When it comes to skincare, one of the most common questions people ask is: Can I use niacinamide with vitamin C? The answer (drum roll please) - Yes, you can mix niacinamide and vitamin C. In fact, combining them can be a game-changer for your skin—offering brightening, soothing, and anti-aging benefits.
For a long time, there was a belief that these two powerhouse ingredients shouldn't be mixed - it was a big no-no because it was thought that they would cancel each other out. Not to mention, many feared potential skin irritation from combining products. Thankfully, thoughts have changed due to new research that has debunked those myths.
Combining niacinamide with vitamin C can be a game-changer for your skin—offering brightening, soothing, and anti-aging benefits.
In this article, we will explore why this combination works, how to layer niacinamide with vitamin C, and the amazing benefits of incorporating them into your routine.
Why Niacinamide and Vitamin C Are Skin Heroes
Niacinamide (also known as vitamin B3) and vitamin C (ascorbic acid) are two of the most researched and effective ingredients in skincare. They target many of the most common concerns such as uneven skin tone, fine lines, dullness, and texture issues.
Niacinamide is a soothing, hydrating ingredient that helps with everything from reducing redness to minimizing pores and evening out skin tone. It’s gentle enough for sensitive skin and works well with nearly every other skincare ingredient.
Vitamin C, on the other hand, is a potent antioxidant that brightens your skin, protects against environmental stressors, and helps fade dark spots. It also stimulates collagen production, which can lead to firmer, smoother skin.
On their own, these ingredients are already impressive. But together? They’re quite frankly unstoppable.
Debunking the Myth: Can You Mix Niacinamide and Vitamin C?
Let’s address the elephant in the room and provide the details to the question that you want to know—can you mix niacinamide and vitamin C? For years, it was believed that combining these two ingredients would either render them ineffective or cause skin irritation. The thinking behind this was that niacinamide would lower the pH of vitamin C, making it less effective.
However, recent studies have shown that this concern is unfounded. Niacinamide and vitamin C can actually complement each other beautifully.
When used together, the skincare combo can enhance each other's benefits without losing their potency. The result is a brighter, clearer, and healthier complexion.
But—there’s always a catch—since everyone's skin is different, it’s still wise to proceed with caution.
How to Layer Vitamin C and Niacinamide
So, now that we know you can safely use vitamin C with niacinamide, the next question is, how do you layer them? The order in which you apply these products can make a big difference in how effective they are.
The general rule of thumb in skincare is to layer products from the thinnest to the thickest. Since most vitamin C serums are lightweight, you’ll want to apply them first, followed by the niacinamide serum.
Here’s a simple step-by-step guide on exactly how you should :
- Cleanse: Start with a gentle cleanser to remove any dirt, oil, or makeup.
- Tone (optional): If you use a toner, apply it next to balance your skin and prepare it for treatment.
- Apply Vitamin C: Apply a small amount of vitamin C serum, like the Seeking C Face Serum, and gently press it into your skin. Let it absorb for a minute.
- Apply Niacinamide: Follow with a niacinamide serum, such as Original Cin Niacinamide 10% Serum, and pat it in until fully absorbed.
- Moisturize: Seal everything in with your favorite moisturizer to lock in hydration.
- Sunscreen (AM routine): If you’re layering these ingredients in the morning, don’t forget sunscreen! Vitamin C boosts your skin’s defense against sun damage, but it’s still crucial to protect your skin with a broad-spectrum SPF.
One thing to remember is that if you prefer to use one ingredient in the morning and the other at night, that works too! You could apply vitamin C during your morning routine and save niacinamide for your evening routine, or vice versa.
Niacinamide or Vitamin C First?
If you’ve been wondering, niacinamide or vitamin C first? The answer depends on the consistency of the products you’re using.
In most cases, vitamin C should go first because it’s typically a thinner serum, and niacinamide, which is slightly thicker, should follow. However, always check the texture of your skincare products. Ideally, you should go from lightest to heaviest when applying skin care products to ensure the best results.
If both products are of similar consistency, you can layer them in any order without sacrificing effectiveness. Again, consistency is key!
Benefits of Using Vitamin C and Niacinamide Together
The combination of vitamin C and niacinamide delivers a powerful one-two punch to many common skin concerns.
