You might have heard mixed opinions about using niacinamide and vitamin C together in your skincare routine. Both ingredients offer impressive brightening, smoothing, and antioxidant benefits. But is it safe to use them in the same regimen? Let’s break it down.

Can You Combine Niacinamide and Vitamin C?

The short answer is yes. According to Margaret Schwarz, M.D., MBA of Noted Dermatology, combining vitamin C and niacinamide is generally safe, unless you have particularly sensitive skin. While both ingredients can potentially irritate, most people can enjoy their synergistic benefits without issues.

Benefits of Vitamin C

Vitamin C is celebrated for several reasons:

• Brightens Skin: It effectively evens out your complexion.
• Antioxidant Protection: It combats cellular damage caused by free radicals.
• Collagen Boost: Promotes collagen production, helping to reduce wrinkles.
• Aids Healing: Supports the skin’s natural healing processes.

Benefits of Niacinamide

Niacinamide also offers numerous advantages:

• Hydration: Provides essential moisture to the skin.
• Calms Irritation: Helps reduce redness and soothe inflammation.
• Pore Minimization: Reduces the appearance of pores.
• Oil Regulation: Controls excess oil production, beneficial for acne-prone skin.
• Dark Spot Treatment: Addresses hyperpigmentation and dark spots.

How to Use Niacinamide and Vitamin C Together

If your skin can handle both ingredients, here’s how to incorporate them effectively:

• Morning Routine: Use vitamin C right after cleansing. Follow up with a moisturizer and sunscreen.
• Evening Routine: Apply niacinamide after cleansing and before your nighttime moisturizer.

For those with sensitive skin, consider using them at different times. For example, use vitamin C in the morning and niacinamide in the evening to minimize the risk of irritation.

Potential Side Effects

Niacinamide:

• Irritation: Possible irritation, redness, or itching, particularly at high concentrations.
• Allergic Reactions: Rarely, some people might experience rashes or hives.

Vitamin C:

• Skin Irritation: May cause redness or stinging, especially in sensitive individuals.
• Photosensitivity: Increases sensitivity to sunlight, so sunscreen is essential.
• Oxidation Issues: Vitamin C can oxidize, reducing its effectiveness and potentially causing irritation.

Recommended Products

Niacinamide:

• Good Molecules Niacinamide Serum: Gentle and suitable for beginners.
• The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%: Great for controlling oil.
• First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Niacinamide Dark Spot Serum: Effective for dark spots.
• MDacne Active Moisturizer: Recommended by Dr. Harth, suitable for all skin types.

Vitamin C:

• Look for products with stable forms of vitamin C, like ascorbic acid or sodium ascorbyl phosphate, to maximize benefits and minimize irritation.

Conclusion

Using niacinamide and vitamin C together can offer significant skincare benefits if used correctly. By understanding their individual benefits and potential side effects, you can make informed decisions to enhance your skincare routine.