Niacinamide and Vitamin C: The Perfect Skin Care Combo

Niacinamide and vitamin C are among the best combinations of rejuvenating skin care ingredients. It may be possible to reduce signs of photoaging and repair skin damage by using products that contain these ingredients. Learn more about how vitamin C and niacinamide work together and find out how to include these ingredients in your regular skincare routine.

Restore Skin With Niacinamide

Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3 that has been shown to tighten pores and strengthen the protective barrier of skin. This ingredient occurs naturally, but synthetic forms are often used in skincare.

In addition to improving skin texture, niacinamide may also reduce the appearance of discoloration and dullness by repairing past sun damage. Niacinamide stimulates ceramide and keratin production to restore the skin barrier and protect against further damage.

Use a serum formulated with niacinamide or a product that combines this ingredient with other skincare ingredients that have similar effects. One of the most effective pairings involves niacinamide and vitamin C.

Increase Resilience With Vitamin C

Vitamin C found in foods, vitamins and topical products can benefit your skin. This potent antioxidant works to neutralize free radicals and repair damaged skin cells. In addition to resurfacing skin, vitamin C can also reduce visible sun damage.

One of the most effective ways to use vitamin C is to apply a serum made with this ingredient. Emma Hardie Vitamin C Intense Daily Serum, 1 fl. oz. contains a blend of time-released vitamin C to maximize the discoloration-reducing properties of niacinamide.

The concentration of topical vitamin C treatments ranges from 5% up to 30% strength. In general, the effects of this antioxidant reach their peak around 20%, but this strength may irritate sensitive skin. Look for a product formulated for the needs of your skin that contains vitamin C.

Combined Benefits of Niacinamide and Vitamin C

It is hard to beat the combined powers of vitamin C and niacinamide for lightening age spots, freckles or melasma. Both of these substances work to repair existing damage and prevent future discoloration.

In general, vitamin C performs best in a low pH level or acidic environment. Ascorbic acid triggers a healing reaction in which skin produces collagen and elastin in response to each treatment with this ingredient. As a result, applying vitamin C to skin may reduce the appearance of fine lines and rough texture. 

The pH level of niacinamide is close to neutral and this substance is more stable. This formula supplements vitamin C by increasing the production of skin-firming ceramides and keratin, lightening existing dark spots and enhancing defenses against sun damage.

Using Vitamin C and Niacinamide Together

A study in the 1960s suggested that combining niacinamide and vitamin C in a topical application reduced treatment efficacy. This result occurred because stable forms of vitamin C were not used. 

Today, several stable forms of vitamin C are used in skincare. Look for products that contain pure ascorbic acid, L-ascorbic acid, ascorbyl glucoside, magnesium ascorbyl phosphate and tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate. Some forms are more potent than others.

Choose a serum that contains niacinamide and vitamin C or a moisturizer such as Emma Hardie Moisture Boost Vitamin C Cream, 1.7 fl. oz. This formula reduces visible signs of aging and discoloration while nourishing skin with a blend of red algae extract, shea butter and grapeseed oil.

Supercharge Your Skin Care Routine

Regardless of the products or steps in your skincare routine, you should apply sunscreen every day before going outside. The formula of Perricone MD Cold Plasma Plus+ Neck & Chest Broad Spectrum SPF 25, 5.1 oz. is a great choice for maintaining moisture levels while correcting and preventing dark spots.

Vitamin C and niacinamide are a good basis for a daily routine for any skin type. Whether you want a brighter and more glowing complexion, a reduction in breakouts or to protect aging skin, one or more products that contain these ingredients should be part of your skin care regimen.

Most skin types can benefit from regular applications of niacinamide and vitamin C. From lightening discoloration and reducing further signs of photoaging to improving the overall appearance of skin, you may want to use both of these ingredients in the best skin care products. You can find more information on the best skin care routines for every skin type and condition in our Complete Guide to Skin Care for Anti-Aging and Wrinkles which can be found in the LaLa Daisy Beauty Resource Center.

If you would like more information on the use of niacinamide in skincare products you can read this article from The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology.