Niacinamide vs. Vitamin C – Which Came First?
When it comes to real beauty products, niacinamide and vitamin C come out on top. Each ingredient has an impressive variety of benefits that can bring unique and significant results to the skin. There is a small problem, and that is that there are a lot of misunderstandings when it comes to using vitamin C and niacinamide together. It is a bit complicated, but there are formulas that work and there are formulas that can cause problems. Because these two powerhouses don’t mix, often competing with each other and rendering the other useless.
If you are not sure what I mean, check out our dedicated blog post on using niacinamide and vitamin C together. As for today’s post, we will take a closer look at which came first, niacinamide or vitamin C.
Can you use vitamin C after taking niacinamide?
Yes, you can, but only if you use these ingredients correctly. What I mean is that you need to leave enough time between using these powerful and potent products to ensure that your skin is not overloaded. It is usually recommended to wait about 15 minutes to give each ingredient enough time to absorb into the skin and prepare for the next one. If you are worried about possible side effects, you can alternate between using niacinamide and vitamin C. Due to its antioxidant effect, it can fight the damage caused by free radicals. I recommend that you use Vitamin C in the morning and then Niacinamide in the evening.
In what order should I use Niacinamide?
It depends on the products you are going to use that contain Niacinamide. It is not surprising that for some people, the order in which you apply your skincare products can affect the efficacy and effect of the formula and active ingredients on your skin. The easiest way to remember the correct order is to apply your skincare products in order from thinnest to thickest. Here is an example of what it would look like if you were to use them in your daily routine.
Cleansing Products
Toner
Serum
Moisturizer
Facial Oil
SPF (Morning Only)
Niacinamide is commonly found in products like serums, moisturizers, and sometimes facial oils.
Can I use Niacinamide in the morning and Vitamin C at night?
Yes, you can. You can definitely use both ingredients at the same time. If you are still concerned, especially if you have a skin type that tends to be sensitive, you can alternate this method in your morning and evening routine. There is no rule as to which ingredient should be applied first. Your skin will definitely benefit from it. If you want my advice, I recommend adding Vitamin C to your morning routine. Vitamin C is rich in antioxidants that can brighten your skin and fight hyperpigmentation and uneven skin tone. It also protects the skin from further free radical damage, such as: B. due to environmental influences such as UV radiation, pollution, etc.
Using niacinamide in your nighttime routine alone will keep your skin hydrated, as its moisturizing properties lock moisture in the underlying layers. Not only does this keep the skin glowing and healthy, it also strengthens your protective barrier and can fight further signs of damage on the skin’s surface.
Does niacinamide cancel out vitamin C?
The short answer is no, but the longer answer is a bit more complicated. This misconception that niacinamide and vitamin C cancel each other out is 60 years old. Multiple studies have shown that vitamin C and niacinamide together can produce niacin, which can cause severe skin irritation. This reaction is partially true, but it’s unlikely to occur in everyday life, unless you decide to store your skincare products in a hot oven. If you store the products correctly and use them according to the instructions on the packaging, you don’t have to worry about irritation.
As for the idea that niacinamide and vitamin C cancel each other out, it’s largely because they both have similar skin benefits, but when used on top of each other, they become useless. If you want to reap the benefits, leave about 10 to 15 minutes between applications, or alternate the times of day you use each ingredient.
Can Niacinamide be used at night?
You can, of course, use Niacinamide twice a day. Similar to hyaluronic acid, Niacinamide is a clever humectant. This means it absorbs moisture from the air around your face, as well as from other product formulas, and locks it into the skin. This helps the skin barrier throughout the day, as it stays at its healthiest, fighting off free radical damage. You’ll also find that when you incorporate Niacinamide into your nighttime routine, it can repair any possible damage done to your skin during the day. The benefit of using it at night is that there are fewer free radicals, which means it can work while you get your beauty sleep.
Is Niacinamide better in the morning or at night?
Generally speaking, Niacinamide can be used both morning and night. However, if you want to alternate it with other active ingredients like Vitamin C, opt to use it during your nighttime routine. This means you’ll benefit from the hydrating effects of Niacinamide, which can lock moisture into the skin and repair any damage. Don’t forget, if you want to learn more about how often to use Niacinamide, you can read a detailed blog post about it here.
I hope this answers your question about which is more important, Niacinamide or Vitamin C. Don’t forget to follow us on Instagram for more expert skincare 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.