Digital Clinic for Skin & Hair Care That Works!

Menu
  • Home
  • Skin Care
  • Beauty
  • Health
Home
Beauty
Can Vitamin C and Niacinamide be used together?
Beauty

Can Vitamin C and Niacinamide be used together?

30 September 2024


Can Vitamin C and Niacinamide be used together?




We looked at a few skincare ingredients in our recent blog post and we hope you find them useful. As I mentioned before, this can be an overwhelming and complex industry, especially given the sheer number of ingredients available.



Two powerful skincare ingredients shrouded in mystery and confusion are Niacinamide and Vitamin C. With that in mind, we’re going to go ahead and look at, and hopefully answer, some of the burning questions about how to use Vitamin C and Niacinamide together.




Can Niacinamide and Vitamin C be mixed together?



The short answer is: yes. This can be a little confusing because you’ve no doubt read a lot about how Vitamin C and Niacinamide are too harsh on the skin as a skincare combo. This is the result of outdated research into the effects of ascorbic acid (Vitamin C), which caused mild irritation and redness when combined with Niacinamide. Granted, ascorbic acid was considered an extremely unstable ingredient back in the 1960s. If you look at modern formulations, you’ll see that this is no longer the case, as not only has ascorbic acid become more stable, but alternative forms of vitamin C such as ascorbyl palmitate and magnesium ascorbyl phosphate are also used in various skincare products, both of which remain balanced and effective.




However, this doesn’t mean you should use skincare products that contain ingredients that you haven’t added to your daily routine. You must always do a 24-hour patch test before applying the product all over your skin to avoid unnecessary irritation.



Why can’t vitamin C and niacinamide be used together?




It’s well known that using vitamin C and niacinamide together causes the two ingredients to chemically cancel each other out. This renders both ingredients completely useless for the skin. Still, there’s nothing stopping you from using them every day, you just have to alternate between them. For best results, try using vitamin C in the morning. The potent antioxidant formula helps fight free radical damage caused by UV rays and pollution. Then, you can apply niacinamide in the evening, which locks in moisture and keeps your skin plump and hydrated while the other ingredients absorb quickly.



Do I use niacinamide before or after taking vitamin C?




As I suggested, you can use each ingredient at different times of the day. But if you want to use both vitamin C and niacinamide at the same time, it’s best to apply the vitamin C first and wait about 15 minutes before applying the niacinamide. Not only will the revitalizing benefits of vitamin C give your skin a radiant glow, but it will also reduce potential signs of irritation thanks to the hydrating, moisturizing properties of niacinamide.



Which is more effective, niacinamide or vitamin C?




Both vitamin C and niacinamide offer similar skin benefits, but they differ slightly depending on the pH level. For example, vitamin C is used in formulas with low pH levels, while niacinamide works at neutral or higher pH levels.



As for which is more effective, both are great to incorporate into any skin care routine. It’s no longer an outdated view that niacinamide and vitamin C have negative side effects, causing a variety of skin irritations, facial redness, and other allergic reactions. Using either product comes down to personal preference and daily habits, but if you want my advice, using both will yield effective results and an overall improved complexion. If you want to learn more about each ingredient and its skin benefits, you can read our dedicated blog posts on vitamin C and niacinamide.




Can vitamin C and hyaluronic acid be used together?



Yes, of course, if you want two ingredients that provide optimal, healthy skin, then hyaluronic acid and vitamin C are the way to go.




The nourishing and hydrating benefits of hyaluronic acid ensure that the skin’s natural barrier remains fully functional. This is achieved by trapping moisture on the outer surface, keeping the barrier healthy and strong enough to protect against free radicals and other environmental aggressors. You’ll also find that when the protective barrier has the correct hydration content, any skincare applied will be absorbed quickly and effectively reach the correct areas of the underlying layers of the skin.



If you want to learn more about how to layer vitamin C and hyaluronic acid, you can read our blog post.




What happens when niacinamide and vitamin C are mixed?



I mentioned earlier that mixing niacinamide and vitamin C was once considered a bad idea because it would create niacin, a solution that causes flushing and redness in the skin, sometimes giving the skin a yellow appearance. In modern formulations, ascorbic acid and niacinamide can still form niacin, but the main difference is that a lot of heat over a longer period of time is required to trigger this reaction. It doesn’t happen often, and the combination of these two powerful ingredients can be your secret weapon to rejuvenated skin.




Can I use Vitamin C in the morning and Niacinamide at night?

Of course, using skincare with Vitamin C in the morning and Niacinamide at night is the best way to get the best of both worlds, especially if you have a skin type that’s prone to sensitivity and other skin issues like redness and irritation.

These are some examples of how to use Vitamin C and Niacinamide together. As I mentioned before, it’s important to remember that if you’re incorporating these ingredients into your skincare routine for the first time, always do a 24-hour patch test before applying these ingredients all over your skin.

Don’t forget: If you’re into skincare, follow us on Instagram and check out our latest YouTube episode on The Green Sofa.

