spots, anything between 5 to 10% will ensure visible results within 6 weeks. 

3. Pick a format: Niacinamide is available in cleanser, serum, and moisturizer formats. So, which one should you pick? For severe cases of pigmentation, scars, and acne, we recommend opting for a serum with Niacinamide. If you want to focus on hydration, try a Niacinamide moisturizer. For little oiliness or grease, you can use a Niacinamide-based face wash.  

Common Myths And Misconceptions About Niacinamide  

To further double down on efforts for good skin, here are some Niacinamide myths that you should discard -

1. Niacinamide works for only oily skin: This is a very common misconception. Niacinamide blots excess sebum, prevents clogged pores, and soothes inflammation, making it the perfect choice for oily skin. Additionally, its ability to prevent TEWL and maintain hydration makes Niacinamide a good choice for dry skin too.

2. Niacinamide feels greasy on application: Definitely a myth. Niacinamide absorbs the excess oil to ensure a healthy, non-greasy base for your skin. 

Conclusion  

Want bright, beautiful skin? Try adding Niacinamide to your skincare routine. A type of Vitamin B3, Niacinamide controls melanin synthesis across skin cells to fade spots while also boosting your skin’s latent radiance. Additionally, Niacinamide works on concerns like premature ageing, dehydration, weakened skin health, inflammation and more.