How to use niacinamide serum is one of the most common questions among skincare enthusiasts today. The ever-growing interest in science-backed skincare has brought active ingredients to center stage.The ever-growing interest in science-backed skincare has brought actives to the center stage. One such ingredient that comes to mind is Niacinamide, also dubbed as the holy grail of skin brightening by many. But is it worth the hype? The answer is a resounding yes! Scroll ahead to learn why.

What Is Niacinamide?

For the unversed, Niacinamide is a form of Vitamin B3 that upholds the overall health of your skin. The sought-after skincare ingredient is found in foods like fish, milk, eggs, green veggies – in abundance. However, due to its water-soluble nature, Niacinamide cannot be retained by the body and has to be topically applied for best results. Understanding niacinamide serum uses can help you make the most of this powerhouse ingredient in your daily skincare routine.

Niacinamide Benefits for Skin

If you think that the interest in Niacinamide is transient, think again. The ingredient targets and addresses specific skin concerns (like dullness, acne, and poor barrier health) in numbered days. Loved by beginners and experts – we bring you all the reasons why Niacinamide is totally worth the hype and why the niacinamide serum benefits for skin are widely celebrated.

- Related Article: Detailed Guide on Niacinamide

1. Controls Sebum Production 

Managing oily skin can be challenging. Excess shine, enlarged pores, and makeup that refuses to stay put are common concerns. One of the most popular niacinamide serum uses is regulating excess oil production. Niacinamide helps balance sebum levels while supporting a healthy skin microbiome, making your skin look fresh without feeling greasy.

- Related Article: How to Regulate Sebum for Oily Skin

2. Reduces Pore Size

Your skin is constantly exposed to pollution, UV rays, and environmental stressors that can make pores appear larger. Among the most appreciated niacinamide serum benefits for skin is its ability to minimize the appearance of enlarged pores by preventing oil, dirt, and impurities from accumulating within them.

- Related Article: Science Behind the Pores & Niacinamide

3. Alleviates Episodes Of Inflammation 

Experiencing random episodes of redness and irritation on your skin? Add Niacinamide to your skincare routine STAT. For the unversed, the active ingredient has anti-inflammatory properties that work magic on the affected areas. 

Niacinamide is employed to treat eczema, rosacea and acne-related redness or inflammation.

4. Treats Hyperpigmentation

Looking for a long-term solution for the dark spots on your skin? Well, what can be better than the bonafide brightening agent, Niacinamide? It diminishes the concentration of melanin whilst boosting your skin’s radiance.

5. Curbs Active Acne 

Niacinamide carries antimicrobial (and anti-inflammatory) properties that flatten acne bumps while alleviating redness. If you have chronic acne, add the mild yet meticulous active in your morning/night skincare routine.

6. Reverses Signs Of Skin Ageing

Prevent early onset of fine lines, wrinkles, crow’s feet and more with Niacinamide. The active boosts collagen production in your skin, making it look taut and supple.

7. Supports The Lipid Barrier 

The topical application of niacinamide boosts ceramides and elastin – strengthening the lipid barrier.

Why Choose Foxtale’s Niacinamide Serum

Niacinamide’s popularity in skincare is far from waning. Undeniably an all-rounder (as seen in the last section), you can use the ingredient to streamline efforts for great skin. Which is why we bring you only the best 12% Niacinamide Serum in the market – one that goes the extra mile.

Reasons To Pick Niacinamide Serum

1. Doubles as a primer: If you want to ace your skin prep, Foxtale’s Niacinamide Serum should be on your radar. Its quick-absorbing formula blots excess oil while cloaking bumps and blemishes – like a potent primer. Who doesn't love a multi-purpose product for their vanity?

2. 8+ Hours Of Gorgeous Matte Finish: Foxtale’s Niacinamide Serum curbs oil production for 8+ hours while granting your skin a gorgeous, matte finish. Whether you are donning a full face of makeup or a fresh face, grab the serum for shine-free radiance.

3. Vegan And Cruelty-Free: If you are a conscious consumer, we have some news for you. Foxtale’s Niacinamide Serum (like all our products) is vegan and cruelty-free.

4. Safe To Use: If you have underlying skin sensitivities, our Niacinamide Serum is what you need. It has been dermatologically-tested to reduce inflammation, flare-ups, and episodes of irritation.

5. Lightweight Formula: Our Niacinamide Serum boasts an exquisitely creamy formula that is featherlight, non-greasy, and quick-absorbing.

