The two ingredients that have created a huge buzz among skincare enthusiasts are none other than Niacinamide and Vitamin C. Renowned for their ability to provide transforming effects on the skin, these powerhouse ingredients promise you a complete solution to your faded, wrinkled, and aged skin. In today’s blog, we are decoding the unique benefits of combining Niacinamide and Vitamin C, its compatibility, and tips on how to incorporate the two active ingredients into your skincare routine.
The Power of Niacinamide and Vitamin C
While Niacinamide, a variant of Vitamin B3, regulates energy and metabolism, Vitamin C is the anti-oxidant that improves blood circulation, collagen production, and healing processes. Let’s take a better look at this topic.
Niacinamide for Skin Health
Niacinamide is a versatile addition to your skincare routine, known for its healing and therapeutic properties like anti-inflammatory, hydration, minimizing pores, and reducing premature signs of aging such as wrinkles and fine lines. If you have acne-prone skin and are searching for a safe ingredient to treat your skin to get it back into great health, niacinamide is your best ally. Available as standalone or combined supplements, niacinamide is often included in B-complex vitamins and facial moisturizers. Generally well-tolerated and safe, it’s best to consult a healthcare provider before use.
Vitamin C: The Radiance Booster
The nutrient booster and all-rounder in the world of skincare, the benefits of Vitamin C lie from brightening the skin to reducing the appearance of wrinkles to give your skin a youthful glow. With its anti-inflammatory properties, Vitamin C neutralizes free radicals and optimizes the immune system, reducing redness and inflammation and providing a more even complexion. Vitamin C is also known for its ability to brighten the complexion and fade hyperpigmentation, resulting in a more even skin tone.
Note: People with sensitive skin are strictly advised not to use topical vitamin C in high concentration as it can irritate your skin.
To have a better understanding of topical application of Vitamin C Read here
Safe Skincare Combinations: Niacinamide and Vitamin C
The myth about Niacinamide and Vitamin C compatibility isn’t new. One such most-heard myth is that, when niacinamide and vitamin C are combined, irritation in the skin occurs. But, is it true? Of course not!
This myth's root dates back to when pure forms of these ingredients were mixed. When combined in pure form, nicotinic acid is a result of the reaction between ingredients. Today, this is not the case. Skincare has advanced and this kind of irritation occurs only if the skin is exposed to very high temperatures after the application of the two ingredients. Today, Vitamin C and niacinamide are used together by many for their complementary benefits.
Vitamin C is most effective in an acidic environment (pH 3.0-3.5) and Niacinamide functions best in a neutral to slightly acidic pH (pH 5.0-7.0). Modern formulations have made it possible to use both ingredients together without compromising their efficacy. You don’t even have to doubt ever again before combining niacinamide and vitamin C in your skincare routine until and unless you have sensitive skin prone to irritation. Remember to apply Vitamin C first, allowing it to absorb before layering up with Niacinamide. This sequence can help maintain the effects of both ingredients on the skin.
Before mixing the two substances in your skincare routine, keep an eye out for the following.
- Start slow: Always start slow with the new products. If you have sensitive skin, wait a couple of weeks more to confirm that there are no chances of irritation.
- One time a day: Even if you do not have sensitive skin, it is always a good option to start the ingredients once a day to take it slow and let your skin adjust to the changes.
- Patch test: Before applying the ingredients to your face, always do a patch test. If no irritation is noticed after 24 hours, continue with the product.
- Safe storage: Among the two ingredients, Vitamin C is the most light and heat-sensitive ingredient. When exposed to light, high temperature and oxygen, Vitamin C can get oxidized, nullifying its effect.
Vitamin C and Niacinamide Benefits: A Perfect Pair
Excellent as an antioxidant, vitamin C benefits the skin in several ways.
- Boosts collagen production on the skin, increasing its elasticity and reducing wrinkles and fine lines. This makes your skin look healthier and plumpier.
- Brightens the skin and gets rid of hyperpigmentation and dullness providing a glow after consistent use.
