Niacinamide vs. Vitamin C – Which Came First?
When it comes to real beauty products, niacinamide and vitamin C come out on top. Each ingredient has an impressive variety of benefits that can bring unique and significant results to the skin. There is a small problem, and that is that there are a lot of misunderstandings when it comes to using vitamin C and niacinamide together. It is a bit complicated, but there are formulas that work and there are formulas that can cause problems. Because these two powerhouses don’t mix, often competing with each other and rendering the other useless.
If you are not sure what I mean, check out our dedicated blog post on using niacinamide and vitamin C together. As for today’s post, we will take a closer look at which came first, niacinamide or vitamin C.
Can you use vitamin C after taking niacinamide?
Yes, you can, but only if you use these ingredients correctly. What I mean is that you need to leave enough time between using these powerful and potent products to ensure that your skin is not overloaded. It is usually recommended to wait about 15 minutes to give each ingredient enough time to absorb into the skin and prepare for the next one. If you are worried about possible side effects, you can alternate between using niacinamide and vitamin C. Due to its antioxidant effect, it can fight the damage caused by free radicals. I recommend that you use Vitamin C in the morning and then Niacinamide in the evening.
In what order should I use Niacinamide?
It depends on the products you are going to use that contain Niacinamide. It is not surprising that for some people, the order in which you apply your skincare products can affect the efficacy and effect of the formula and active ingredients on your skin. The easiest way to remember the correct order is to apply your skincare products in order from thinnest to thickest. Here is an example of what it would look like if you were to use them in your daily routine.
Cleansing Products
Toner
Serum
Moisturizer
Facial Oil
SPF (Morning Only)
Niacinamide is commonly found in products like serums, moisturizers, and sometimes facial oils.
Can I use Niacinamide in the morning and Vitamin C at night?
Yes, you can. You can definitely use both ingredients at the same time. If you are still concerned, especially if you have a skin type that tends to be sensitive, you can alternate this method in your morning and evening routine. There is no rule as to which ingredient should be applied first. Your skin will definitely benefit from it. If you want my advice, I recommend adding Vitamin C to your morning routine. Vitamin C is rich in antioxidants that can brighten your skin and fight hyperpigmentation and uneven skin tone. It also protects the skin from further free radical damage, such as: B. due to environmental influences such as UV radiation, pollution, etc.
Using niacinamide in your nighttime routine alone will keep your skin hydrated, as its moisturizing properties lock moisture in the underlying layers. Not only does this keep the skin glowing and healthy, it also strengthens your protective barrier and can fight further signs of damage on the skin’s surface.
Does niacinamide cancel out vitamin C?
The short answer is no, but the longer answer is a bit more complicated. This misconception that niacinamide and vitamin C cancel each other out is 60 years old. Multiple studies have shown that vitamin C and niacinamide together can produce niacin, which can cause severe skin irritation. This reaction is partially true, but it’s unlikely to occur in everyday life, unless you decide to store your skincare products in a hot oven. If you store the products correctly and use them according to the instructions on the packaging, you don’t have to worry about irritation.
As for the idea that niacinamide and vitamin C cancel each other out, it’s largely because they both have similar skin benefits, but when used on top of each other, they become useless. If you want to reap the benefits, leave about 10 to 15 minutes between applications, or alternate the times of day you use each ingredient.
Can Niacinamide be used at night?
You can, of course, use Niacinamide twice a day. Similar to hyaluronic acid, Niacinamide is a clever humectant. This means it absorbs moisture from the air around your face, as well as from other product formulas, and locks it into the skin. This helps the skin barrier throughout the day, as it stays at its healthiest, fighting off free radical damage. You’ll also find that when you incorporate Niacinamide into your nighttime routine, it can repair any possible damage done to your skin during the day. The benefit of using it at night is that there are fewer free radicals, which means it can work while you get your beauty sleep.
Is Niacinamide better in the morning or at night?
Generally speaking, Niacinamide can be used both morning and night. However, if you want to alternate it with other active ingredients like Vitamin C, opt to use it during your nighttime routine. This means you’ll benefit from the hydrating effects of Niacinamide, which can lock moisture into the skin and repair any damage. Don’t forget, if you want to learn more about how often to use Niacinamide, you can read a detailed blog post about it here.
I hope this answers your question about which is more important, Niacinamide or Vitamin C. Don’t forget to follow us on Instagram for more expert skincare tips, product launches, and exclusive discounts.