They both have boosting and brightening benefits. And are true skincare super stars when it comes to delivering a visible result fast. We’re talking about niacinamide and vitamin C. And while each ingredient has powerful benefits on their own, when combined together, topical niacinamide and vitamin C deliver even more of a boost to your skin's health and visible results.
Ready to incorporate these two ingredients into your skincare routine? We consulted our Kate Somerville Skin Health Experts to share everything you need to know about niacinamide, vitamin C, and how to use the two together effectively.
What is Niacinamide?
Niacinamide, a form of vitamin B3, is also known as niacin and acts as a nutrient-rich powerhouse for your skin. One of the most effective ingredients found in many anti-aging products, applying niacinamide regularly can help improve your skin's natural barrier and increase hydration and reducing visible signs of aging.1 Additionally, topical niacinamide has been shown to have calming effects when applied to the skin, making it ideal for individuals with sensitive skin or those who regularly use strong exfoliants like retinol. If you’ve ever wondered “Can I use niacinamide with retinol?” the answer is absolutely! Depending on your skin type or complexion concerns, adding niacinamide to your skincare routine can greatly benefit your skin.
What is Vitamin C?
Like niacinamide, vitamin C offers up a long list of benefits. When applied to the skin, vitamin C is a potent antioxidant that can help your body by neutralizing free radicals.2 Much like eating antioxidant-rich foods can help restore your body, applying antioxidants to your skin can do the same. Regularly using a vitamin C serum will help counteract environmental pollutants and aggressors that your skin barrier comes in contact with daily—like UV rays and pollution. And similar to niacinamide, vitamin C has anti-aging benefits. This skincare ingredient helps improve the look of fine lines and wrinkles and can even brighten the appearance of acne scars, dark spots, or hyperpigmentation.
Using Niacinamide with Vitamin C
Now that you know the benefits of each, you're probably asking “can you use niacinamide with vitamin C?” In short, the answer is yes. In fact, the many vitamin C and niacinamide skin benefits complement each other and create a powerful combination that targets fine lines. Ultimately, combining these two skincare ingredients can help achieve more youthful, healthy-looking skin.
How to Use Them Together
There are a few ways you can use vitamin C and niacinamide together. First, you can search for a product that combines both ingredients. Not only will this help save you a step in your skincare routine, but it will also ensure that all of the ingredients you use are designed to work together effectively.
We recommend starting with the KX Active Concentrates Vitamin B3 + Vitamin C Serum for the perfect two-in-one product. Just two drops of this high-performance serum twice a day will visibly improve uneven skin tone, skin texture, clarity, brightness and reduce the appearance of dark spots.
Additionally, you can apply vitamin C and niacinamide in the same morning or evening skincare regimen from different products that you layer one over the other. You can apply them directly after each other or choose to use niacinamide in the morning and vitamin C at night. On its own, niacinamide will work to restore your skin's appearance, while vitamin C will protect your skin against environmental stressors. Combining these two isn't just a smart skincare move; it's a step towards a brighter, more youthful complexion.
Now that you know it's entirely safe to mix these two, it's time to begin incorporating them into your skincare regimen. Begin with a product like KX Active Concentrates Vitamin B3 + Vitamin C Serum, which includes a winning combination of vitamin C and niacinamide. Or, use a niacinamide serum before applying powerful exfoliants like retinol to help soothe your skin, reduce visible redness, and boost the effectiveness of each.
Remember, everyone's skin type is unique, and because of this, it's important to use products that meet your skin’s needs, whether you have oily, acne-prone skin or dry, sensitive skin. When adding any new skincare ingredient to your regimen, begin slowly and monitor how your skin reacts and feels. Using products that boost your skin's natural abilities is the best way to keep your skin healthy, happy, and glowing!
Curious to learn more about the benefits of niacinamide? Discover the 5 Niacinamide Skin Benefits, and learn more about this powerful ingredient here at Kate Somerville.
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