The world of skincare is filled with never-ending lessons and the need to purchase new products. Given the recent surge in niacinamide's popularity, we're confident that you either already have a niacinamide-related product or are actively considering adding one to your skincare routine. 

Niacinamide, known for its brightening properties, reacts with several other skincare products to cause harsh effects. Hence, understanding the correct way to layer it alongside your other skincare products is important. This article explains why and how to layer niacinamide into your skincare routine.  

What is Niacinamide?

Before you rush into questions like Is niacinamide good for oily skin? Or does niacinamide cause purging? It's important to know the entirety of the product niacinamide, so "what is niacinamide?"

Niacinamide for skin is a water-soluble vitamin that works with the epidermis to promote healthy skin. Unlike collagen, the human body is unable to independently secrete enough niacinamide in the body; instead, it depends on topical ointment, cream, or a niacinamide serum. 

Let's get a bit technical to fully understand the benefits of this vitamin: Niacinamide is a vitamin B3 compound that is sometimes called nicotinamide. It is created in the body when you eat foods rich in niacin, which is a naturally occurring substance that is found in fish, greens, and many grains. The amount of niacinamide produced by the body depends on the frequency and type of meal eaten. 

There are 3 different kinds of niacinamide with similar spelling and pronunciation. We have niacinamide or nicotinamide, niacin, and nicotinamide riboside. You need not worry about the last two, as our main focus is niacinamide. 

What is Niacinamide Good for?

"What is niacinamide good for?" We are so glad you asked about this multitasking ingredient. Niacinamide belongs to the vitamin B3 family that serves as an antioxidant for skin and cell repair. Scientists theorize that niacinamide is effective in skin-care products to deal with several skin issues. 

It treats acne and improves aging skin by preventing further aging and reversing aging effects caused by free radicals. Niacinamide can also reduce hyperpigmentation and redness, as well as visibly reduce the appearance of enlarged skin pores. The impact of niacinamide is significant, without a doubt, as it improves uneven skin tone and smoothes wrinkles and fine lines. 

The use of niacinamide prevents external or environmental damage as it protects and improves the skin's barrier. An improved skin barrier shields the skin from environmental stressors like UV rays and ensures optimal skin hydration. 

Is Niacinamide Good for Dry Skin?

Before incorporating a new skin ingredient, people with dry skin often ask questions like: "Is niacinamide good for dry skin?" Yes, niacinamide is indeed beneficial for dry skin. It offers numerous advantages that prevent further dryness and enhance hydration.  

Niacinamide enhances the skin's barrier, protecting it from external pollutants that trigger dehydration and sap the skin's moisture. This ingredient increases the production of ceramides, an essential lipid that promotes skin hydration and helps maintain the right hydration level. 

Is Niacinamide Good for Oily Skin?

Given that most oily skin types are prone to acne, it becomes crucial to ask the right questions before introducing any new skincare ingredient into your routine. The topical application of niacinamide has been proven to lower excessive sebum (oil) production, according to a research study. Niacinamide should be your new beauty BFF if you desire low sebum production, as it is also effective in reducing blemishes and hyperpigmentation that come with acne. 

Is Niacinamide Good for Acne?

If you find yourself fervently scouring the internet for queries like "Is niacinamide good for acne?", here's all you need to know.

Niacinamide reduces excessive oil production, particularly in oily skin types, and also protects the skin barrier from external stressors. Oftentimes, this external stressor includes pollutants and dirt that combine with sebum to clog the skin pores and cause acne. With the use of niacinamide, neither sebum nor pollutants can combine to cause acne. Niacinamide is also an anti-inflammatory that reduces the sensitivity and redness associated with acne. 

Does Niacinamide Cause Purging?

Nobody likes when their skin purges after introducing a new skin ingredient to their already-perfect routine. Niacinamide does not cause skin purging or even prone acne breakouts. This is because skin purging occurs when there is an increased turnover of skin cells, usually triggered by an exfoliating acid. Niacinamide is not an exfoliating acid but rather a hydrating, protective antioxidant.  

When to Use Niacinamide

If you are wondering when to use niacinamide for increased effectiveness, applying niacinamide is easy. Niacinamide is a very versatile ingredient as it is suitable for all skin types and can be used during the day or at night as long as it is applied topically in the form of a face cream, toner, or niacinamide serum.

How to Use Niacinamide Serum

Knowing how to use niacinamide in your skincare routine is important, especially in a multi-step skin regimen.  After washing your face with Claraprep, pat it dry and use your toner to remove any impurities. Apply your niacinamide serum and wait for some minutes for proper absorption before using your Clarasome moisturizer and sun protection. 

Can Niacinamide and Vitamin C Be Used Simultaneously for Better Skin?

If you plan on using both niacinamide and vitamin C in your skin routine, you should know if they are compatible.  

Similar to retinol, a certain percentage of niacinamide should not be used with other acidic skincare ingredients like alpha hydroxy acids, beta hydroxy acids, and even vitamin C because of the increased chance of scarring. However, if you use a lower percentage of niacinamide (that is 2 to 5%), you can use vitamin C alongside. Ensure you wait at least 30 minutes between both products or apply one during the day and alternate at night. 

Can You Use Niacinamide with Retinol?

Retinol and niacinamide are two superstars in skincare. They are both lauded for their anti-aging effects and other repairing abilities. To enjoy the benefits of each antioxidant, many people ask us queries like "Can you use niacinamide with retinol?" The simple answer is yes, you can. 

The water-soluble vitamin B3 vitamin performs greatly with many other antioxidants, and retinol is no exception. Using both antioxidants can offer unique benefits to the skin. Niacinamide supplies and strengthens the skin's barrier and also calms sensitivity. Combining both products is highly beneficial to those whose skin is less receptive to retinol. So, if you want to enjoy the "retinol effect" without experiencing its stinging side effects, we recommend you include niacinamide alongside.

Can You Use Niacinamide with Hyaluronic Acid?

"Can you use niacinamide with hyaluronic acid?" The short answer is yes, and here is why. Niacinamide and hyaluronic acid are two different antioxidants that offer different benefits to the skin. Niacinamide addresses skin issues like excessive oil production and protects the skin's barrier, while hyaluronic acid focuses on skin hydration and plumping. Combining these antioxidants simultaneously can produce a new effect in your skincare as you can simultaneously treat multiple skin concerns and get fast results.