In the past it was thought that you should avoid using vitamin C products with retinoids at all costs. If you have oily skin in particular, niacinamide is equipped to regulate (and slow down) how much oil your skin produces. Vitamin C, or pure ascorbic acid, is a naturally occurring antioxidant that helps to protect the skin from UV damage, as well as reduce hyperpigmentation and even increase collagen production. I emailed The Ordinary customer service to talk me through the order of all the products I use as I found it all confusing too, and they told me Buffet should go first, then the niacinamide. You can find it in plenty of serums, moisturizers, masks, and more, at a variety of price points. And if you’re using a retinol/retinoid, moisturizing is a must. The Ordinary Lactic Acid 10% + HA 5. Couple these two ingredients together and you have a dynamic duo for glowing skin. Deciem recommended to use these before a cream like Natural Moisturising Factors but now they recommend to use after (if using). Your skin will thank you! (Worth noting: Most skincare products use different, more stable forms of vitamin C such as ascorbyl palmitate and magnesium ascorbyl phosphate, rather than ascorbic acid.) Before we get to the potential issues that can arise when combining the two, it's important to understand what these ingredients are and what they can do for your skin on their own. Here's why you should use them both (and how to do so). "Among its many attributes, it helps skin produce ceramides to improve barrier function and hydration, increases collagen production to help with the appearance of fine lines and pores, inhibits excess sebum production, and may help lighten discoloration," she adds. It will become second nature before you know it. The Ordinary Matrixyl 10% … Niacinamide and retinol can be combined in one product but are also available separately. We do not recommend combining Vitamin C (L-Ascorbic Acid, Ethylated L-Ascorbic Acid or Vitamin C Derivatives) with Niacinamide with Direct or Ethylated Vitamin C, and Vitamin C Derivatives due to the formation of a salt complex that has the potential to reduce the integrity of both compounds. But when it comes to which ingredient should go on your skin first, it doesn't really matter. We recommend you apply The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% Serum in the morning and your Vitamin C product in the evening. Can I use niacinamide with AHAs/BHAs? There's a lot of conflicting advice on the topic, so we asked experts to set the record straight. How to get the most out of niacinamide and retinol together: Use niacinamide twice a day for a couple of weeks prior to starting treatment with retinol. Your best bet is to decide based on the formula of the particular products you're using, applying them from thinnest to thickest, advises Arch. The retinoid effect that enhances cell turnover makes your skin more prone to UV radiation. Studies also suggest that niacinamide skincare products can reduce the signs and symptoms of severe acne or rosacea by reducing the inflammation of the skin. Vitamin E defends against and disables free radicals made by the body. Vitamin C works by inhibiting an enzyme known as tyrosinase, necessary for the production of pigment, while niacinamide is thought to prevent the transfer of pigment within cells. It’s a form of vitamin B-B3, to be specific. So, if you’re planning on spending some quality time outdoors, work in moisturizer and sun specific makeup with SPF for added protection. The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 2. The big caveat? We’ve got the answer to this big skin care question. Niacinamide is a water-soluble form of vitamin B3 that boasts a wide array of skin benefits. There’s a lot of confusion as to whether these two superstar ingredients cancel each other out when applied at the same time. hide. Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2%. The one product that Niacinamide 10% Zinc 1% doesn’t work well with is vitamin C. Although they won’t cause an adverse reaction, vitamin C can counteract the effects of niacinamide, making the product not as effective. Again, the short answer is yes. Vitamin C: When used in skin-care formulations, vitamin C can make a major difference in your skin tone and hyperpigmentation. It is especially important to know that the retinoid effect lasts for days after application, so it’s best to make sure to protect daily and not just the day you’ve used retinol. And combining them not only isn't a problem, it's actually a great move in your quest for for a brighter complexion. The Ordinary Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG 4. Niacinamide is a skin care ingredient worthy of your attention and your skin will love you for using it. "That occurred when using pure ascorbic acid and niacinamide held at high temperatures," he continues. Arch recommends using a stand-alone vitamin C product for all of the aforementioned reasons, though does note that other antioxidants, specifically vitamin E and ferulic acid, can actually enhance the efficacy and even stability of vitamin C. (Case in point: The Skinceuticals C E Ferulic serum beloved by dermatologists and beauty editors everywhere.) If you do use any products that contain vitamin C in your skincare routine, alternate them with Niacinamide 10% Zinc 1%. When it comes down to it, it’s all about personal preference. