How Long to Wait Between Vitamin C and Niacinamide?

When it comes to active skincare ingredients niacinamide and vitamin C are real crowd pleasers, and with good reason. They each provide an impressive benefit for the skin, with a few considered very similar. The question is, do they work best of all separately, or should they be combined? Not to worry as I will clear some of the confusion surrounding this topic as well as the best way of using these two powerhouses together and how long to wait between vitamin C and niacinamide.

What is Niacinamide?

Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3 that carries many benefits for the skin. It helps the skin by producing ceramides to help to improve the skin’s natural protective barrier. With the barrier functioning correctly it can protect itself from exposure to free radicals and other environmental aggressors. It is also able to increase the collagen production to help with the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles whilst regulating the sebum (the natural oil found on the skin surface) and how much is produced.

You will also find that it contains powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties resulting in the skin being fully protected and maintained at its healthiest state throughout the entire day.

What is Vitamin C?

Vitamin C is another very popular skin ingredient that carries a host of several benefits. With antioxidant properties and ability to chemically exfoliate the skin reviving the complexion by evening out the texture and tone. Hyperpigmentation and dark spots are visibly reduced whilst exposure to free radicals does not result in further damage.

If you have read any of our previous posts, you’ll find that we have spoken about how the idea of using niacinamide and vitamin C together is often considered a pointless exercise. This is a result of some outdated research from the 1960s when an unstable form of vitamin C was regularly used in formulations which when teamed with niacinamide would have a chemical reaction, known as niacin. This basically led to each ingredient competing making them lose their potency and are no longer effective on the skin. Modern day formulas often contain two different types of stable vitamin C that if used correctly can work effectively with

Can I use vitamin C after niacinamide?

Yes, you can, but to get the most out of the benefits of vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, it generally considered better to apply vitamin C before niacinamide. This will allow the ascorbic acid to penetrate the skin and get to work exfoliating the outer surface. By following this with niacinamide will ensure that can irritation that may occur to the skin after applying vitamin C will be calmed and soothed.

How long should you wait after putting niacinamide?

When it comes to layering vitamin C and niacinamide the best way of gaining optimal results is to wait for about 15 minutes in between applications. If you find this to be too long and time is a little more pressing, there are a few skincare products that contain both ingredients in the formulations. If all else fails, you can alternate when you apply each ingredient, whether it’s different days, or during your morning or evening skincare routines. Whichever way you decide to use your skincare products it is important to ensure that if you are introducing a new product or ingredient into your routine that you have checked with a doctor or dermatologist that you are safe to do so.

Can I use niacinamide in the morning and vitamin C at night?

You can indeed, however, if you were to ask me for my own opinion, the luminous finish you have to your skin after applying vitamin C is too glowing to go to waste as you head off to bed. With that in mind, I suggest applying your vitamin C product during your morning routine, you can then leave your niacinamide for the evening. With the potent blend of antioxidants in niacinamide and its ability to regulate the sebum production in the skin applying it in the evening will have the same effects as hitting a reset button for the complexion. Exposure to free radical damage and other environmental aggressors from the day will be repaired and balance restored back, the best part is that all this hard work will occur whilst you are getting your well-earned beauty sleep.

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

As I have already suggested there are fears still circulating that you are unable to use vitamin C and niacinamide together. This is not helped with the fact that vitamin C is one of the trickiest ingredients to work with, and why finding the best product containing the correct percentage for your skin type is an important task.

With modern day formulas you’ll find that layering these ingredients together will complement each other leaving you with radiant skin that is even in tone and texture.

Is niacinamide better in the morning or night?

You can use niacinamide in the morning and night, it is just as effective no matter when you use it in your daily routine. It is also suggested that using it twice a day will ensure your skin gains optimal hydrating results thanks to the humectant traits locking moisture into the outer surface.

If you are wanting to choose the time of day that suits you, the benefits are as follows; applying niacinamide during your morning routine will give your skin the added protection needed to tackle the day with it combating damage caused by free radicals, such as UV exposure, pollution, and harsh weather. As for evening application any damage caused from the day will be repaired and excess sebum on the skin surface will be regulated.

Niacinamide is a tough ingredient and can withstand various factors that can easily disrupt the potency of other skincare ingredients. This is a bonus to teaming it with vitamin C as exposure to heat etc. Although the chemical reaction of niacin is undesirable, but not completely impossible to occur on the skin. If you find that after applying niacinamide and vitamin C you have redness or flushing you should stop using these products, however this reaction is still quite unusual. If you have any concerns its best to consult with a doctor or dermatologist to give you the peace of mind that you and your skin will be happy with products used.

If you have any more questions about how long to wait between vitamin C and niacinamide follow us on Instagram.