
Niacinamide and Vitamin C, you are sure to find these glow givers all over the skincare aisle. From masks to cleaners to heavy-duty serums – just name it. The two active ingredients diminish the appearance of spots and pigmentation, albeit via different pathways (amongst other things). So, naturally, the question comes to mind, can you pair Vitamin C and Niacinamide to reap maximum benefits for your skin? Spoiler alert: you can.
So, what are you waiting for? Keep reading ahead! We help you layer the two beloved skincare acids to unlock your glow potential and much more
Understanding The Basics
To make the most of Vitamin C and Niacinamide in your routine, a basic refresher on the ingredients is necessary
- Vitamin C: While the water-soluble ingredient is famously known for its brightening properties, it works on several other concerns. It is a potent antioxidant that keeps menacing aggressors at bay, boosts Collagen production to soften ageing lines, and soothes inflammation and irritation.
- Niacinamide: This Vitamin B3 derivative is a multitasker in every right that works across skin types. Apart from administering an even skin tone, topical application of Niacinamide serum hydrates the skin, curbs sebum production, boosts barrier health, and calms irritation.
Can You Use Niacinamide And Vitamin C Together?
There are no surprises here. You can pair Niacinamide and Vitamin C in your skincare rotation. Here’s why
Why Niacinamide Complements Vitamin C ?
While Vitamin C is a perfectly safe active it may cause inexplicable irritation and skin flare-ups, in rare cases. This is where Niacinamide comes into the picture. Its anti-inflammatory properties help alleviate the skin while preserving hydration and boosting barrier health.
When And Why Niacinamide And Vitamin C Can Clash?
As discussed earlier, Niacinamide and Vitamin C are actives that bring out the best in each other – on most occasions. However, in rare cases, these brightening agents may clash due to -
1. Using high concentrations of the two actives: If you are using high concentrations of both Niacinamide and Vitamin C, you are likely to experience redness, inflammation, and other flare-ups.
2. Layering incorrectly: Layering right is directly proportional to the efficacy of active ingredients. So, if you are slathering Niacinamide and Vitamin C back-to-back, you are bound to face some discomfort on the skin.
Benefits Of Niacinamide And Vitamin C
Leverage the combined power of Niacinamide and Vitamin C in your routine -
1. Brightening and even skin tone
If you wish to achieve an even skin tone, this exemplary combo should be on your radar. On one hand, Vitamin C for face inhibits melanin production to wane dark spots and pigmentations. Alternatively, all-rounder Niacinamide controls the distribution of the color pigment across skin cells for even better results.
2. Antioxidant protection
Both Vitamin C and Niacinamide are packed with anti-inflammatory properties. They keep external aggressors at bay which pose a threat of oxidative damage to your skin.
3. Anti-aging prowess
For those unaware, topical application of Vitamin C and Niacinamide stimulates Collagen production to soften fine lines and wrinkles with time.
4. Reduced redness and inflammation
Niacinamide and Vitamin C boast anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce redness, calm inflammation, and counter other flare-ups. So, if your skin acts up at the slightest inconvenience, this power couple is worth the shot.
How To Layer Vitamin C And Niacinamide Effectively
Now that you’re well-versed in the combined benefits of Niacinamide and Vitamin C, here’s how you can layer them -
1. Which one should you apply first?
If you are new to the world of actives, it is advisable to use Niacinamide and Vitamin C serums at different times during the day. But if you must layer them together, start with a low pH Vitamin C serum and follow up with a neutral Niacinamide essence to maximize absorption (and hence, efficacy).
2. Choosing pH levels
According to expert studies, Vitamin C works best in an acidic pH, approximately 3.5. It seeps deep into the skin for better results. Niacinamide, on the other hand, works well in neutral to slightly acidic pH (around 5 to 7).
3. AM Vs PM application
If you’re a first-time Niacinamide or Vitamin C user, we recommend using them at different times. Add Vitamin C to your AM routine and shield your skin against harmful aggressors and UV rays. Use skincare workhorse Niacinamide in your nighttime routine to boost barrier health and hydration while you’re busy counting sheep.
Best Practices And Tips
Use these tips and tricks to enhance your treatment’s efficacy.
1. Patch test first: Conduct a patch test with your Vitamin C and Niacinamide serum to minimize flare-ups. If your skin responds well to the treatment(s), you can consider adding it to your rotation.
2. Watch out for irritation: Keep a close watch on your skin for signs of irritation and inflammation – especially in the first few days. Discontinue the formula if the flareup refuses to abate.
3. Pair with sunscreen in the morning: The use of active ingredients makes the skin photosensitive. Therefore, to avoid any burns, tanning, and pigmentation on the skin, make BFFs with a broad-spectrum sunscreen.
Who Should Use Niacinamide And Vitamin C?
Use the unerring combo of Niacinamide and Vitamin C to
- Combat oily skin: Niacinamide curbs sebum production and Vitamin C prevents clogged pores.
- Revive dry skin: Both Niacinamide and Vitamin C ensure long-lasting moisturization of the skin, banishing dry and flaky texture
- Soothe inflamed skin: Packed with anti-inflammatory properties, the pair helps alleviate flare-ups
Conclusion
Niacinamide and Vitamin C are popular actives that individually work on multiple concerns. But what many don’t know is that combining these ingredients can help fight uneven skin tone, boost barrier health, reverse aging, and more.
FAQs
1. Can I use Niacinamide and Vitamin C together daily?
Yes, you can use Niacinamide and Vitamin C daily.
2. Can Niacinamide be used with Vitamin C for sensitive skin?
Absolutely. Niacinamide helps offset any flareup from topical application of Vitamin C, making the pair a good fit for sensitive folks.
3. What happens when you layer Niacinamide and Vitamin C wrong?
Incorrect layering of Niacinamide and Vitamin C can cause redness, inflammation, irritation, and different types of flareups on the skin.
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