- Reduces inflammation and irritation on the skin by acting on patchy areas of the skin.
- Diminishes scars and marks caused by acne and other skin damage effectively.
With its own set of advantages, niacinamide, a form of vitamin B3, enhances the effects of vitamin C in the following ways:
- Hydrates the skin by strengthening the skin barrier. It reduces the transdermal water loss.
- Like Vitamin C, niacinamide also evens out the skin tone by reducing hyperpigmentation.
- Supports the skin by reducing the signs of ageing like wrinkles and fine lines.
- Shrinks the visible pores on the skin and makes them appear smaller.
- Treats acne by regulating sebum/oil production that lowers clogging of pores and breakouts.
- Has great anti-inflammatory properties which reduce any kind of inflammation on the skin. Even inflammation caused by skin conditions like eczema and rosacea can be treated with the help of niacinamide.
Together, both the power ingredients tackle a wide range of issues and conditions that can lead to chronic skin damage. Incorporate them into your skincare regimen and use them regularly to transform your skin into a visibly radiant, smoother, and younger version in a few weeks.
Incorporating Niacinamide and Vitamin C into Your Routine
Vitamin C Serum Tips
The first step towards choosing the right vitamin C for your skin lies in identifying the right concentration and pH of the product. Start with a 10% concentration and increase it up to 20% once your skin gets adjusted with the ingredients. The most potential form of Vitamin C, L-ascorbic acid with a low pH of approximately 3.5 is preferred for oily skin, and a milder version, magnesium ascorbyl phosphate with a pH of 5 to 6 works best for dry and sensitive skin as no irritation is caused.
Make sure that Vitamin C is applied under SPF, as the ingredient is vulnerable to light and a broad spectrum sunscreen coverage is a must to lock in the effects of the ingredient on skin.
Niacinamide for Balanced Skincare
Niacinamide is a versatile ingredient that can be used both morning and night. 2-3 drops of the ingredient is enough to work. It is compatible with a wide range of other skincare ingredients, including retinoids, peptides, and hyaluronic acid. But, if you are using vitamin c with niacinamide, make sure to stay away from AHA, BHA, and retinol as it may dry your skin and cause irritation.
Skincare regimen for the best results
Step 1: Cleansing
Cleanse your face well with FCL “C” Scape Cleanser to remove any excess oil, dirt, and impurities clogging your pores.
Step 2: Applying Serum
Apply Vitamin C serum on the skin to brighten the complexion and reduce wrinkles and fine lines. FCL "C" Scape 25 serum offers a high concentration of vitamin C in the most stable form of ethyl ascorbic acid (25%). It also contains a blend of the most innovative antioxidants and skin-lightening agents. Which makes it a perfect antiaging serum with multiple benefits.
Apply Niacinamide serum after Vitamin C serum to diminish the appearance of open pores, and acne and even out the skin tone.
Step 3: Moisturizing
A good moisturizer after the application of the ingredients locks in the moisturizer and retains hydration.
Step 5: Sun-Protection
Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects your skin from harmful UV rays. FCL Chemfree SPF 50 is a non-nano physical sunscreen that provides broad-spectrum protection against both UVA & UVB rays.
Conclusion: Embrace the Power of Niacinamide and Vitamin C
For your skincare routine, incorporating Niacinamide and Vitamin C can benefit you in multiple ways. From improved skin tone and texture to regulated collagen production and excellent antioxidant properties, dynamic advantages come with it. To bring the maximum effect of niacinamide and vitamin C on the skin, the concentration, pH, and type of ingredient must be carefully looked for.
Just like any other skincare routine, consistency is key to niacinamide and vitamin C too. With regular use, you will begin to see the transformative effects of Niacinamide and Vitamin C, resulting in a brighter and more youthful complexion. Begin with lower concentrations to allow your skin to adjust. For any skin type, incorporating this potent combination is ideal for unlocking the full potential of your skincare regimen.
