Can I Use Niacinamide with Hyaluronic Acid and Vitamin C?
The beauty industry is filled with hundreds, if not thousands, of skincare ingredients, all claiming to restore your complexion to its healthiest state. So if you’re having trouble deciding which ingredients to include in your daily skincare routine, I can’t blame you. There’s no denying that there are some big players in this game, from retinol to salicylic acid. But today we’re turning our attention to niacinamide, vitamin C, and hyaluronic acid, three powerful ingredients with a wealth of benefits. But the question is, can you really use all three together in your skincare routine?
Before I go on: If you’re finding it hard to figure out each ingredient, check out our Skin School, where each is explained in more detail:
What is Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C)?
What is Niacinamide?
What is Hyaluronic Acid?
So let’s not wait too long and dive right in to learn more about using Niacinamide with Hyaluronic Acid and Vitamin C.
Which came first, Vitamin C or Niacinamide?
Vitamin C is considered the best ingredient to use first, not just because of its consistency, as vitamin C serums tend to be more watery compared to the thicker, gel-like serums that niacinamide is often formulated with. You’ll also find that with the first application, the vitamin C can reach the areas of the skin that need treatment, such as: B. Fighting hyperpigmentation and signs of aging.
Wait about 15 minutes for the vitamin C to fully absorb into the skin before applying a layer of niacinamide. Thanks to the moisturizing properties of niacinamide, the complexion remains healthy, hydrated, and full of youthful elasticity.
Why can’t vitamin C and niacinamide be used together?
This isn’t necessarily true, but rather a belief based on outdated research from the 1960s. At the time, ascorbic acid, also known as vitamin C, was in a very unstable form that was difficult to mix into various formulas. In this case, a negative chemical reaction occurred when vitamin C and niacinamide were used together. This is because each ingredient provides similar skin benefits and in older formulas would cause them to compete with each other and render each other useless. Modern skincare formulas contain multiple forms of vitamin C, which are praised for being more stable and easier to mix into products. If you allow enough time between using Vitamin C and Niacinamide, you shouldn’t experience any adverse reactions.
Can Vitamin C and Hyaluronic Acid be used together?
Of course, combining Vitamin C and Hyaluronic Acid and using them together makes for a skin-strengthening duo. You may find that some skincare formulas already have both ingredients in them. If you want to use them separately, I recommend using a Vitamin C serum first, followed by a Hyaluronic Acid serum. Remember, Hyaluronic Acid loves water and will draw moisture from damp skin and lock it there.
Can Hyaluronic Acid be used with Niacinamide?
Yes, the combination of the two moisturizers actually boosts your skin’s hydration. If you use both at the same time, you’ll find that the formulas for both are identical, but if you use them in different products, start with the Hyaluronic Acid, followed by the Niacinamide. Using these hydrating heroes in this way renews your skin’s protective barrier and ensures it’s protected against signs of free radical damage, such as: B. UV radiation and environmental pollution. Hyaluronic Acid keeps your skin plump and hydrated, while Niacinamide helps regulate natural sebum production, keeping your complexion balanced and at its healthiest. If you want to learn more, read our blog post on using Niacinamide and Hyaluronic Acid together.
What Not to Mix with a Vitamin C Serum?
Vitamin C is a powerful ingredient that’s renowned for its antioxidant properties, making it easy to eliminate skin-damaging free radicals, repair damaged cells, and fade problem areas like hyperpigmentation and dark spots. And all this without breaking a sweat! However, when you consider all of these benefits, you won’t be surprised to learn that there are some ingredients you should avoid when using this powerful powerhouse.
Vitamin C + Benzoyl Peroxide
Benzoyl peroxide is a common acne treatment known for its ability to fight Propionibacterium acnes and reduce the effects of harmful bacteria and impurities that often lead to breakouts and blemishes. The downside to this powerful ingredient is that it can dry out and flake your skin, and when applied topically, it can cause the Vitamin C to oxidize, which negates the benefits of each ingredient.
Vitamin C + Retinol
As one of the most effective skin-changing ingredients, retinol can fight signs of aging and boost collagen production. This comes with some common side effects, such as peeling skin, redness, and irritation. It’s thought to be best to avoid Vitamin C altogether, instead using it in your morning routine and reserving retinol for your evening routine so it can work while you sleep.
Vitamin C + AHA/BHA
Since Vitamin C, AHA, and BHA are all acidic ingredients, daily use of too much can lead to skin irritation, redness, and sometimes severe dryness. If used correctly, you’ll find that the combination of these chemical peels with Vitamin C can remove dead skin cell buildup, clear dirt, impurities, and bacteria from your pores, and revitalize your complexion, leaving you with a noticeably radiant complexion.
If any of the ingredients I mention are new to you and your skin, I recommend consulting a doctor or dermatologist to make sure you can incorporate them into your routine. I also recommend doing a 24-hour patch test before applying anything to your face.
I hope this explains things a little more simply and that you now have a better understanding of how to use these three ingredients together. Your skin will be as thrilled with the results as you are! Don’t forget to check out the latest episodes of The Green Sofa on our YouTube and if skincare is one of your passions, follow us on Instagram.