- Related Article: Guide on Foxtale's 12% Niacinamide serum

How To Use Niacinamide Serum?

Now that you have added our potent Niacinamide Serum to your vanity, it's time to learn how to use it. Scroll ahead to learn.

1. Start With A Clean Canvas: To expedite the absorption of Foxtale's Niacinamide Serum, you need a clean, clear canvas. Whip out the Hydrating Cleanser to gently remove gunk and grime from the pores, all while deeply hydrating the skin. If you have greasy skin, use the Acne Control Cleanser with Salicylic Acid instead.

2. Time For The Treatment: Use a microfiber towel to gently pat your skin dry. Next, take 2 to 3 pumps of your Niacinamide Serum and gently massage it into your skin till it absorbs completely.

3. Moisturise Like Clockwork: A meticulous cica moisturiser seals water molecules into the skin, helping the serum unlock its maximum efficacy.

4. SPF For Every Season: Slather a generous amount of SPF on your skin. If you are confused about the amount – dispense the gel sunscreen spf 50 along your index and middle fingers. Niacinamide Serum boosts your sunscreen's efficacy by enabling its better infusion into the skin.

Conclusion:

Niacinamide lives up to its hype and how! The multitasking active works on a plethora of skin concerns ranging from acne to dullness to skin dehydration. Foxtale’s superlative Niacinamide Serum does all of the above and more. It cuts excess shine while blurring creases, blemishes and bumps on your skin (just like a primer). Furthermore, the serum administers a beautiful matte finish, making it the perfect addition to your skin prep routine.

 A no-nonsense CTM or an elaborate Korean skincare – cleansing is the first and often the most overlooked step in a routine. Using a cleanser gently removes dirt, impurities and pollutants from the pores for a balanced microbiome. Additionally, with the appropriate product, this process can address specific skin concerns like acne, dehydration and dullness.

In this blog, we walk our readers through the many benefits of using a cleanser regularly. Additionally, we help you pick the right product for your skin type. So, keep scrolling to make an informed decision.

What are the benefits of using a face cleanser regularly?

Using a cleanser regularly extends a flurry of benefits to your skin. Some of which are listed below- 

1. It removes dirt, grime, and gunk: Cleansing removes the deep-seated traces of dust, pollutants, and gunk from the pores – ensuring a clean, bright surface. Cleansing your face at night also cues healthy cellular regeneration for better skin elasticity and texture.

2. Prevents clogged pores: Cleansing dislodges clogged pores that may cause whiteheads, blackheads or acne.

3. Ensures skin hydration: A humectant-infused cleanser replenishes your skin’s moisture content, leading to its soft, supple appearance. P.S. For those unaware, humectants like Hyaluronic Acid, Glycerin, and many more bind water molecules to your skin for long-lasting hydration.

4. Better blood circulation: Cleansing your face daily improves blood circulation – initiating healthy cellular regeneration and improving collagen production. This leads to your skin looking firm, supple, and radiant over time.

5. Facilitates absorption of your skin products: As touched upon briefly, a potent cleanser dislodges excess sebum, dirt and impurities from your skin. This helps in better absorption of your target treatment/serum, which adds to its efficacy.

 How to use a face cleanser correctly?

While there are no hard and fast rules for using a face cleanser, these tips will help you reap its maximum benefits! 

1. Use a coin-sized amount of your face cleanser and gently massage it into your skin. Use upward circular motions to scrub your face for about30 seconds.

2. Remember to use a light hand while cleansing your face. Vigorous rubbing can strain your skin, leading to inflammation, redness, and rashes.

3. Overwashing can strip your skin, causing uncomfortable dryness or tightness. Stick to using your face cleanser twice a day – in your morning and nighttime skincare routine.

4. Use cold water to rinse your face. Cold water makes your skin look firm while reducing the appearance of pesky pores.

 How to pick the right cleanser for your skin type? 

We have learnt that the right cleanser wields immense power in skincare. So why should you pick a random product from the supermarket aisle? Ahead, we help you with the best cleaner based on your skin type.

To make the right choice, you must have a clear understanding of your skin type and its underlying concerns. In case of any confusion, please refer to your dermatologist.

1. Oily skin: If your skin expels oil like it's nobody's business, try Foxtale’s Acne Control Face Wash with Salicylic Acid. This cleanser gently sloughs off dead cells, debris and excess sebum from the pores, without overdrying your skin. The innovative formula also carries Hyaluronic Acid for long-lasting hydration for your skin.

