Can I Use Niacinamide Twice a Day?
Niacinamide is a favorite among dermatologists and skincare enthusiasts. It’s a skincare ingredient with an impressive list of benefits and one of the few that delivers results with minimal side effects.
So, what exactly is this ingredient that our skin loves so much? The question is, can you have too much of a good thing, or can you use niacinamide twice a day? Stay tuned to learn more about this ingenious ingredient and the changes you can expect to see in your complexion.
If you’re still a little confused about what niacinamide is, here’s a quick summary of what this ingredient can do for your skin.
What is Niacinamide?
Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3 and a water-soluble ingredient found in many different skincare products.
It’s packed with antioxidants that can strengthen the skin barrier and protect it from free radical damage.
Improves the overall look and texture of your complexion
Fights fine lines and wrinkles by preventing moisture loss from the skin
Acts as a humectant, i.e. locks in moisture on the skin’s upper surface, keeping your complexion plump and youthful
Regulates sebum production and minimizes the appearance of pores
Suitable for all skin types to incorporate into your daily skin care routine
Can be combined with a number of different skin care ingredients and formulations
If you want to learn more about Niacinamide, you can read our dedicated blog post on The Beauty Insiders.
Can I use Niacinamide every day?
Of course, you can even use Niacinamide twice a day. This is because the ingredient is gentle and stable enough to work effectively on the skin as part of a daily routine with different active ingredients. Niacinamide is one of the few ingredients that can be combined with the most powerful ingredients like salicylic acid and retinol. This is because it does not exfoliate the skin or speed up skin cell turnover, unlike the other powerful ingredients mentioned.
Niacinamide is a top choice for many people in their morning and nighttime routines due to its antioxidant, moisturizing properties and ability to regulate oil production in the skin. The benefit of using it in the morning is that it strengthens the skin barrier and protects against damage caused by free radicals, such as UV radiation, pollution, and environmental aggressors. When used at night, it repairs existing or new skin damage, leaving your complexion rejuvenated while you sleep.
How do Niacinamide and Hyaluronic Acid work together?
There are some effective ways to combine these powerful forces. In our experience, here is an example that produces the best results.
Both ingredients work well in water-based products and are often included in serum formulas. When it comes to your skincare routine, it can often be confusing to decide what to use first. First, apply hyaluronic acid and give your moisturizer plenty of time to settle into the skin, as it can bind more water to the skin than niacinamide. Then apply niacinamide, which absorbs quickly thanks to the hyaluronic acid layer. Niacinamide regulates oil secretion and hydrates your complexion, giving it a youthful tone.
You don’t have to worry about overloading your skin, because while each ingredient has similar effects, they each have their own unique properties that work on different areas of the skin.
Can I use Niacinamide with Retinol?
Yes, you can! When you use niacinamide, you’ll find that the common drying side effects of retinol aren’t as severe. Make sure you leave plenty of time between applications, waiting about 10 minutes for the skin to calm down and rebalance.
The different pH levels of various ingredients can affect their effectiveness on the skin. What I mean by this is that effective skin ingredients, such as retinol, have a pH of around 4 to 6, which makes them acidic. This corresponds to the natural pH of the skin, because believe it or not, even healthy skin is acidic. Niacinamide has a pH of 6, which is less acidic, but not completely neutral. This small change can make a big difference in how your product performs and how your skin reacts. If you’re having trouble with your skin care routine, I recommend consulting a dermatologist or trained professional. You can also try patch testing any new formulas you’re using on your daily routine. Simply apply a 10p-sized amount of the product to the inside of your arm and leave it on for 24 hours. If you don’t notice any signs of irritation, you can take that as a good sign and apply the product to your face.
How often should I use niacinamide?
You can use Niacinamide daily, up to twice a day. Many users choose to use a serum rich in hydrating ingredients as part of their morning routine. This allows the skin to retain moisture and keep the skin barrier at its healthiest throughout the day. By reapplying Niacinamide at night, you will help the skin repair and replenish moisture throughout the night without interruption, leaving you with deeply nourished and happy skin in the morning.
When should Niacinamide be used routinely?
Niacinamide is a skincare ingredient that can be found in a variety of skincare products. Personally, I prefer to use a serum with active ingredients because serums tend to stay on the face longer. For example, cleansers and face washes are rinsed off, limiting the time the ingredients have to work on the surface of the skin. You will also find that using a serum rich in Niacinamide will support its hydrating properties, locking moisture and hydration into the skin.
I hope that I answered your question today about whether it is okay to use Niacinamide twice a day. If you have any additional questions, don’t forget to find us on Instagram. One of our skincare experts will be waiting for you in a private message and look forward to seeing you!
