Developing the ideal skincare regimen requires a certain level of scientific know-how. Certain ingredients represent powerful allies while others should be avoided when forming your daily beauty ritual.
With that being said, two products are essential for any well-balanced skincare routine: vitamin C and niacinamide! Incorporate them into your usual beauty practices to avoid breakouts or skin irritation but also to benefit from their nourishing properties.
Vitamins A and C are often praised for their brightening and anti-aging benefits, but many overlook the skincare properties of Niacinamide; a form of vitamin B3.
However, this potent ingredient should be part of every person’s skincare regimen due to its powerful effects that top dermatologists and facialists agree on.
Introducing Niacinamide, the new super-powered nutrient on the skincare market! A form of Vitamin B3, it works similarly to Vitamin C in that it is a renowned treatment for aging skin. Not only does nicotinamide smooth fine lines and reduce hyperpigmentation and sallowness, but you will see noticeable results with continued use. Unlock your skin’s beauty potential by adding this hero ingredient to your daily routine.
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What is Niacinamide and Vitamin C?
Niacinamide, or nicotinamide or vitamin B3 for short, is an essential nutrient that helps the body thrive. This water-soluble vitamin cannot be produced by the human body and must instead be sourced from a nutritious diet to ensure optimal health.
Niacinamide is a powerhouse substance with many essential functions, such as energy metabolism, DNA repair, and gene expression regulation.
On the surface level, it can deliver incredible results – diminishing inflammation and hyperpigmentation in the skin while also restoring its protective barrier to smooth out fine lines and wrinkles. It’s not only beneficial for your complexion but – nicotinamide has also been reported to be helpful for cardiovascular health as well as cognitive function!
Vitamin C, or ascorbic acid for those in the know, is an imperative water-soluble vitamin that our bodies need to stay healthy. As a powerful antioxidant, it serves to defend your cells from any harm caused by free radicals.
Not only that, but its ability to boost collagen synthesis makes it especially beneficial when it comes to skin health and wound healing.
Vitamin C supplements are not only essential for the skin but it has also been proven to bolster immune responses and maintain cardiovascular health.
Citrus fruits, strawberries, kiwi, and leafy greens are all rich in this beneficial vitamin; however since our bodies cannot manufacture it ourselves, we must get our daily dose by eating a balanced diet or taking supplements.
Here’s Why You Should Use Them Both (Vitamin C and Niacinamide Together)
With the multitude of advantages that combining these two ingredients together offers, it’s clear why you should. Arch states “The complementary nature of these benefits makes them a powerful combination.” While they both work to combat various signs of aging, their individual mechanisms are slightly different – giving your skin multiple angles for defense and repair.
For instance, when it comes to skin brightening, harnessing the power of both Vitamin C and Niacinamide may be beneficial since they work in distinct ways. According to Romanowksi, Vitamin C blocks tyrosinase– an enzyme responsible for pigment production while Niacinamide is said to prevent transferring pigments within cells.
While searching for the perfect pairing of nicotinamide and Ascorbic Acid, opt for layering them separately. That way is far preferable due to the fact that vitamin C is delicate and can easily be rendered inactive by sunlight, oxygen, or other ingredients.
Doing it this way allows you to keep your products’ efficacy at its highest potential! You can also just look out for one product containing both if you’d like to – either option works great!
Additionally, vitamin C is best used at a low pH while nicotinamide performs optimally in higher/neutral pH levels. That’s why it can be quite expensive to formulate products with Ascorbic Acid; its pickiness makes the process difficult. As Romanowski states, “it’s a tough ingredient to work with.”
According to Arch, a stand-alone Ascorbic Acid product is strongly recommended for its many benefits. Additionally, pairing it with other antioxidants like vitamin E and ferulic acid can further maximize the efficacy of Ascorbic Acid while providing greater stability.
Whichever vitamin C product you choose, Birnbaum recommends keeping it shielded from direct sunlight and excessive heat.
In contrast to vitamin C, niacinamide is much more gentle and more reliable. You can find it in numerous serums, creams, and face masks at all cost levels. As far as deciding which ingredient should be a top priority in your skincare routine – that’s absolutely up to you!
When deciding the order of product application, it is essential to adhere to the formula. Apply products from thinnest consistency to thickest; for example, start with a serum followed by moisturizer and conclude with oil as your last step. According to Arch, this will ensure you achieve optimal results.
How to Layer Vitamin C and Niacinamide?
When combining Vitamin C and Niacinamide, it is possible to do so without damaging the efficacy of either product. However, in order to ensure that they are both working optimally you must apply them in a specific way.
The best practice is always to start with Ascorbic Acid as this works most effectively at a lower pH level; then apply nicotinamide which performs better in an environment with just slightly higher levels of acidity. Be sure to give each product enough time for absorption before moving on to the next one. You can use it with retinol, Hyaluronic acid, Vitamin C, BHAs, or AHAs. Niacinamide and retinol work well together.
How long to wait between vitamin c and niacinamide? When it comes to layering vitamin C and niacinamide the best way of gaining optimal results is to wait for about 15 minutes between applications. If you find this to be too long and time is a little more pressing, there are a few skincare products that contain both ingredients in the formulations.
What Does Niacinamide Do For The Skin?