2. Dry or sensitive skin: Grappling with dry, flaky or itchy skin? Try Foxtale’s Hydrating Face Wash with Hyaluronic Acid. The formula binds water molecules to the skin for sustained hydration with Sodium Hyaluronate and Red Algae Extracts. Furthermore, the face hydrating cleanser offsets inflammation, redness and rashes – making it a perfect fit for folks with sensitive skin.

3. Combination skin: It is tricky to care for combination skin types as you need to strike a balance between hydration and oil control. Luckily, Foxtale’s Purify and Glow Mask + Cleanser ticks both boxes. The formulation contains French Pink and Kaolin Clays that help regulate sebum for a balanced microbiome. Moreover, Sodium PCA ensures long-lasting hydration for the skin.

 FAQs

1. Can I use cleanser for oily skin?

Ans) Yes. Foxtale’s Acne Control Face Wash has been formulated for oily/acne-prone skin. Salicylic Acid at the heart of this formulation cuts excess oil, grime, and impurities for a smooth, clean surface. The facial cleanser also carries Niacinamide and Hyaluronic Acid to uphold the health of your lipid barrier.

2. How should I check my skin type?”

Ans) You can follow these steps to determine your skin type-

If your skin appears shiny with open pores, it is most likely oily.
If your skin feels itchy or stretchy and looks dull, it is most likely dry.
If your T-zone is always greasy as opposed to the rest of your skin, it is probably combination.

 3. Can I leave a cleanser on my skin overnight?

Ans) No. Leaving a cleanser overnight on your skin can strip off the natural oils leading to dryness and uncomfortable tightness.

4. Can I wash my face only with water?

Ans) Water alone is unable to dislodge the deep-seated impurities, pollutants, and traces of makeup or SPF from the pores. This is why we recommend buying a potent cleanser suited to your skin type. Try Foxtale’s Hydrating Face Wash for dry and sensitive skin, Foxtale Acne Control Face Wash for oily skin and our Purify & Glow Mask + Cleanser for combination skin.

5. Can I skip facial cleanser from my skincare routine?

Ans) No. We recommend using a cleanser in your morning and nighttime skincare routine. Facial cleansers help remove dust, grime, and impurities from your pores, ensuring a healthy microbiome. 

6. Can I skip my moisturizer after cleansing?

Ans) We recommend using a moisturizer after cleansing your face. A potent moisturizer forms a protective barrier on the dermis, preventing TEWL. It also seals your active-infused serums or treatments, hence boosting their efficacy. 

7. What is a simple yet effective skincare routine?

•  Cleanse your skin twice a day
•  Dab a concern-led serum after your skin is dry
•  Follow up with a moisturizer
•  Wear SPF without fail

Additionally, we also recommend these weekly rituals 

• Mask twice a week to boost your skin’s latent glow
• Exfoliate thrice a week for healthy cellular regeneration

A face serum is super-charged with an active ingredient like Hyaluronic Acid, Salicylic Acid, Niacinamide or more. Due to its watery-consistency, this formulation seeps deep into the skin to treat a specific concern for swift results. Whether you grapple with dehydrated skin or acne, a suitable serum in your AM/PM regimen can thwart any concern. 

So, if you wish to make the most of your skincare, add a concern-specific serum to your pre-existing routine. To help you in this endeavour, we are bringing you a list of the best face serums in India. We also help you with the correct way to use a face serum for best results.’

How to apply face serum?

Follow this step-by-step guide to apply your face serum and reach your skincare goals.

1. Cleansing First:  Before whipping out your concern-specific serum, it is integral to cleanse your skin. Use a potent face wash to remove dirt, debris, and pollutants from the pores, ensuring fresh, rejuvenated skin. This step also facilitates the better absorption of your serum, further boosting its efficacy. 

•  If your skin type is oily, try Foxtale’s Acne Control Face Wash. The formula carries Salicylic Acid that buffs away excess oil, dust and grime from the pores.
• For dry and sensitive skin, try our Hydrating Face Wash. It carries Sodium Hyaluronate and Red Algae Extracts that ensure long-lasting hydration for the skin. Moreover, the gentle cleanser offsets episodes of inflammation, redness and irritation.
• If your skin type is combination, get your hands on the Purify & Glow Cleanser + Mask. The multitasker carries French Pink and Kaolin Clays that soak up the excess sebum from your pores. Additionally, the cleanser also boasts Sodium PCA for sustained hydration and a more balanced microbiome.