DQH Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C? It’s easy to create a skincare routine, but knowing how to use it is another thing entirely. In most cases, if you’re not getting the desired skin results, it could be due to the layering of conflicting ingredients. So, is it possible that salicylic acid and vitamin C are such ingredients? Or are these active ingredients the duo that’s been missing from your skincare routine? If you want answers, stick around because today we are going to explain the benefits of salicylic acid and vitamin C and how they can be used in your daily life. What are the benefits of salicylic acid for skin? Salicylic acid is one of the most commonly used beta hydroxy acids and is favored by many people with oily, acne-prone skin. This acid is derived from willow bark, and unlike its water-soluble relatives (called alpha-hydroxy acids), salicylic acid is oil-soluble, which means it can penetrate deeper into the lower layers of the skin. Once it reaches the lower layers, it can help unclog pores of excess sebum, dirt, bacteria, debris, and impurities. This results in clearer skin tones and greater definition. Not only does salicylic acid benefit the underlying layers, but the outer surface of the skin benefits as well. When applied to the skin, salicylic acid removes the buildup of dead skin cells. This is accomplished by breaking the bonds that hold dead cells to the surface. Over time, this can cause the complexion to look dull and prone to acne, blackheads, and other blemishes. If you’d like to learn more about salicylic acid and how it can improve your skin, check out this dedicated blog post from a beauty insider. What are the benefits of vitamin C for skin? Vitamin C is considered one of the most powerful antioxidants, which means it is very effective at fighting free radicals and preventing them from causing further skin damage. Examples of free radicals include pollution, central heating, UV rays and harsh climate. They attack proteins, fats and cell membranes as soon as they come into contact with the skin, causing signs of premature aging such as fine lines and wrinkles as well as hyperpigmentation, flaky patches of skin and loss of elasticity. Many people usually prefer to use vitamin C in their morning routine as this ingredient gives the complexion a radiant glow. You’ll also find that vitamin C can target areas of hyperpigmentation, plumping the skin and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The thing about vitamin C is that there are a lot of outdated studies going back to the 1950s that describe vitamin C as an unstable skin component. Thanks to improvements in modern technology, this is no longer the case as all products now contain a stable form of vitamin C. Visit The Beauty Insider to learn more about vitamin C. So please check out our blog post. Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C? Yes, you absolutely can. In fact, it’s thought that using salicylic acid before using vitamin C ensures it penetrates faster and works faster. This is an efficient way to utilize two power sources, and the reason has to do with pH. For example, the skin’s natural pH is about 4.7, making it slightly acidic. Salicylic acid and vitamin C are also both acidic, and you’ll find that vitamin C is absorbed quickly into the skin. Therefore, using salicylic acid beforehand can increase the acidity of the skin and allow vitamin C to penetrate into the skin faster. While this is considered an effective way to combine two powerful ingredients, you need to be aware of your skin type and how it reacts to certain active ingredients. Even people with perfect, normal skin can experience skin sensitivity and irritation. Therefore, always consult a doctor or dermatologist before using any new products on your skin. It’s also important to follow skin application rules. In this case, you need to use the product correctly to ensure you get the best results for your skin. If you’re not sure what I mean, the basic rule for skin is to start with the thinnest consistency and work your way up to the thickest consistency. This prevents a barrier from forming on the surface, preventing other active ingredients from penetrating the skin. Can I use salicylic acid at night and vitamin C in the morning? Yes, absolutely, this is considered the most effective way to get returns without any adverse side effects. This is because there is enough time between applications to ensure that the skin’s pH levels return to balance. You’ll also find that Vitamin C is rich in antioxidants and is perfect for use in the morning to ensure your skin is protected and looking its healthiest. Due to the small size of salicylic acid molecules, it is an acid that is able to reach the deepest parts of the skin. While this is effective at keeping skin clear, it also increases the risk of irritation and photosensitivity. Therefore, many people prefer to use powerful BHAs in their evening routine without exposure to UV rays, pollution, or harsh weather. Warning: If you avoid using sunscreen every day, none of these ingredients will do what your skin needs. The combination of chemical peels and powerful ingredients increases the risk of further damage to the skin’s surface. Use SPF 50 every day to keep your skin protected and your lipid barrier healthy, even on cloudy days, keeping your skin in top condition.
Share
Tweet
Email
Prev Article
Next Article

Related Articles

How to deep clean your pores?

How to deep clean your pores?

How To Get Rid Of Bags Under Eyes

How To Get Rid Of Bags Under Eyes

Recent Posts

  • Iron Oxide: Block Blue Light, Prevent Melasma, and Protect Skin
    Iron Oxide: Block Blue Light, Prevent Melasma, …
    22 May 2025 0
  • Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil: Potential Drawbacks for Sensitive, Oily Skin Types
    Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil: Potential Drawbacks for Sensitive, …
    22 May 2025 0
  • Hemp Seed Oil: Essential Fatty Acids and Vitamin E for Skin
    Hemp Seed Oil: Essential Fatty Acids and …
    22 May 2025 0
  • Ginseng for Anti-Aging, Hydration, and Collagen Boosting in Skincare
    Ginseng for Anti-Aging, Hydration, and Collagen Boosting …
    22 May 2025 0
  • Top Emollient Ingredients and Products for Effective Skin Care
    Top Emollient Ingredients and Products for Effective …
    22 May 2025 0

Popular Posts

  • Iron Oxide: Block Blue Light, Prevent Melasma, and Protect Skin
    Iron Oxide: Block Blue Light, Prevent Melasma, …
    22 May 2025 0
  • Using Niacinamide with Alpha Arbutin: A Simple Guide
    Using Niacinamide with Alpha Arbutin: A Simple …
    23 April 2025 0
  • Layering Niacinamide and Azelaic Acid: A Simple Routine
    Layering Niacinamide and Azelaic Acid: A Simple …
    23 April 2025 0
  • What Goes First: Niacinamide or Retinol? Explained
    What Goes First: Niacinamide or Retinol? Explained
    23 April 2025 0
  • This Ingredient Combo Changed My Skin—For Real
    This Ingredient Combo Changed My Skin—For Real
    23 April 2025 0

Digital Clinic for Skin & Hair Care That Works!

Copyright © 2025 Digital Clinic for Skin & Hair Care That Works!
Theme by MyThemeShop.com

Ad Blocker Detected

Our website is made possible by displaying online advertisements to our visitors. Please consider supporting us by disabling your ad blocker.

Refresh