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This isn’t necessarily true, but rather a belief based on outdated research from the 1960s.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, easily eliminating skin-damaging free radicals, repairing damaged cells, and lightening 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
One of the most potent skin-changing ingredients, retinol can fight signs of aging and boost collagen production. This comes with some common side effects like 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 overuse 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’ve mentioned are new to you and your skin, I recommend consulting with 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.
DQH Knowledge drop: In your 20s, your skin cell turnover decreases. (Cell turnover is a key component in keeping your skin youthful.) You know what else slows down? Your collagen production. Starting in your 20s, collagen decreases by about 1 percent per year. Should you want to prevent fine lines and wrinkles, start by eliminating behaviors that contribute to premature aging. “If it’s bad for you, it’s bad for your skin,” says dermatologist Michel Somenek.
“Cigarette smoking reduces blood flow to the skin and causes premature wrinkling and a dull skin texture. Making the repeated pursed motion to inhale can also cause smoker’s lines. Alcohol and recreational drugs are toxins for the skin that damage its cellular structure and DNA,” Somenek tells us. “The faster you eliminate vices while you are young, the better chance your skin and body have to recuperate.” Also, adopting an anti-aging routine in your 20s is key. After all, the best offense is a good defense. We spoke to Somenek and experts Joshua Ross and Audrey Kunin to find out more.
Keep reading for the best anti-aging products for your 20s, according to skincare professionals.
Sunscreen
“We all know that the sun is the number one cause of skin aging and starting the prevention in your 20s is very important,” Ross says. “The majority of your sun damage won’t start to appear until you’re in your 30s, so don’t wait until you see it surface or you’ll be behind the curve. Stay ahead of it with a good-quality zinc-based sunscreen worn daily.”
Farmacy Green Defense Daily Mineral Sunscreen
An invisible sunscreen with SPF 30, plus botanical extracts meant to protect skin with tons of antioxidants. Bonus: It’s clean and fine to use under makeup.
Bareminerals Complexion Rescue™ Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30
Although we recommend you use your SPF and moisturizer separately, we also understand moments when you don’t have time or energy for that extra step. For those times, this bareMinerals moisturizer is a great thing to have on hand.
Vitamin C Serum
“A great introduction to anti-aging is to start with a vitamin C serum in your morning skincare routine,” Ross says. “It’s a powerful antioxidant that will neutralize free radicals and brighten the skin.” He adds that it’s a great way to counteract the effects of the sun’s harmful rays, which, as previously mentioned, are among the biggest causes of premature aging.
Drunk Elephant C-Firma™ Vitamin C Day Serum
The Drunk Elephant C-Firma is a lightweight serum that promises to give skin a glow by combining the brightening powers of vitamin C with ferulic acid, l-ascorbic acid, and vitamin E. The included sodium hyaluronate is meant to replace hydration loss, so you shouldn’t have to deal with any irritation.
Sunday Riley C.E.O. Rapid Flash Brightening Serum
This potent serum is jam-packed with vitamin C (15 percent, to be exact), which means it’s a potential superstar at both brightening skin and dousing it in antioxidants.
Peptides
Using peptides on your skin has many benefits, says Somenek. “The skin barrier is what defends the body against pollution, UV rays, bacteria, and toxins. It can be damaged by several everyday factors. Using topical peptides aids in building a stronger barrier,” he says. “Peptides comprise elastic fibers, which are a type of protein. These fibers help to make skin appear taut and firm. Peptides can also help repair damaged skin, relieve inflammation, and even out skin tone. Some peptides can kill acne-causing bacteria that is common in 20-somethings.”
Kunin agrees, saying, “Peptides are an excellent entry point for supporting collagen.” She recommends looking for face and eye treatments that contain these collagen-boosting powerhouses.
Charlotte Tilbury Magic Eye Rescue Cream
This Charlotte Tilbury super-emollient eye cream has a base of coconut oil and shea butter (read: it’s incredibly hydrating). Botanicals plus peptides are meant to help reduce dark circles and boost collagen, respectively.
This creamy moisturizer serves up potent collagen-boosting peptides and pycnogenol, and antioxidant-rich vitamin C. “Instead of sitting on top of the skin, peptides penetrate the outer layer so they go deep. The ‘signals’ they send tell the cells to produce elastin and collagen, which are needed for youthful-looking skin,” explains Somenek.
At-Home Peel Pads
Remember that skin cell turnover fiasco we talked about earlier? One way to help support it is by exfoliating. “Exfoliation is important to help keep skin fresh and luminous,” Kunin says. She recommends using at-home peel pads as an easy and effective way to exfoliate.
“The goal in your 20s is to fight the slowing pace of cell turnover. It is wise to use products that gently exfoliate, yet still remove oil and other impurities. Products that have Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) or Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA) are a good choice.”
According to Somenek, you should only exfoliate two to three times a week. “People of all ages are guilty of over-exfoliating and that can be too much of a good thing,” he says.
Dermadoctor Kakadu C Intensive Vitamin C Peel Pad
A few swipes of this Derma Doctor powerful peel pad promise to leave your skin glowing and smooth, thanks to the seven (yes, seven) types of chemical exfoliants, including AHA and BHA. It also contains vitamin C via Kakadu plum extract for added brightening and antioxidant protection.
KEY INGREDIENTS Kakadu plum extract is sourced from the Kakadu plum, a fruit grown in northern Australia. It contains vitamin C, which restores the skin’s natural barrier, increases collagen production, and soothes irritation.
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta® Universal Daily Peel Pads
These are the gold standard of peel pads, with a cult following and over 900 five-star reviews on Sephora. They’re easy to use and contain a blend of anti-aging exfoliating acids.
Emollient Night Cream
“In your 20s, you need to start upping the hydration in your skincare routine. You may have been cautious of over-moisturizing because of acne in your teens, but as you enter your 20s, your skin transitions and becomes drier,” Ross says. “I recommend an emollient night cream added into your evening skincare regimen.”
“Twenty-somethings need to make sure that they are not using creams that will clog their pores and cause excess oil production,” says Somenek. Opt for non-comedogenic products.
Cerave Skin Renewing Night Cream
One great choice is the CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream, which is a non-comedogenic night cream that leaves skin soft and glowy. It combines the moisturizing powers of ceramides and hyaluronic acid.
RoC Retinol Correxion Max Hydration Creme
“The best night cream ingredients contain retinol, benzoyl peroxide, and/or salicylic acid or hyaluronic acid. The goal is to moisturize, yet remove excess oil,” says Somenek. This Roc Retinol Correxion cream fits the bill as it contains both hyaluronic acid and retinol so it promises to moisturize while also being non-comedogenic.