Can I use Niacinamide with Hyaluronic Acid and Vitamin C?

The beauty industry is full to the rafters with hundreds, maybe even thousands of skin ingredients, all of which claiming to restore the complexion to its healthiest state. So, I won’t blame you for finding it hard to pin-point which ingredients should be included in your daily routine. There’s no denying there are some big players in the game, from retinol to salicylic acid. But today we will draw our attention to niacinamide, vitamin C and hyaluronic acid, three powerhouse ingredients provide a plethora of benefits. But the question is, can you in fact use all three in one skincare routine?

Before I continue, if you are finding it tricky to figure out each ingredient- check out our Skin School that explains each ingredient in more detail-

• What is Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C)?
• What is Niacinamide?
• What is Hyaluronic Acid?

So, let’s not hang around and dive in and find out more about using niacinamide with hyaluronic acid and vitamin C.

What goes first vitamin C or niacinamide?

Vitamin C is considered the best ingredient to apply first, this is not only because of the consistency vitamin C serums tend to be waterier compared to a thicker, gel like serum that niacinamide tend to be formulated. You will also find that when vitamin C is applied first it is able to make its way into the areas of the skin it needs to treat, such as tackling hyperpigmentation and signs of ageing.

Leaving about 15 minutes for the vitamin C to fully absorb into the skin before applying a layer of niacinamide. With the humectant traits of niacinamide you will find the complexion remains healthy, hydrated, and full of youthful bounce.

Why can’t you use vitamin C and niacinamide together?

This is not necessarily true and are opinions from outdated research from the 1960s. During this time, the form of ascorbic acid (also known as vitamin C) was very unstable resulting in it being a challenge to blend into various formulations. It was in this state that lead to a negative chemical reaction occurring once vitamin C and niacinamide were used together. This is because each ingredient delivers similar benefits for the skin and when used in older formulations would result in them each competing and rendering each other useless. Modern skincare formulations include different forms of vitamin C that are praised for being more stable and easier to blend into products. If there is enough time left in between the application of vitamin C and niacinamide you should find there are no unwanted reactions.

Can I use vitamin C and hyaluronic acid at the same time?

Absolutely, teaming vitamin C and hyaluronic acid and applying them both at the time will result in a skin boosting power duo. You may find there are some formulations available that already contain both ingredients in the skincare products. If you wish to apply them separately, I suggest firstly applying your vitamin C serum followed by your hyaluronic acid serum, remembering that HA adores water and will draw moisturiser from your damp skin and locking it into place.

Can hyaluronic acid be used with niacinamide?

Yes, in fact teaming both humectants together will give the skin a hydrated boost. When using both together you’ll find both are included in the same formula, but when applied in different products start with hyaluronic acid, followed by niacinamide. By using these hydrating heroes this way will replenish the skin’s protective barrier ensuring it is able to combat signs of free radical damage, such as exposure to UV rays and pollution. Whilst hyaluronic acid keeps the skin plumped and hydrated, niacinamide helps to regulate the production of natural sebum keeping the complexion balanced and remaining at its healthiest state. If you wanted to know about this, check out our blog post about how to use niacinamide and hyaluronic acid together.

What can you not mix with vitamin C serum?

Vitamin C is one potent ingredient and has gained a reputation for its antioxidant properties making light work of skin damaging free radicals, repairing damaged cells, and brightening areas of concern, such as hyperpigmentation and dark spots. It does all this without breaking into a sweat! But when taking into consideration all these benefits you won’t be surprised to hear there are some ingredients that should be avoided when using this potent powerhouse.

Vitamin C + Benzoyl Peroxide

Benzoyl peroxide is a common acne treatment, known for its abilities to combat P.acnes bacteria, known for reducing the effects of bad bacteria and impurities that are known for causing frequent breakouts and blemishes. The downside to such a powerful ingredient is the skin dryness and flakiness creating an oxidisation of vitamin C when applied topically resulting in each ingredients counteracting their benefits. 

Vitamin C + Retinols

As one of the most potent, skin changing ingredient, retinols can combat signs of ageing and boost collagen production. With this comes some common side effects of skin peeling, redness, and irritation. It is considered best to avoid using vitamin C all together and instead apply vitamin C during your morning routine and leaving retinol for your evening routine allowing it to work whilst you sleep.

Vitamin C + AHA/BHA

Seeing as vitamin C, AHAs and BHAs are all acidic ingredients over using them in your routine can lead to a flare-up in skin irritation, redness, and sometimes severe dryness. If used correctly you will find teaming these chemical exfoliants with vitamin C will result in the build-up of dead skin cells are removed, pores are cleared of dirt, impurities and bacteria and the complexion is revived leaving you with a noticeable glow.

If any of these ingredients I have mentioned are new to you and your skin, I would suggest consulting with a doctor or dermatologist to ensure you will be able to introduce them into your routine. I also advise performing a patch test for 24 hours before applying anything onto the face.

I hope this explains things a lot easier and you know have a better understanding of using all three of these ingredients together, your skin will be as thrilled with the results as you! Don’t forget to watch the latest episode of The Green Sofa, over on our YouTube, and if skincare is a passion of yours come and follow us on Instagram.