Can You Use Niacinamide Twice a Day?
A favourite amongst dermatologists and skincare fans, niacinamide is a skincare ingredient that provides impressive benefits and is one of the few ingredients that deliver results with minimal side effects.
So, what is it about this ingredient that our skin loves so much? The question is, can you have too much of a good thing, or can you use niacinamide twice a day? Stick around if you wanted to know more about this clever ingredient and the difference you can expect to see on your complexion.
If you’re still a little confused about what niacinamide is, here is a brief recap on what this ingredient can provide for the skin.
What is niacinamide?
Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3 and is a water-soluble ingredient formulated into an array of different skincare products.
Packed with antioxidants, it can keep the skin barrier strengthened enabling it to keep itself protected from exposure to free radical damage.
Improves the overall appearance and texture of the complexion
Targets fine lines and wrinkles by preventing water loss in the skin
Acts as a humectant meaning it can lock moisture into the upper skin surface keeping the complexion plumped and youthful
Regulates the production of sebum and minimises the appearance of pores
Suitable for all skin types to introduce into their skincare routine
Can be teamed with a vast selection of different skincare actives and formulas
If you wanted to find out more about niacinamide, you can check out our dedicated blog post over on The Beauty Insiders.
Can I use niacinamide every day?
Absolutely, in fact, you can use niacinamide twice a day. This is because the ingredient is mild and stable enough to work effectively on the skin within a routine containing different actives. Niacinamide is one of the few ingredients that can be teamed with some of the most potent ingredients, such as salicylic acid and retinol. This is due to the fact it doesn’t exfoliant the skin or increase the speed of your skin cell turnover, unlike the other powerhouses mentioned.
With the antioxidants, hydrating properties, and ability to regulate oil production in the skin, niacinamide is favoured by many to apply in their morning and evening routine. The benefits of using it during the AM resulting in the skin barrier being strengthened and damage caused from free radicals, such as UV exposure, pollution, and environmental aggressors, are all prevented from reaching the skin. For PM application, any existing or new skin damage can be repaired and the complexion rejuvenated whilst you catch up on your sleep.
How to use niacinamide and hyaluronic acid together?
There are a couple of effective ways of teaming these powerhouses together, here is an example we have found to deliver the best results.
Both ingredients work well in water-based products and are usually found in serum formulations. This can often feel confusing to decide which should be applied first when applying your skincare routine. Start by applying hyaluronic acid first and allow enough time for the humectant to settle into the skin as it binds higher volumes of water to the skin compared to niacinamide. Follow this with niacinamide which will absorb rapidly thanks to the layer of hyaluronic acid. Niacinamide is then able to work at regulating the oil production and keeping the complexion hydrated with a youthful bounce.
You don’t have to worry about overloading the skin as although each ingredient delivers similar results, they each work in different areas of the skin with their own unique properties.
Can I use niacinamide with retinol?
Yes, you sure can! By using niacinamide you will find the common drying side effects of retinol will not be as severe. Ensure you leave enough time in between applications, wait about 10 minutes to allow the skin to settle and rebalance.
The different pH levels of each ingredient can alter how effective they are on the skin. What I mean by this is potent skin ingredients, such as retinol have a pH level of around 4 to 6 making it acidic. This matches the natural pH level of the skin, as, believe it or not, a healthy skin is acidic too. Niacinamide is closer to a pH level of 6 which is less acidic, but not exactly neutral. This slight change can make a huge difference to how your products perform and effects how your skin reacts. If you have any problems with your skincare routine, I suggest consulting with a dermatologist or trained professional. You can also try performing a patch test of any new formulas you introduce into your regime, simply apply a ten pence size amount of product on the inside of your arm and leave it for 24 hours. If you find there is no sign of irritation, you can take that as a good sign and apply the product to your face.
How often should I use niacinamide?
You can use niacinamide every day, twice a day. Many users opt to use a serum enriched with the hydrating heavyweight during their morning routine. This will result in the skin remaining hydrated and the skin barrier in its healthiest state the entire day. By applying niacinamide again in the evening, you will help the skin repair and replenish undisturbed throughout the night, leaving you with a deeply nourished and happy skin come morning.
When to use niacinamide in routine?
Niacinamide is a skincare ingredient that can be formulated into all manner of skincare products. Personally, I prefer to use a serum containing active levels of the ingredient as serums tend to remain on the face for longer amount of time. Cleansers and face washes for example, are rinsed away, limiting the amount of time any ingredient can work on the skin surface. You will also find that using a niacinamide enriched serum will help the humectant properties and lock in hydration and moisture into the skin.
I hope that today I have answered your questions about whether you can use niacinamide twice a day, don’t forget if you have any more questions, you can come and find us on Instagram. One of our skincare experts will be waiting for you in the direct messages, looking forward to seeing you there!
