Can you use vitamin C and niacinamide together?

In the case of pimples remedy, vitamin C and niacinamide are sometimes pitted towards one another. Each have anti-inflammatory properties that could be useful in getting rid of pimples, a typical pores and skin situation the place the pores of the pores and skin get clogged. However folks might have apprehensions about mixing the 2 as combining vitamin C and niacinamide might result in the formation of nicotinic acid, a compound that may trigger pores and skin irritation and redness. Individuals with delicate pores and skin might particularly expertise irritation whereas utilizing these substances collectively. However there are methods to make use of vitamin C and niacinamide collectively with out experiencing negative effects.

Vitamin C for pores and skin

Vitamin C, also called ascorbic acid, is a strong antioxidant important for numerous bodily features. It performs an important position within the manufacturing of collagen, the protein that helps keep pores and skin’s construction and elasticity, says dermatologist Dr Vijay Singhal.

It’s water-soluble, which suggests it dissolves in water, and the physique can’t retailer it. So, a steady provide by way of weight loss plan or supplementation is important. It’s discovered naturally in lots of fruit and veggies, significantly in citrus fruits, strawberries, bell peppers, and leafy greens. In skincare, vitamin C is commonly utilized in serums, moisturisers, and different topical merchandise because of its quite a few advantages.

Vitamin C provides a variety of advantages for the pores and skin, making it a well-liked ingredient in skincare merchandise. Listed here are among the advantages –

1. Might take away darkish spots

Vitamin C can be utilized in depigmentation of hyperpigmented spots on the pores and skin, as per a analysis printed within the Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology in 2020. Vitamin C inhibits melanin manufacturing, which may also help to lighten hyperpigmentation, and take away darkish spots, resulting in a extra even pores and skin tone.

2. Anti-ageing

Vitamin C has an anti-ageing impact by rising collagen manufacturing, stabilising collagen fibers, and lowering degradation of collagen, based on a analysis printed within the Journal of Scientific and Aesthetic Dermatology in 2017. By selling collagen manufacturing, Vitamin C helps to cut back the looks of advantageous traces and wrinkles, bettering pores and skin’s general texture and firmness.

3. Antioxidant safety

As an antioxidant, Vitamin C can defend the pores and skin from injury brought on by free radicals, that are unstable molecules that may hurt pores and skin cells, resulting in untimely ageing and pores and skin most cancers, says Dr Singhal.

4. Eliminate pimples scars

Vitamin C has anti-inflammatory and collagen-boosting properties, as per Nationwide Institutes of Well being. So, topical software of merchandise with vitamin C might assist eliminate pimples and enhance the looks of pimples scars.

5. Wound therapeutic

Vitamin C might speed up the therapeutic of wounds, says Dr Singhal. It might additionally assist stop scars from accidents by encouraging the expansion of recent, wholesome pores and skin tissue.

Niacinamide for pores and skin

Niacinamide is a water-soluble vitamin that gives a number of advantages for the pores and skin, says cosmetologist and pores and skin professional Dr Jatin Mittal. It’s present in meals like meat, fish, milk, eggs, inexperienced greens, and cereals. In skincare, niacinamide is understood for its versatility and is utilized in a wide range of merchandise, together with serums, lotions, and toners.

There are various advantages of niacinamide for pores and skin. These embody:

1. Regulates oil manufacturing

Throughout a 2017 research printed in Dermatologic Remedy, it was discovered that utilizing nicotinamide topically, led to a big discount in pimples. Niacinamide additionally helps to steadiness the pores and skin’s oil manufacturing, making it significantly useful for these with oily or acne-prone pores and skin.

2. Minimises pore look

As niacinamide helps regulate oil manufacturing, it could actually additionally cut back the looks of enlarged pores, says Dr Mittal. This, in flip, could make the pores and skin look a lot smoother.

3. Reduces irritation

It has anti-inflammatory properties that may be of nice assist in soothing irritated pores and skin. This high quality makes it efficient in treating situations like pimples, eczema, and rosacea, says Dr Singhal.