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant, so it protects your skin from premature aging by neutralizing free radicals. The Ordinary does many Vitamin C formulas, let me guide you to find the one that's right for you and your skin. Continue to use niacinamide as a ‘buffer’ during treatment with retinol. "If the two ingredients weren't compatible, we'd all suffer when using topical niacinamide," says Arch. Niacinamide can also be taken in oral supplements to treat acne, as it reduces the inflammation associated with existing blemishes while also helping to prevent future breakouts. First things first, let’s review exactly why vitamin C, retinol and hyaluronic acid are must-have skin-care ingredients. Here Are the Facts, We Narrowed Down the 28 Best Skincare Brands Out There, How to Treat Your Sunspots and Prevent New Ones From Popping Up, This Glow-Inducing Vitamin C Serum Is Half the Price of Its Popular Competitors, Is It Okay to Use Products With Triethanolamine? I have rosacea. The worries of rendering them both ineffective are just caused by misinformation and lack of research. They also recommended that their serums aren't … Since sun damage can occur even in short periods of sun exposure, it’s a great idea to apply it every morning. Like its counterparts, this shouldn't be used alongside Niacinamide, peptides or EUK 134. /skin regimen/ empowers you to be the best version of yourself for today’s fast-paced world, taking part in your personal journey of self-enhancement through functional plant chemistry formulas, scientific wellness inspiration and urban modern culture. Vitamin A helps to smooth lines and wrinkles, while increasing moisture and elasticity. I have prepared this guide to help you wade through the complexity. Some products are better kept separate, unless you're actively looking for irritation and possible breakouts. So, can you use niacinamide and vitamin C together? Kiran, yes you can use them all together. Vitamin C and Alpha Arbutin are less stable in formulations that contain water and use of them combined in formulations containing water is highly discouraged, which is why this format is anhydrous and may feel oily for a few seconds after application. And that is still sort of true. I’ll second @RGbrown ‘s recommendation of … Okay, so we know combining the two isn't going to be problematic, but will it be beneficial? In skincare, where dosage is controlled, niacinamide has little to no known side effects and is stable in both heat and light. As far as the exact way to use niacinamide and vitamin C together, you can either look for one product that contains both or layer them separately, though the experts we spoke with agree that layering is preferable. And while the combination of niacinamide and ascorbic acid in certain conditions can form niacin, it takes a very high amount of heat over an extended period of time to cause this reaction. Niacinamide is a water-soluble vitamin, which is also known as nicotinic amide--the amide compound of vitamin B3. For your morning routine these include: 1. Thank you! Most skin people would agree that next to retinoids, Vitamin C is the other thing that actually does shit for your skin. But there’s a certain amount of science involved when it comes to building the perfect skincare routine. In other words, no matter what your complexion concern may be, niacinamide can probably help. Layering your products can give you glowing skin, but there is reason to proceed with caution. As if that weren't enough, it's also been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects (particularly beneficial for those with acne and rosacea), and is a powerful antioxidant, points out board-certified dermatologist Charlotte Birnbaum, MD of Spring Street Dermatology in New York City. Vitamin C is crucial for collagen production, improving the look of fine lines and wrinkles, and decreases the production of pigment to help lighten dark spots, explains Birnbaum. As far as the exact way to use niacinamide and vitamin C together, you can either look for one product that contains both or layer them separately, though the experts we spoke with agree that layering is preferable . This vitamin has just as many skincare benefits as vitamins A and C, and dermatologists and facialists alike think everyone should be applying it to their faces. Subscribe to the fast living/slow aging conversation here. If it is in a more liquid based formula, apply it next. Vitamin C works by inhibiting an enzyme known as tyrosinase, necessary for the production of pigment, while niacinamide is thought to prevent the transfer of pigment within cells. Take skin brightening, for example. Loaded with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, it can increase natural lipids that are found on the skin’s surface, strengthening skin’s protective barrier (and thus reducing moisture loss) and reduce both unwanted pigmentation as well as redness caused by inflammation. HOW TO USE VITAMIN C SERUM. Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% ; Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2% ; Vitamin C Suspension 30% in Silicone; Powders . Which The Ordinary Products You Should Use With Tretinoin. Similarly, if you’re working with salicylic or glycolic acid, they need to be coupled with some sort of moisturizer to combat the drying effects that they can have on the skin. Plus, "generally speaking, vitamin C needs to be used at a low pH in order to be effective, while niacinamide works better at a higher/neutral pH," adds Romanowski. The Ordinary Buffet 7. They’re safe to use together and have several benefits when combined. When faced with the tempting plethora that is The Ordinary website, you can go loopy trying to figure out which one will suit you. Step 2: If you’re a toner person, use a toner. Melanie Rud is a beauty editor and expert with over a decade of experience in the industry writing for various national and regional publications. However, there are no concrete studies to prove such a theory. To keep skin happy, take a gradual approach when adding vitamin C to your regimen. Niacinamide has excellent skin-restoring properties and is also a popular skincare ingredient due to its ability to treat problem skin conditions with minimal side effects. Designed to deliver a high concentration of actives, vitamin c booster serums are a popular choice in skincare. Combining the two could be helpful because they're working in different ways to achieve this effect, notes Romanowksi. Peptides and antioxidants are good with tretinoin and vitamin C derivatives are fine. "It's unlikely to be a problem in modern day formulations stored at room temperature." Here's the Deal, How to Make Your Skincare Products Work 10 Times Better, What Is Ferulic Acid? If it is a thicker serum or … Is it a peanut-butter-and-jelly scenario (you know, where each thing is great on its own, but really way better when paired with the other)? In fact, many of them become even more potent when combined. It was once thought that mixing Niacinamide with Vitamin C would create Niacin, a yellow solution that can cause temporary flushing and tingling, and can turn the skin yellow, rendering both ingredients ineffective. Because Vitamin C helps protect your skin from pollution, ultraviolet light, and free radicals, you’re going to want to use it in the morning rather than in the evening; As a rule of thumb, skincare products should typically be applied from “thinnest” to “thickest” in terms of consistency Step 1: Wash your face. It is also a brilliant anti-aging ingredient since it is capable of increasing levels of fatty acids in the skin. Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3 (also known as niacin) that is, "a wonder ingredient with a multitude of benefits," says Chicago dermatologist Emily Arch, MD. In addition to combining Niacinamide and Vitamin C, here are some other powerful skincare ingredient equations to follow for beautiful skin. Niacinamide, on the other hand, is much less delicate and finicky than vitamin C, says Arch. Mix these with the suggested products. However, there are plenty of powerful skincare ingredients that can be mixed without causing negative reactions. It took me months but I’ve managed to get my skin to tolerate a PRESCRIPTION retinoid! Among these, niacinamide and vitamin C are arguably two of the biggest names on that short list. This yellow color is due to the formation of a charge-transfer complex, called niacinamide ascorbate. Before we talk about how to apply them, here's why you'd want to use both a vitamin C serum and an acid in the first place. Skinceuticals C E Ferulic serum beloved by dermatologists and beauty editors everywhere. We previously spoke about how to get glowing skin, but we’ve outlined everything you need to know about niacinamide below. But I can't seem to find if it is safe to use Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2% with Lactic Acid 10% + HA 2% for my night care. That being said, people with sensitive skin types might benefit from mixing their serum into a moisturizer, or opting for a vitamin C-infused moisturizer for gentler delivery. Vitamin C works best in combination with vitamin E, ferulic Acid, vitamin B, and hyaluronic acid. And while the retinol is working on firming the skin and adding radiance & luminosity, ferulic acid allows the retinol to absorb deeper into the skin, while promoting collagen production. Niacinamide can cancel out the good properties of vitamin C and turn it into a substance that causes redness and can trigger acne breakouts. Newer Post →, Please note, comments must be approved before they are published. Niacinamide can help reduce the irritation experienced with retinol use and can also enhance its therapeutic effects. Together, the ingredients recharge and revamp the texture of your skin and shrink the size of your pores, boosting collagen turnover and delivering a youthful glow. Apart from products with low pH, as far as The Ordinary is concerned all is good. When it comes to how and when to use Niacinamide, Paula says not to worry about using niacinamide while using acids like vitamin C or retinol as these ingredients "love each other". Or you can do vitamin C and hyaluronic acid in the morning and retain A and niacinamide at night. But there’s another equally important vitamin that is often overlooked, and that is vitamin B3, or Niacinamide. Vitamin C first, then hyaluronic acid and then niacinamide. save. Since most serums and creams have high doses of Vitamin C it should be introduced on your skin gradually. Ferulic Acid can be found in several foods and beverages, including coffee, oranges and apples. 