If you are familiar with this part of the internet, you have already read our blog post on whether you can use these powerful ingredients together. There is no denying that both Niacinamide and Vitamin C are very effective and beneficial when you add them to your skincare routine. Whether you use them alone or in combination, you can expect to achieve a radiant, smooth and healthy complexion. If you are still a little confused about how it works, we have a blog post on using Niacinamide and Vitamin C. Do check it out to clear all your doubts.
Before we dive into today’s topic, let’s quickly review how these ingredients work on the skin.
What Does Vitamin C Do for the Skin?
It is well known and loved by many experts and dermatologists, and for good reason. Vitamin C not only brightens your complexion, you will also find that this powerful energy protects your skin. This is possible because it is rich in antioxidants that work tirelessly to prevent damage caused by UV radiation, central heating, pollution and other environmental influences. Vitamin C also prevents the formation of hyperpigmentation in the skin by the enzyme tyrosinase. Vitamin C also has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help soothe your skin and reduce redness.
If you want to learn more about Vitamin C, you can read our dedicated blog post on Vitamin C and its skincare benefits.
What does Niacinamide do for your skin?
Niacinamide is a potent form of Vitamin B3 that repairs the skin. It has humectant properties that attract moisture around the face and hold it in place. This leaves the skin feeling hydrated, moisturized and healthy, while strengthening the skin’s protective barrier to ensure it is able to defend against free radical damage. Unlike hyaluronic acid, which is a humectant, Niacinamide can regulate sebum production, making it a highly effective ingredient that benefits all skin types.
If you want to learn more about Niacinamide and its effects on your skin, we have a blog post for you here.
Can you use Vitamin C and Niacinamide together?
Yes, you can, but it’s best to use them correctly to avoid unnecessary skin irritation. This is because Niacinamide and Vitamin C are incompatible, as they both work similarly on the skin. When you layer these ingredients together, you might think you are enhancing their effectiveness, but you’ll find that each one renders the other useless. To get results, many skin experts recommend waiting 15 minutes between applications. This gives the skin’s pH enough time to reach equilibrium to avoid negative effects. Another way to use them is to vary the time of day you apply them to your skin. Many people prefer to use Vitamin C in the morning and then use Niacinamide in the evening to counteract skin damage that occurred throughout the day, benefiting from the glow of Vitamin C.
How long should you wait between using Niacinamide and Vitamin C?
As I mentioned before, it’s best to wait about 15 minutes between each application to avoid a rash. Since both Niacinamide and Vitamin C offer similar benefits to the skin, you want to make sure they both work to their full potential. Each ingredient also has a different pH, with Vitamin C having a lower, more acidic pH than Niacinamide, which is more neutral and alkaline. Keep this in mind when using these ingredients together, as Niacinamide can prevent Vitamin C from working on the skin.
There’s a blog post that answers more of your questions about how long you should wait between using Niacinamide and Vitamin C.
Which comes first, Vitamin C or Niacinamide?
This largely depends on the formula in which each ingredient is mixed. You may have heard of the basic skin rule that you should start applying products with the thinnest consistency and work your way up to the thickest. Some skincare products, such as serums, often contain both vitamin C and niacinamide. If you want to use both in the same routine, start with the thinner serum, wait 15 minutes, and then switch to the thicker serum. In my experience, the thicker of the two serums contains niacinamide because the gel-like consistency supports the moisturizing properties of skin hydration.
When should niacinamide be applied, morning or evening?
This comes down to personal preference. In fact, there is nothing wrong with using niacinamide twice a day. You will find different benefits when using niacinamide in the morning and evening. Many people find that when applied in the morning, their skin benefits from continued hydration, keeping the skin barrier at its healthiest and able to protect itself from further skin damage. Others find that using niacinamide at night ensures that the powerful ingredient is able to repair and regenerate the skin without interference from the free radical effects of things like UV rays and pollution.
Can I use vitamin C at night?
Of course, you can use vitamin C at night. Although this is associated with daytime use, many people find that using a vitamin C-rich product as part of their evening routine produces impressive results. You’ll find that your skin is repaired and rejuvenated, and all the damage from your daily routine is removed, while you get some beauty sleep.
Vitamin C vs. Niacinamide: Which is Better for Dark Spots?
Both ingredients are very effective for fighting dark spots. Which one you use depends on your personal preference, or rather which one your skin prefers. You’ll often find that using a vitamin C formula can sometimes be too strong for some people’s skin. If this is the case, try niacinamide as a gentler alternative instead.