2. Treat Next: Once your skin is dry, take 2-3 pumps of your serum and dab it on your face. Avoid rubbing the formula, as it may strain your skin. Be extremely cautious while applying the serum around your eyes and mouth. You may use a Gua-sha to gently massage the formula into your skin. 

Tip: Remember that serums boast high concentrations of active ingredients. You only need 2 to 3 pumps of the formula to ensure the best results for your skin.

3. Moisturize Without Fail: Once the serum absorbs in your skin, apply a generous dollop of moisturizer on top. A potent moisturizer carries a blend of humectants, emollients, and occlusives that lock actives and adequate hydration into the skin.

• If your skin type is oily or combination, we recommend Foxtale’s Oil Free Moisturizer. The lightweight formula doesn’t clog pores and helps replenish your skin’s moisture reservoir.
• Struggle with dry skin? Get your mitts on our Hydrating Moisturizer with Ceramide. The unique formula carries Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolhymers and Olive oil that hydrate the skin. Moreover, the featherlight whip also repairs/upholds your skin’s lipid barrier.
• Folks with sensitive skin should try Foxtale’s Skin Repair Cream. The unique formula uses ERS (Enhance-Replenish-Seal) technology to deeply hydrate and heal your skin.

4. SPF For All Seasons: Skipping sunscreen is out of the question – even more so while administering serums. The use of certain active ingredients like AHA, BHA, Retinol and more can make your skin prone to sun-induced damage. Use Foxtale’s Matte Finish Sunscreen for oily or combination skin and Dewy Sunscreen for dry or sensitive skin.

 Best Serums From Foxtale 

Your search for the best face serums ends here. Based on your underlying skin concerns, here’s what you need to pick-

1. For dry skin pick the Hydrating Serum

Active Ingredient: Hyaluronic Acid

The humectant Hyaluronic Acid in this formulation binds water molecules to the skin. Topical application of the serum makes your skin plump, softens early signs of ageing, and reduces inflammation and irritation.

2. For oily skin with massive pores pick Foxtale’s Niacinamide Serum

Active Ingredient: Niacinamide

This innovative formula by Foxtale blots excess oil and prevents clogged pores while ensuring a gorgeous matte finish to the skin. 

3. For fighting dark spots and pigmentation

Active Ingredient: Vitamin C 

Our emollient-rich Vitamin C reduces the appearance of dark spots and pigmentation by inhibiting melanin synthesis. But that’s not all. Regular use of Vitamin C Serum bolsters collagen production – helping improve your skin’s elasticity and texture. Additionally, our Vitamin C is the best face serum for shielding the skin against UV rays and menacing pollutants.

4. For fighting early signs of ageing

Active Ingredient: Retinol 

Our retinol face serum fades wrinkles, fine lines, crow’s feet and more with time. Foxtale’s one-of-a-kind formula carries Encapsulated Retinol that breaks open in the deepest layer of the skin. Results? Smoother and plumper skin with no purging.

Conclusion: A concern-based serum elevates your skincare routine. Based on the active ingredient it carries, this formula combats a specific skin concern. However, to make the most of your serum, you must know how to apply it correctly. 

• Start by gently cleansing your face for about 30 seconds.
•  Once your skin is dry, dab 2 to 3 pumps of your favourite serum on your face. Since a serum is supercharged with an active ingredient –  never go overboard with the quantity!
• After the serum completely absorbs into your skin, follow up with your moisturiser and sunscreen.

 FAQs 

1. Can I use face serum daily?

Yes, you can. If you are new to actives, start by using the serum thrice a week. This good practice will help your skin get accustomed to the formulation.

2. What should I apply first – serum or moisturiser?

Apply your serum first! Serums are supercharged with actives and percolate deep into the skin to address a series of concerns. A layer of moisturiser on the serum helps seal in the actives and ample water content for better results.

3. How should I pick a face serum for myself?

In order to pick a face serum, you must have an understanding of your skin type and its underlying concerns.

4. What is the best serum for acne or acne-prone skin?

Try Foxtale’s AHA BHA Exfoliating Serum to combat and prevent acne. This lightweight formulation sloughs off dead cells, debris, and oil from the pores – revealing a smooth surface underneath.

Most people drop sunscreen from their routine when the rains arrive. It seems logical. Afterall, monsoon season means reduced sun exposure, so less UV damage. But this assumption is the biggest myth.

