Can I use Vitamin C at night and Niacinamide in the morning?
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 to incorporate into your skincare routine. Whether used 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?
Many experts and dermatologists know and love it, and for good reason. Vitamin C not only brightens your complexion, you will also find that this powerful energy can protect 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 enzyme tyrosinase from causing skin pigmentation. Vitamin C also has anti-inflammatory properties that help soothe the complexion 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 the skin?
Niacinamide is a potent form of Vitamin B3 that repairs the skin. It has humectant properties that attract moisture to 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 protected from free radical damage. Unlike hyaluronic acid, which is a humectant, Niacinamide regulates 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 the 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 benefits, but you’ll find that each one renders the other useless. To get the results, many skin experts recommend waiting 15 minutes between applications. This allows enough time for the skin’s pH to reach equilibrium, thus avoiding negative effects. Another way to use them is to alternate the times of day you apply them to your skin. Many people like to use Vitamin C in the morning and then Niacinamide in the evening to counteract any skin damage that occurred throughout the day, thus benefiting from the effects 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 have similar skin benefits, you want to make sure they both have time to shine. Each ingredient also has a different pH, with Vitamin C having a lower, more acidic pH than Niacinamide, which is more neutral and closer to alkaline. Keep this in mind when using these ingredients together, as Niacinamide can prevent Vitamin C from doing its job 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 depends a lot on the formula in which each ingredient is mixed. You may have heard of the basic skincare rule of applying products in order from thinnest to thickest. Some skincare products, such as serums, often contain both vitamin C and niacinamide. If you want to use both serums in the same routine, apply the thinner serum first, wait 15 minutes, and then switch to the thicker serum. In my experience, the thicker of the two substances contains niacinamide, as 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 fresher for longer. The skin barrier is at its healthiest and is able to protect itself from further skin damage. Others find that using niacinamide at night ensures that the powerful ingredients are able to repair and regenerate the skin without interference from the free radical effects of UV rays and pollution.
Can Vitamin C be used at night?
Of course, you can also use Vitamin C at night. Although this is associated with daytime use, many people find that using products rich in vitamin C as part of their evening routine can produce 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, switch to niacinamide as a gentler alternative.
Below is more information on using vitamin C at night and niacinamide in the morning. If you have any other skin care questions, visit 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.
