Is it possible to utilize vitamin C during the evening and niacinamide during the morning?
If you’ve visited this part of the internet, you would have read our posts about whether or not you can combine these powerful ingredients. It’s no secret that both niacinamide and vitamin C have a high degree of effectiveness and benefit, it’s incorporated into every skincare regimen. Whether you utilize them on their own or as a team, the benefits you’ll receive will lead to a complexion that is radiant, smooth, and healthy. Now, if you still have a little confusion about the entire process, we have a blog about the utilization of niacinamide and vitamin C, this will hopefully answer any questions that you have regarding the process.
Before we delve into the subject today, here is a brief understanding of how these ingredients interact with the skin.
What is the effect of vitamin C on the skin?
Known and loved by many experts and dermatologists, and for good reason. Other than providing lightening effects to the complexion, vitamin C also possesses a powerful capacity to preserve the skin. It can accomplish this because it contains numerous antioxidants that are dedicated to preventing damage caused by ultraviolet exposure, central heating, pollution, and other environmental adversaries. Also, vitamin C can inhibit the enzyme called tyrosinase that is responsible for the development of hyperpigmentation in the skin. Other benefits of vitamin C are its anti-inflammatory properties that help to maintain the complexion’s calmness and reduce any inflammation.
If you desired to know more about vitamin C, you can explore our dedicated article about the vitamin and its benefits for the skin.
What is the purpose of niacinamide for the skin?
Niacinamide is effective at restoring the skin and is considered a powerful form of vitamin B3. It possesses humectant properties that enable it to draw water from the surrounding environment and compact it into a solid state. This causes the skin to feel hydrated, moisturized, and healthy with the protective barrier to the skin being augmented, this ensures it is resistant to any free radical damage. Unlike the fellow humectant, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide has the capacity to regulate the production of sebum, this is beneficial to all skin types.
If you desired to know more about niacinamide and how it interacts with the skin, we have a post dedicated to you.
Can you combine vitamin C and niacinamide?
Yes, you can utilize them, but it is best to utilize them in the proper manner to avoid any adverse skin reactions. This is because niacinamide and vitamin C have a similar effect on the skin, both of them are not compatible. When combining these ingredients, you may believe that you have augmented their benefits, but what you will discover is that you have nullified the other. To receive the rewards, many experts in the skin field recommend either waiting for 15 minutes between uses. This will give sufficient time for the skin’s pH levels to return to equilibrium and avoid negative side effects. Another method of applying them is to change the time of day that you utilize them on the skin; many people prefer to take advantage of the vitamin C’s glow while applying it in the morning, followed by niacinamide in the evening to counter the damage to the skin that occurs during the day.
How long should I wait between niacinamide and vitamin C?
As I mentioned, spacing out applications by around 15 minutes is the most effective way to avoid any skin flare-ups. With both niacinamide and vitamin C having the same effect on the skin, you want to make sure they have enough time to shine. The pH of each ingredient is also different, with vitamin C having a low, more acidic pH than niacinamide which has a more neutral, closer to being alkaline, pH levels. This is significant to remember when utilizing these ingredients in conjunction with vitamin C, niacinamide will inhibit the vitamin’s effectiveness on the skin.
A blog article that discusses more about the length of time between taking niacinamide and vitamin C addresses some of your questions regarding the proper duration of this process.
What is the initial dosage of vitamin C or niacinamide?
This is primarily determined by the formulas each ingredient is incorporated into. You may already be aware of the basic rule of skin: start with the thinnest product and increase towards the thickest. You will often observe both vitamin C and niacinamide in the skincare products of certain brands, such as serums. If you want to utilize both during the same routine, the first step is to apply the thinner serum, which will take 15 minutes. Then, you can move onto the thicker consistency. From what I’ve seen, the thicker of the two has a concentration of niacinamide that is similar to the gel form, this will help to hydrate the skin and prevent it from drying out.
When is the best time to utilize niacinamide during the morning or evening?
This is primarily based on personal choice, there is no limit to your use of niacinamide every day. You will find that there are multiple benefits to taking niacinamide during the morning and evening. Many discover that when applied in the morning, their skin receives the benefits of the continued hydration that maintains the barrier of the skin at its most healthful state and prevents further damage to the skin. Other individuals find that applying niacinamide at nighttime ensures that the potent ingredient can effectively mend and replenish the skin without being adversely affected by free radical exposure, such as the ultraviolet light and pollution.
Is it possible to utilize vitamin C during the night?
Absolutely you can utilize vitamin C during the night. Despite having a link to the daily use of products that contain vitamin C, many people find that the use of products that are enriched with this vitamin throughout their evening regimen is highly effective. You’ll discover that the skin is healed, revitalized, and any damage caused by your daily activities are removed, all of this while you enjoy your beauty sleep.
Is it better to use vitamin C or niacinamide in the treatment of dark spots?
Both ingredients have a high degree of effectiveness at combating dark spots, the first ingredient that is chosen is based on personal preference or, more importantly, the skin’s preference. You’ll often notice that using vitamin C formulas is sometimes too powerful for the skin, if this is the case, switch over to niacinamide for a more gentle alternative.
Here you have it, extra information about how to utilize vitamin C during the evening and niacinamide during the morning. If you have additional questions about skincare, come on, and we’ll find you 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.