Here are some of the biggest benefits:
Brighter Skin
Who doesn’t want glowing skin? A bright, glowing condition is a must!
Both vitamin C and niacinamide help reduce the appearance of dark spots and hyperpigmentation. Together, they can significantly increase the brightening effect, leaving your skin looking more radiant and even-toned. In fact, you’ll start glowing!
Anti-Aging
Collagen gives your skin its plump, youthful appearance. Sadly, the older you get, the less yoru skin products collagen. However, Vitamin C can increase the production of collagen.
Vitamin C stimulates collagen production, which helps reduce fine lines and wrinkles. Niacinamide supports the skin’s barrier function and increases moisture retention, keeping the skin plump and youthful. When used together, they fight signs of aging more effectively.
Antioxidant Protection
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that protects the skin from environmental damage like UV rays and pollution. Niacinamide adds another layer of protection by helping the skin repair itself. The combination of these ingredients fortifies your skin against daily stressors.
Reduced Redness and Irritation
Niacinamide is known for its calming and anti-inflammatory properties. It can soothe irritation and redness, making it an excellent partner for vitamin C, which can sometimes be a bit harsh on sensitive skin.
Pore Refining and Smoothing
Who doesn’t want tiny pores?
Niacinamide works wonders on minimizing pores and smoothing out uneven texture. Paired with vitamin C’s brightening and collagen-boosting benefits, you’ll notice smoother, clearer skin with fewer visible imperfections.
Who Should Use Vitamin C and Niacinamide Together?
Almost anyone can benefit from incorporating vitamin C and niacinamide together into their routine. These ingredients are suitable for most skin types, including sensitive, dry, oily, and combination skin. However, because vitamin C can sometimes be irritating for those with very sensitive skin, it’s crucial to do a patch test before incorporating both into your routine.
If you have specific skin concerns like hyperpigmentation, dullness, uneven skin tone, or fine lines, this combination can help address them more effectively.
People with acne-prone skin can also benefit, as niacinamide helps control oil production and soothe inflammation while vitamin C works on reducing the appearance of acne scars and brightening the overall complexion.
Patch Test: The Must-Do Step
We can’t emphasize this enough—always do a patch test before using new products or combinations of products on your face.
Before you rush to layer these two ingredients together, it’s important to do a patch test to make sure your skin is good with the combo. Carrying out a skin patch test is a simple step and will help you make sure your skin doesn’t react negatively, keeping irritation at bay.
Apply a small amount of each product to an area of skin, such as your inner forearm or the side of your neck.
Wait 24 hours to see if any irritation, redness, or sensitivity occurs. If nothing unusual happens, you’re good to go!
If you do experience irritation, try using the products separately or consult with a dermatologist.
Conclusion: Can You Use Vitamin C with Niacinamide?
To sum it up, yes, you can use niacinamide with vitamin C. This combination can deliver brighter, smoother, and more youthful-looking skin when used correctly. Just remember to do a patch test first to avoid any potential irritation. And when layering, start with your vitamin C serum first, followed by niacinamide, for optimal results.
Both Original Cin Niacinamide 10% Serum and Seeking C Face Serum offer powerful solutions for your skincare routine. Used together, they’ll help you achieve a healthy, glowing complexion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use niacinamide and vitamin C if I have sensitive skin?
Yes, both niacinamide and vitamin C are generally suitable for sensitive skin.
However, it’s important to patch test beforehand, as vitamin C can sometimes cause irritation.
Can niacinamide and vitamin C help with acne?
Yes, niacinamide helps control oil and soothe inflammation, while vitamin C can lessen acne scars and even out skin tone. Together, they can be effective for acne-prone skin.
Can I use niacinamide and vitamin C in the same routine both day and night?
Yes, you can use both niacinamide and vitamin C in the same routine, day or night. However, vitamin C is particularly beneficial in the morning as it protects against environmental stressors, while niacinamide can be used in both morning and evening routines for added skin benefits.
Will using niacinamide and vitamin C together help with dark spots?
Yes, using niacinamide and vitamin C together can effectively reduce the appearance of dark spots. Vitamin C brightens and fades pigmentation, while niacinamide helps even out skin tone and prevents future discoloration.