6 comments. As far as superstar vitamins in your skincare routine go, vitamins A and C get all the attention. And like niacinamide, it also has anti-aging effects. report. Adding these three vitamins into your skincare routine will prevent collagen breakdown. It’s perfectly fine to use niacinamide and vitamin C together. Vitamin C minimizes imperfections in the skin, including uneven skin tone, hyperpigmentation, and the appearance of acne scars. It’s a form of vitamin B-B3, to be specific. Stay in the loop on new products and pro tips on finding your ultimate skin regimen. Take Niacinamide + Vitamin C: this pair makes an especially powerful combination. If your skin is oily and acne-prone, use an oil-free moisturizer to add back hydration that could be stripped away. Niacinamide is a relatively new ingredient on the skincare scene. Some research on niacinamide has suggested that it protects skin against the sun, but while it is a great ingredient to include in your skincare regimen, proper broad-spectrum sun protection should still be used every day. 9. Learn about all of the incredible benefits of using Niacinamide and Vitamin C for skin. For brightening up a dull complexion and erasing sun spots, vitamin C is the gold standard of skincare ingredients, especially as skin ages. Still, despite the newbies that come and go with a predictable regularity, there are a handful of ingredients that remain tried-and-true, staples with scientifically-proven effects. share. And with less oily skin, pores appear smaller. So, patience is the name of the game. And if you happen to be using a retinol booster, using a daily SPF is imperative. It's also worth pointing out that vitamin C is naturally found in our skin. It seems as though every day a new one hits the already-crowded scene, promising to be the next best thing. Not only are they synergistic, but Vitamin C is water-soluble, while vitamin E is lipid-soluble. Sun Protection Factor, or SPF, protects your skin against harmful UVA and UVB rays. This acid is a plant-based antioxidant that enhances properties of other vitamins for sun damage protection and overall healthy skin. Together, they penetrate into the different phases of the skin and neutralize free radicals in their path. Vitamin C isn't far behind when it comes to boasting a lengthy list of benefits. When used together, they are highly effective in brightening the skin and providing the dual action punch to help fight the signs of aging! Some people believe that vitamin C and niacinamide should not be used in the same skincare routine because both can get ineffective together. In the same vein as vitamin C, niacinamide is a powerhouse ingredient. Niacinamide and Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) Complex. Vitamin C is a potent topical antioxidant and a natural collagen booster. The skincare ingredient world is packed (and we mean packed with a capital P) with players. This essential nutrient helps build proteins in the skin and offers protection against environmental damage. Putting together your skincare routine is a lot more than just knowing the proper order to use your products, which is confusing in and of itself so I wrote about it, but it is also knowing what ingredients work together and how they interact with each other.For the longest time, it was believed that niacinamide and vitamin C shouldn’t be used together. Niacinamide is a relatively new ingredient on the skincare scene. It addresses the signs of aging by softening fine lines and reducing instances of hyperpigmentation and sallowness. Each boasting a plethora of benefits, the question then becomes this: If they can do such great things individually, can or should they be used together? In other words, a serum would always go before a moisturizer, and an oil should always be applied last. However, Niacinamide can minimise the benefits of Vitamin C when applied together. If it’s your first time to use Vitamin C on your skin, you should still proceed with caution. Awareness is all about connection. Mixing niacinamide and ascorbic acid turns the two clear solutions a yellow colour, but this isn’t the same yellow colour that appears when ascorbic acid is oxidized into dehydroascorbic acid. You can use both niacinamide and alpha arbutin in this order in both AM and PM routine. ← Older Post The Ordinary products typically are either water-based or oil-based, and it's important you apply your