Which product not to use with niacinamide

Niacinamide, also known as vitamin B3, is a versatile and highly valued skincare ingredient in the cosmetic world. It is renowned for its benefits, such as helping to reduce dark spots, regulating sebum production, and strengthening the skin barrier. Furthermore, niacinamide can be used morning and evening and is suitable for all skin types, including sensitive and dry skin. However, like any active cosmetic ingredient, it's essential to know which products to avoid combining with it to preserve its benefits and prevent undesirable effects.

The benefits of niacinamide in a skincare routine

Before exploring incompatibilities, let's recall the impressive properties of niacinamide. This active ingredient plays a key role in a skincare routine because it helps maintain healthy skin by boosting the production of ceramides, which are essential lipids for protecting and hydrating the skin. It also acts as a powerful anti-inflammatory, making it ideal for skin prone to redness or acne.

Niacinamide is known for its many benefits:

• It gently exfoliates by removing dead skin cells.
• It hydrates dry skin and regulates excess sebum on oily skin.
• It brightens the complexion and reduces dark spots.
• It improves skin elasticity while reducing irritation on sensitive skin.

Thanks to its high tolerance, it is commonly included in a day cream, serums, or moisturizing products to be applied both morning and evening.

Products to avoid with niacinamide

Despite its many advantages, niacinamide is an ingredient sensitive to certain combinations. The two main categories of products to avoid are:

1. Products rich in exfoliating acids:

Acids, such as glycolic acid and salicylic acid, are popular for their ability to exfoliate and treat imperfections. However, their acidic pH can compromise the effectiveness of niacinamide. Niacinamide works best in a neutral or slightly acidic environment. When applied together, there can be a risk of irritation, especially for sensitive skin, as well as a reduction in the benefits of both ingredients.

• What to do? If you want to use both an exfoliating acid and niacinamide in your skincare routine, apply them at different times (for example, use glycolic acid in the evening and niacinamide in the morning) or apply them consecutively, for instance, salicylic acid as a cleanser and niacinamide as a serum.

2. Vitamin C in its acidic form:

Niacinamide is often incorrectly combined with vitamin C, especially in its ascorbic acid form, which is one of the most unstable forms of vitamin C. Combining these two active ingredients could lead to a degradation of their properties and potentially irritate sensitive skin.

• What to do? If you use vitamin C to brighten your complexion or treat dark spots, opt for alternating applications: one in the morning and the other in the evening.

How to integrate niacinamide into your skincare routine?

To get the most out of this ingredient without compromising its effectiveness:

1. Apply niacinamide to clean skin after cleansing and before a day or night cream.
2. Follow a logical order in your skincare routine, avoiding inappropriate combinations like those mentioned above.
3. If you have sensitive skin, introduce niacinamide gradually into your routine to minimize the risk of irritation.

In conclusion

Niacinamide is known to be a gentle and effective ingredient, suitable for all skin types, from dry to oily. However, it's essential to know which products to avoid, especially exfoliating acids like salicylic acid and glycolic acid, as well as acidic vitamin C. By following these precautions, niacinamide can be safely used, morning and evening, for optimal results.

Incorporate this valuable vitamin B3 into your skincare routine and enjoy its benefits to strengthen your skin barrier, brighten your complexion, and improve your skin's overall health!