Niacinamide is a powerful skincare ingredient that can drastically enhance the appearance of your skin. It helps to create an even complexion, refine texture and leave you with glowing skin. Its ability to reduce discoloration from dark spots or sun damage makes it ideal for those looking for brighter-looking skin.
Not only does nicotinamide help promote ceramides which strengthen the protective barrier, but its antioxidant properties make it effective in treating acne and irritation while boosting brightness too.
Potential Side Effects of Niacinamide and Vitamin C
From your skin type to genetics and any pre-existing skin conditions, an array of components may determine whether a particular skincare product will be effective for you.
Niacinamide:
- Flushing: Due to the dilation of blood vessels, Niacinamide can lead to flushing or reddening on your skin.
- Upset stomach: In certain situations, the ingestion of nicotinamide may result in stomach distress, including nausea, vomiting, and/or diarrhea.
- Liver damage: Prolonged use of high doses can be detrimental to the liver, particularly in certain individuals.
- High blood sugar: For those with diabetes or glucose intolerance, it may lead to a spike in blood sugar levels.
Vitamin C:
- Gastrointestinal issues: Consuming excessive amounts of vitamin C can result in uncomfortable gastrointestinal symptoms such as abdominal discomfort, nausea, and diarrhea.
- Kidney stones: For those with a past of kidney stones, the supplements may possibly bring about an increased risk of the formation of more.
- Interference with medication: It may interact adversely with certain medications, including anticoagulants and chemotherapy drugs.
- Skin irritation: Applying topical Ascorbic Acid can lead to skin irritation or rash, particularly when using higher concentrations of the product.
- Oxidative stress: Consuming high doses can trigger a significant amount of oxidative stress in the body, which has been linked to various illnesses such as cancer, heart disease, and diabetes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Use Vitamin C and Niacinamide Together?
Absolutely! They make a potent pair that not only enhances brightness but also helps to fight signs of aging as well as provide protection for your skin.
What Should You Not Mix Niacinamide with Vitamin C?
Many beauty blogs and magazine articles have asserted that combining the two ingredients not only nullifies their individual benefits but also has the potential to generate a highly irritating combination of substances (nicotinic acid or niacin) which can cause skin redness.
What Benefits of Niacinamide and Vitamin C Together?
When used in combination, nicotinamide, and vitamin C create a synergistic effect that can provide tremendous advantages for the skin. Niacinamide is known to refine texture and reduce visible signs of aging such as wrinkles, while Vitamin C helps boost brilliance and protects from environmental pollution. Together these two ingredients form an unbeatable powerhouse for healthy, glowing skin!
Furthermore, when used in conjunction with each other, these two ingredients can help promote healthier and more resilient skin – a bonus for anyone wanting to retain their youthful glow.
Does Niacinamide and Vitamin C Flush?
No, niacinamide and vitamin C do not cause a flush when used together. This widely circulated belief stems from the misconception that combining these two skincare ingredients leads to the formation of niacin, triggering a flush similar to what occurs with pure niacin (nicotinic acid). However, current scientific understanding contradicts this notion, and research supports the compatibility of niacinamide (a form of vitamin B3) and vitamin C in skincare routines.
Niacinamide and vitamin C are both potent antioxidants that offer distinct benefits for skin health. Vitamin C, specifically L-ascorbic acid, is renowned for its ability to neutralize free radicals, promote collagen synthesis, and brighten skin tone. On the other hand, niacinamide contributes to skin hydration, reduces inflammation, and addresses concerns like fine lines and hyperpigmentation.
Historically, concerns were raised about combining niacinamide and vitamin C due to the potential formation of niacin, which could induce skin flushing. However, recent studies have debunked this idea, demonstrating that the conversion of niacinamide to niacin is a complex process influenced by specific conditions, such as high temperatures and low pH levels, typically not encountered in skincare formulations.
Skincare products are formulated with pH levels that maintain the stability and effectiveness of their active ingredients. Modern formulations take into account the compatibility of niacinamide and vitamin C, ensuring that they can be used together without adverse reactions. Therefore, individuals can confidently incorporate both niacinamide and vitamin C into their skincare routine to harness the synergistic benefits these ingredients offer without experiencing a flush.
In conclusion, the combination of niacinamide and vitamin C does not result in a flush. Current scientific evidence supports the compatibility of these two ingredients in skincare formulations, allowing individuals to enjoy the combined benefits of both without concerns about adverse reactions. Always consider individual skin sensitivity and consult with a dermatologist for personalized skincare recommendations.
Conclusion. So, Can You Use Niacinamide and Vitamin C Together?
In conclusion, incorporating both into your skincare routine can provide a wide range of benefits for your skin. These ingredients are packed with powerful antioxidants and can help combat various signs of aging, brighten the complexion, and restore the skin’s protective barrier. While they have slightly different mechanisms, using them in combination can provide a more comprehensive approach to skin defense and repair.
When it comes to layering these two ingredients, starting with Vitamin C followed by Niacinamide is the best practice to ensure maximum efficacy. Remember to give each product enough time for absorption before applying the next one.
Whether you choose to prioritize them in your skincare routine or incorporate them both, it’s important to adhere to the formula and apply products in order of thinnest to thickest consistency for optimal results. With continued use, you can unlock your skin’s full potential and achieve a healthy, radiant complexion.