Article Overview
- Niacinamide and vitamin C are renowned skincare ingredients offering a number of skin benefits. Working to both address existing skin concerns and prevent new skin concerns, they're found in a range of creams, cleansers and serums. But how do they compare? In this article, we'll compare niacinamide vs vitamin C, how they provide anti-ageing benefits, and which is best for your skincare routine.
What are the anti-ageing benefits of vitamin C?
Vitamin C is a potent and popular antioxidant that works as both a preventative and corrective skincare ingredient. By neutralising free radicals, vitamin C minimises the adverse effects of environmental aggressors like pollution and smoke, like loss of skin elasticity, wrinkles, and dull complexion.
In addition to protecting the skin, vitamin C can help address ageing skin by promoting collagen production, a protein responsible for the skin's elasticity. This collagen production helps restore the skin's elasticity to visibly reduce fine lines and wrinkles. Finally, vitamin C has skin-brightening properties, visibly fading dark spots and supporting a more radiant complexion.
What are the anti-ageing benefits of niacinamide?
Niacinamide, a form of vitamin B3, also offers both corrective and preventative skin benefits. Niacinamide is most commonly used to address hyperpigmentation, including the formation of age spots that manifest as uneven skin tone and dark patches. By targeting the factors that affect the skin's pigment, niacinamide supports a more even toned skin. Research has also pointed to niacinamide supporting collagen production to reduce fine lines and wrinkles.
Niacinamide is also regarded for its ability to strengthen the skin's protective moisture barrier. By supporting the production of essential lipids like ceramides, this ingredient helps maintain the skin's natural protective function, keeping out environmental aggressors and irritants that can age the skin. It also has skin-comforting properties, minimising irritation that can also affect the skin moisture barrier. Through supporting the skin's protective function, niacinamide can prevent premature skin ageing.
Can I use vitamin C and niacinamide together?
Yes, vitamin C and niacinamide can be used together to enhance their skin benefits. But it's important to introduce these ingredients slowly and use skincare products with compatible pH levels, and be mindful of higher concentrations of vitamin C that may irritate sensitive skin.
What are the signs of ageing that vitamin C and niacinamide address?
Both niacinamide and vitamin C target a range of anti-ageing concerns, including fine lines, wrinkles, uneven skin tone and age spots. Vitamin C is particularly useful in brightening dull skin and promoting collagen production, while niacinamide works well at visibly fading hyperpigmentation and improving skin texture.
Do vitamin C and niacinamide work for all skin types?
Niacinamide is well-tolerated by most skin types, but very sensitive skin types my experience mild irritation with high concentrations of vitamin C. For sensitive or dry skin, opt for a lower-concentration formula, and always perform a patch test before incorporating new products into your skincare routine.
What should I look for in a vitamin C serum?
Look for a vitamin C serum formulated in compliance with the Duke Antioxidant patent. This patent outlines certain requirements for an antioxidant product to be effective. For vitamin C, L-ascorbic acid is the most potent form of vitamin C, and the ideal concentration is between 10% and 20%. Vitamin C serums should also be packaged in a dark, airtight container to prevent oxidation.
What should I look for in a niacinamide serum?
This will depend on your skin type and skin concerns, but generally speaking a niacinamide serum or cream with around 5%-10% is effective and gentle on the skin. For oily skin, look for a higher concentration, around 10%, and opt for a well-formulated, lightweight serum with stable packaging.
Can I mix niacinamide and vitamin C in the same product?
While some products successfully combine both ingredients, pure vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid) and niacinamide can be tricky to combine due to pH differences. It's usually best to opt for two separate products specifically formulated to contain each ingredient. Depending on the rest of your skincare routine, you can layer the two products together.
Are there any side effects of using vitamin C or niacinamide?
Niacinamide is generally well-tolerated, but higher concentrations of vitamin C may cause mild irritation or redness, particularly when first introducing a vitamin C serum to your routine. If irritation persists, discontinue use and speak to a dermatologist for recommendations.
Which is better for anti-ageing: vitamin C or niacinamide?
Both ingredients can address ageing skin concerns, and oftentimes combining the two provides the best results. But this does depend on your specific skin concerns and skin type. If you're wanting to address dullness, dark spots and effectively protect against external aggressors that lead to photoageing, vitamin C may be a better option. If you have sensitive or dry skin and want a gentler approach to anti-ageing, niacinamide may be your preference. Of course, it's important to consider all elements of your skincare routine to ensure the right choice for you. If you're still unsure about which skincare products to choose, speak to a dermatologist for tailored recommendations.
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