Most people think once you age, there is no way of achieving younger looking skin again. Well, we want to let you in on a secret: there is a way to get some of your youthful vibrancy back into your skin!
Niacinamide and Vitamin C are two incredibly powerful ingredients, when combined, will leave your skin glowing and get rid of acne scars, marks and has great anti-aging benefits.
However, a quick web search will turn up confusing information that using the two of them together is not a good idea. We’re here to help debunk this myth and help you know this is truly a skincare match made in heaven.
Can You Use Niacinamide And Vitamin C Together Safely?
This is the question most people ask about this skincare magic tool. You are certainly able to use any two products you wish together, but are they safe and effective to do so simultaneously?
In short: yes!
Using these products together won’t damage your skin. Furthermore, each ingredient doesn’t cancel out the good effects of the other. It is always important to listen to your skin. If you have dry skin and notice your skin not tolerating the two, skip a day or two between or use more sparingly. If your skin is more oily, you might be able to use it more often.
We’ll dive into why these ingredients are safe and where some concerns come from a little bit more later.
What Does Niacinamide Do For Skin?
Each day we are exposed to environmental conditions which can cause damage to our skin on a cellular level. Sun UV rays, environmental toxins our in the air, and even emotions like stress can affect our skin.
Wouldn’t it be nice if there were a skincare ingredient to combat all these effects?
Turns out that’s exactly what niacinamide does. Also known as Vitamin B3, this skincare ingredient has the power to repair the damage done to your very DNA.
Your skin also has a barrier made up of ceramide molecules. This barrier helps protect the skin against any damage in the first place.
Plus, it helps the skin hold onto its hydration. Well-hydrated skin is plumper, more evenly toned, and healthier overall. As an added bonus, that plumpness helps reduce the appearance of wrinkles, making skin smoother and thus reducing the appearance of aging.
As you may have guessed, niacinamide is effective in fortifying and strengthening this ceramide barrier.
Niacinamide is gentle and safe to use for any skin type. It is especially effective for those who struggle with acne. The ingredient both helps control oil production as well as having an anti-inflammatory effect to combat irritation which produces acne.
What Does Vitamin C Do For Your Skin?
Vitamin C is known as the anti-aging superstar in the skincare world because its effects are so potent.
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant which is very effective in protecting your skin against damage from the outside world. It is also a powerhouse when it comes to repairing damage caused by exposure to UV radiation.
After just a few applications you should see a noticeable brightening, toning, and overall evening of your skin tone. Age spots, marks, scars, blemishes and other skin imperfections can fade and even disappear over time.
There are a few different forms of Vitamin C anti-aging serum, but regardless of which one you choose your skin will greatly benefit from its application.
What’s The Big Deal Then??
To get the most from your skincare routine, you should use more than one ingredient. Different ingredients do different things for your skin and supply different nutrients your skin needs. To achieve the best effect and grasp the final result you want, you will need to mix products and ingredients to ensure your desired outcome.
So, what’s the concern with mixing Vitamin C and Niacinamide?
There is information out there saying says mixing these two ingredients will cause them to cancel each other out. But these concerns are unfounded. Let’s look at the chemistry behind it.
Niacinamide & Niacin
A chemical reaction occurs when you mix niacinamide with an acid which turns it into niacin. There is some indication niacin is just as effective as a skin care ingredient as niacinamide.
The problem is, niacin has a side effect of increasing blood flow sometimes too much. This can cause the skin to flush and even create a tingling sensation. Some people are more prone to this reaction than others and has been known to worsen inflammatory acne.
However, this chemical reaction is very slow. Plus, there needs to be a high concentration of acid to trigger the reaction.
Heat also speeds up the process to a great degree. Roughly every 18 degrees F (10 degrees Celsius) of temperature increase will double the rate of the reaction. But to have a significant effect, we’re talking high temperatures which under normal circumstances you won’t be exposing your skincare products to.
Niacinamide & Ascorbic Acid
Niacinamide and ascorbic acid (a form of Vitamin C) are both clear liquids. When you mix them, they turn yellow. The main concern here is as ascorbic acid oxidizes it turns into dehydroascorbic acid and turns yellow. But this is not the same reaction.
On the contrary, mixing the two appears to create an even more stable version of ascorbic acid.
The reaction is also reversible. Niacinamide and ascorbic acid don’t become an entirely new compound. Rather they are loosely held together and thus can be taken apart again.
The Bottom Line
Chemical reactions do occur when you mix niacinamide and Vitamin C together. But these reactions are extremely slow.
You can avoid any potential negative effects by using products before their expiration date and storing them in a cool location. Remember, heat can speed up the change of niacinamide to niacin by quite a bit.
However, concerns that niacinamide and Vitamin C cancel each other out are unfounded. On the contrary, the benefits your skin will receive from using both products are extraordinary.
Some people may experience a flush or tingling, particularly if they’re very sensitive to niacin. In which case, you may prefer to use one in the morning and the other in the evening.
But the vast majority of people should have no problems using products containing both ingredients. This is particularly true if the formulation has been properly pH balanced and isn’t overly acidic.
Try It Out For Yourself!
For a great example, feel free to check out our 10 Actives Serum which contains both niacinamide and Vitamin C along with other beneficial ingredients.
Be sure to always listen to your skin, and don’t let unfounded concerns keep you from using these amazing ingredients for your skin and enjoying the vast benefits to help you acheive your skincare goals!