Niacinamide and Vitamin C Which Comes First?
When it comes to some real beauty crowd pleasers, niacinamide and vitamin C are two of the top ranking. With an impressive number of benefits, each ingredient delivery unique and notable results for the skin. There is one slight problem and that’s the fact there is a lot of misunderstanding circulating when it comes to using vitamin C and niacinamide together. True, it is slightly complicated to get your head around, but there are some formulas that work and others that can cause problems. This is because both these powerhouse ingredients are unable to tolerate each other and will often begin to compete, rendering each other completely useless.
If you are not sure what it is I mean, check out our dedicated blog post about how to use niacinamide and vitamin C together. And as for today’s post, we will be exploring more about which comes first, niacinamide or vitamin C?
Can I use vitamin C after niacinamide?
Yes, you can, but only if you are applying each of these ingredients correctly. By this I mean you must leave enough time in between layering these potent powerhouses to ensure you are not overloading the skin. It is usually advised that leaving roughly 15 minutes allows enough time for each ingredient to absorb into the skin preparing it for the next ingredient. If you are concerned with any potential side effects, you can alternate when you apply niacinamide and vitamin C. With its antioxidant benefits enabling it to combat damage caused by free radicals I would suggest using vitamin C in your morning routine, followed by niacinamide in the evening.
What order do I apply niacinamide?
This depends on the product you decide to use that contains niacinamide. The order in which you apply your skincare unsurprising to some affects the potency and effectiveness of how the formulas and active ingredients target the skin. The easiest way to remember the correct way is applying your skincare products from the thinnest consistency to the thickest. Here is an example of how this would look when using them in your daily routine.
Cleanser
Toner
Serum
Moisturiser
Face Oil
SPF (AM only)
When it comes to niacinamide, you will often find that it is regularly formulated into products such as serums, moisturisers and sometimes face oils.
Can I use niacinamide in the morning and vitamin C at night?
Yes, you can, by all means you can use both ingredients together or if you are still a little concerned, especially if you have a skin type that is prone to sensitivity, then you can alternate with your morning and evening routine. There are no rules about which ingredient should be applied first, either way your skin will still reap the rewards. If you are wanting my advice, I would suggest applying vitamin C for your morning routine. Packed with antioxidants, vitamin C can brighten the complexion as well as targeting hyperpigmentation and uneven skin tone. It is also able to protect the skin from further free radical damage, such as exposure to UV rays, pollution, and other environmental aggressors.
Leaving niacinamide for your evening routine will ensure your skin gains a hydrated boost thanks to its humectant traits of being able to lock water into the lower layers. This not only ensures the skin is glowing and healthy but also your protective barrier is strengthened and able to combat any further signs of damage to the skin surface.
Does niacinamide cancel out vitamin C?
The short answer is no, the longer answer however is a little more complex. This misunderstanding of niacinamide and vitamin C counteracting each other dates back by 60 years. There were a number of studies showing results of vitamin C and niacinamide when used together developing into nicotinic acid which caused a great deal of irritation to the skin. This reaction is somewhat true, however, it is very unlikely to develop in everyday circumstances, unless of course, you decide to store your skincare products in a hot oven. If you store your products correctly and use them the way stated on the packaging, you should not have any worries with irritation.
As for the idea of niacinamide and vitamin C cancelling each other out, this is mainly to do with the fact they both provide similar skin benefits and when layered on top of each other they can render each other useless. If you want to reap the rewards, leave about 10-15 minutes between applications, or alternate the time of day you apply each ingredient.
Can I use niacinamide at night?
Absolutely, you can use niacinamide twice a day. Much like hyaluronic acid, niacinamide is a clever humectant. This means it can take water from the atmosphere surrounding the face, as well as the water found in other product formulations and lock it into the skin. This is helpful for the skin barrier throughout the day keeping it at its healthiest state and able to combat exposure to free radical damage. You will also find when used in your evening routine niacinamide can repair any potential damage caused to the skin from the day. The bonus of using it in the evening is the fact that there are limited free radicals meaning it can work whilst you get your beauty sleep.
Is niacinamide better morning or night?
Generally speaking, you can use niacinamide in the morning and night. If, however, you are wanting to alternate applying it with other potent ingredients, such as vitamin C, then opt for using it during your evening routine. This will result in you benefiting from the hydrated boost of niacinamide locking in moisture into the skin and repairing any damage. Don’t forget if you are wanting to know more about how often you should use niacinamide, there is a full dedicated blog post about it that you can check out here.
I hope that is answers your questions about which comes first, niacinamide or vitamin C, don’t forget to come and follow us on Instagram for more skincare expert tips, product launches and exclusive discounts.
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.