water-based products first. FREE SHIPPING for a limited time. You can use vitamin C with retinol, but be cautious. Use at the serum stage, maybe mixed or layered with Alpha Arbutin and avoid vitamin C in the same routine (derivatives are fine). You want the rest of your skincare regimen to support your skin barrier, keep your skin supple and hydrated. What should I apply first in my routine, Niacinamide or Marine hyaluronics? Is It Okay to Use Vitamin C and Niacinamide Together? In the same vein as vitamin C, niacinamide is a powerhouse ingredient. Arch calls it her, "favorite skincare ingredient, hands down," lauding it for its potent antioxidant properties and ability to neutralize free radicals before they can cause damage. Even then, only a small amount of product will change. And while it’s best known for brightening, it can also be instrumental in skin firming. In general, Vitamin C works well with ferulic acid, Vitamin E and most sunscreens. A daily moisturizer is essential to any skincare routine, even if you’re not mixing ingredients. Everything You've Wanted to Know (And More). "Some research done in the 1960s showed a negative interaction and that the two could potentially react to produce nicotinic acid, which can cause redness and itching in the skin," explains Perry Romanowski, an independent cosmetic chemist. The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% 3. In a series of studies where 50 women who showed signs of aging were treated with a niacinamide cream, the results indicated that the women treated with niacinamide showed significantly more improvement in skin elasticity and appearance, than women treated with a placebo. Some things are just better together, and the same goes for your skincare ingredients. Or can combining these two powerhouses cause problems? Even though they both target various signs of aging, they have slightly different mechanisms of action, so you're addressing the issue from various angles. The Ordinary Lactic Acid 5% + HA 2% 6. Retinoids can be inherently irritating to the skin, and moisturizers help to calm and hydrate the skin to combat that effect. TL; DR: Niacinamide and vitamin C are both veritable power players in the skincare world in their own right. Niacinamide works best when left on for an extended period, like when using an overnight anti-aging face mask. The short answer to your question: yes, you can. Yes, you can use them together. Naturally occurring, it can be found in foods such as meats, nuts and mushrooms. 8. Are niacinamide and vitamin C the skin care equivalent of oil and water? First, let's talk about each ingredient individually. beautifulwithbrains dot com/use-vitamin-c-niacinamide-together/ ... @sprocketta You can apply a niacinamide serum either before or after vitamin C. Some folks recommend applying vit C first, but there’s no hard requirement there. Regardless, no matter which vitamin C product you pick, make sure keep it out of the sun and heat, adds Birnbaum. L-Ascorbic Acid Powder; 100% Niacinamide Powder This Vitamin C + Retinol Serum Has Replaced All My Other Serums, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate Is The Version of Vitamin C Your Skin Needs, The Little-Known Vitamin Your Skin Needs to Really Glow, The Dermatologist's Guide to Vitamin C for Skin, Your Skin Might Actually Need Ascorbyl Glucoside, Not Vitamin C, Tranexamic Acid Is the Newest "It" Acid—Here's What You Should Know, Dermatologists Love Kojic Acid for Preventing Dark Spots, Meet Arbutin: The Secret Skin-Brightener You’ve Never Heard Of, What Skin Experts Really Think About Aloe Vera for Your Skin, Is Magnesium the Answer to Our Oily Skin Woes? • Apply low-pH active ingredients, like chemical exfoliants, azelaic acid, and vitamin C. • After your pH-dependant actives, you can basically apply your niacinamide at any point. Dr. Dendy Engelman is a board-certified dermatologic surgeon and lecturer both in the U.S. and in the global arena. You can still use both of these ingredients, however, it's important you apply them at alternate times. With any active, it’s important to start slowly when incorporating ingredients into your routine. Note that vitamin C and vitamin E are both important to apply topically everyday in your cocktail. Anything you may have read that says otherwise is based on outdated research that doesn't translate to a real world scenario. (Its fussy nature is why many vitamin C products skew on the pricier side; it's a tough ingredient to formulate with.) Take Niacinamide + Vitamin C: this pair makes an especially powerful combination. Niacinamide is taken by mouth for preventing vitamin B3 deficiency and related conditions such as pellagra. That's simply because vitamin C is a notoriously unstable molecule, easily rendered inactive by exposure to sunlight, oxygen, and even other ingredients. The truth is that niacinamide and vitamin C are your secret weapon combo for putting skin problems to rest. Among a handful of other amazing skin care ingredients such as retinol and vitamin C, niacinamide is a standout because of its versatility for almost any skin care concern and skin type.