Based on the provided reference, you should generally avoid pairing Vitamin C directly with niacinamide in the same application.
While both niacinamide and Vitamin C are popular skincare ingredients with numerous benefits, using them together simultaneously can potentially lead to undesirable skin reactions.
Why Avoid Pairing Niacinamide and Vitamin C?
According to the reference:
- Skin Irritation: Combining niacinamide and vitamin C can cause skin irritation. This is particularly true for individuals with sensitive skin or when using high concentrations of either ingredient.
- Discoloration: Using these two ingredients together may also lead to discoloration of the skin. This is sometimes attributed to a potential chemical reaction between the forms of Vitamin C (like Ascorbic Acid) and niacinamide, converting niacinamide into nicotinic acid, which can cause temporary redness and flushing.
Reference Quote: "Don't use vitamin C: Niacinamide and vitamin C can cause skin irritation and discoloration when used together, so it's best to use them at different times of the day."
Practical Solutions
Instead of avoiding these beneficial ingredients entirely, you can incorporate both into your routine by using them at different times of the day.
- Example: Use your Vitamin C serum in the morning routine and your niacinamide serum in the evening routine.
- Layering: Alternatively, some sources suggest waiting a specific amount of time (e.g., 10-15 minutes) between applying products if you choose to use them in the same routine, although using them at different times is often the simplest and safest approach.
Other Considerations (Beyond Pairing)
The reference also highlights another important "don't":
- Don't Overuse: While niacinamide is well-tolerated by many, overusing it or starting with a high concentration can cause redness and irritation, especially for those with sensitive skin. It's often recommended to start with a lower concentration (e.g., 5%) and gradually increase if needed and tolerated.
In summary, the primary ingredient explicitly cautioned against pairing directly with niacinamide in the provided reference is Vitamin C, due to the risk of irritation and discoloration.