Monsoon weather can still make your skin vulnerable to UV damage, which might be hard to believe. You may end up with pigmentation and skin barrier problems. It is essential that you use Sunscreen SPF 50 during the monsoon season to maintain healthy skin year-round.

You may ask, should I apply sunscreen in monsoon? Absolutely. This guide explains why it is necessary to use sunscreen in monsoon. 

Why Sunscreen Is Important in Monsoon

Clouds do not block UV radiation the way you might assume they do. According to dermatological studies, up to 80% of UV rays can penetrate through clouds. It means your skin gets UV exposure on rainy days, too.

1. UVA Rays Are Present All Year

UVB rays are responsible for sunburn, but their intensity fluctuates with the seasons. However, UVA rays remain constant throughout the year, including the monsoon. These rays penetrate deeper into the skin, damaging collagen and elastin. It accelerates premature ageing, pigmentation, and loss of firmness.

2. High Humidity Weakens the Skin Barrier

Humidity in the monsoon disrupts the skin’s natural lipid barrier. The skin becomes more susceptible to many problems when this barrier is compromised.

- UV-induced inflammation.
- Sensitivity and redness.
- Pigmentation flare-ups.

So, wearing monsoon sunscreen daily is more important than in dry weather. Opt for a sunscreen for dry skin for best results. For oily skin, a gel sunscreen for oily skin works better because it absorbs quickly and does not feel heavy in humid weather.

3. Indoor Exposure Still Matters

UVA rays pass through glass, even if you spend most of your day indoors during the rain. Add prolonged screen exposure (blue light), and your skin still needs protection.

Therefore, dermatologists stress the importance of sunscreen regardless of weather or location.

Benefits of Using Sunscreen in the Rainy Season

A broad-spectrum, lightweight sunscreen offers multiple benefits for your skin, not just prevention against tanning.

1. Protects Against Pigmentation

Humidity can increase oil production, leading to acne and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Sunscreen prevents melanin production caused by UV exposure, which helps limit dark spots.

2. Preserves Skin Barrier Health

A good sunscreen forms a protective layer against pollution, moisture loss, and environmental stressors. These are common during the rainy season.

3. Prevents Premature Ageing

Let’s understand the importance of SPF. Consistent SPF use prevents collagen breakdown caused by UVA exposure, giving you a younger look.

4. Reduces Risk of “Monsoon Acne”

Using a non-comedogenic sunscreen for oily skin can give you UV protection without clogging your pores. It is essential for acne-prone and oily skin types.

How to Choose the Right Sunscreen in Monsoon

The biggest reason people avoid sunscreen in the rainy season is discomfort from stickiness, heaviness, or breakouts. Choosing the right formula solves this problem completely.

How to Use Sunscreen During Monsoon?

Any skincare product requires you to use it in the right manner to get the maximum benefits out of it. Even the best products fail to deliver results if you do not use them correctly, and sunscreen is no different. 

Step-by-Step Application

1. Cleanse first: Start with a gentle cleanser to remove sweat, oil, and pollution.
2. Apply an adequate amount: Use the two-finger rule, two full strips for face and neck.
3. Apply before stepping out: Allow sunscreen to form a protective layer by applying it 15–20 minutes before going out.
4. Cover exposed areas: Don’t skip ears, neck, hands, and feet.
5. Reapply regularly: Apply every 2–3 hours if you are outdoors or get wet.

Makeup Tip

Let the sunscreen fully absorb before applying makeup. SPF sprays or powders work well for touch-ups without disturbing your base.

Applying the sunscreen correctly is just as important as choosing the right SPF.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Monsoon

The following errors are common while using the sunscreen.

1. Assuming UV exposure is low on rainy days, so skipping sunscreen.
2. Not applying it again after sweating or rain.
3. Using heavy, creamy formulas that clog pores in humidity.
4. Applying only to the face, ignoring the neck, ears, and hands.
5. Replacing moisturiser with sunscreen, leading to barrier dehydration.

Avoiding these mistakes will ensure your sunscreen works throughout the monsoon season.

Conclusion

Monsoon weather does not eliminate UV damage. So, daily sunscreen use during the rainy season is essential to protect against UVA exposure, pigmentation, premature ageing, and barrier damage.

A lightweight and non-comedogenic sunscreen can protect your skin and keep it healthy. Sunscreen is non-negotiable when it comes to caring for your skin, no matter the season.