4. Strengthens the pores and skin barrier

It enhances the pores and skin’s pure barrier operate, which helps to lock in moisture and hold out environmental irritants. This may also help in lowering sensitivity and bettering hydration.

5. Enhance pores and skin texture

A 2005 research printed within the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology confirmed that software of a skincare product with niacinamide helped in bettering look of texture, hyperpigmentation, and crimson blotchiness. Enhancements in wrinkles, pores and skin elasticity, and sallowness (yellowing of pores and skin) had been additionally seen through the research.

Are you able to mix vitamin C and niacinamide?

When you’ve got delicate pores and skin, you would possibly expertise irritation when utilizing these substances collectively, particularly if the vitamin C focus is excessive, says Dr Singhal. In such instances, it could be finest to make use of them at completely different occasions of the day or alternate days. You can even go for a lighter vitamin C skincare product with lower than 20 p.c ascorbic acid.

The mixture of niacinamide and vitamin C in skincare is commonly seen as a powerhouse duo. Collectively, they deal with a variety of pores and skin considerations and improve one another’s advantages:

• Each niacinamide and Vitamin C are recognized for his or her potential to brighten the pores and skin. When used collectively, they’ll considerably enhance pores and skin tone, cut back darkish spots, and create a radiant complexion.
• Whereas vitamin C stimulates collagen manufacturing, niacinamide helps to strengthen the pores and skin barrier and cut back advantageous traces. The mixture results in a firmer, younger look.
• Vitamin C gives highly effective antioxidant safety, whereas niacinamide has anti-inflammatory properties. Collectively, they create a strong protection towards environmental stressors like ultraviolet rays and air pollution, which may result in untimely ageing.
• Niacinamide helps regulate oil manufacturing, which may stop breakouts, whereas vitamin C helps with therapeutic and lowering post-acne marks.

Utilizing vitamin C and niacinamide collectively in your skincare routine can maximise their advantages, says Dr Mittal. Right here’s the best way to use them –

1. Layering

Apply vitamin C first, adopted by niacinamide. Vitamin C serums often have a decrease Potential of Hydrogen or pH, so making use of it first permits it to penetrate the pores and skin extra successfully. Wait a couple of minutes after making use of vitamin C to let it take in earlier than layering niacinamide.

2. Morning routine

Vitamin C is finest used within the morning because of its antioxidant properties, which defend the pores and skin from environmental injury like UV rays and air pollution. After cleaning, apply your vitamin C serum, adopted by niacinamide, after which end with a broad-spectrum sunscreen to boost safety.

3. Night routine

You should utilize niacinamide within the night after cleaning and earlier than moisturising. This helps to strengthen the pores and skin barrier in a single day and assist pores and skin restore, says Dr Mittal.

If you’re new to both ingredient, do a patch check to make sure your pores and skin doesn’t react negatively. Additionally, vitamin C may be delicate to mild and air, so retailer it in a cool, darkish place to keep up its efficacy. Niacinamide, alternatively, is extra secure however ought to nonetheless be saved correctly to make sure its longevity.

Are there any negative effects of utilizing niacinamide and vitamin C collectively?

Typically, niacinamide and vitamin C are secure to make use of collectively, and negative effects are uncommon. Nevertheless, some potential points would possibly come up –

• Some folks would possibly expertise irritation, redness, or stinging, significantly if utilizing a excessive focus of vitamin C. If this happens, think about using a decrease focus or lowering the frequency of software.
• In uncommon instances, utilizing new merchandise can result in breakouts, particularly if in case you have acne-prone pores and skin. It’s necessary to introduce these substances slowly to observe how your pores and skin reacts.
• Be cautious when combining niacinamide and vitamin C with different lively substances like retinoids or acids, as this may improve the danger of irritation.

The mixture of niacinamide and vitamin C can provide advantages for the pores and skin when used accurately. So, discover ways to incorporate these substances into your skincare routine if you wish to have a glowing pores and skin.