Niacinamide, Vitamin C & Hyaluronic Acid

Candy Ann St. Martine - Pack C.A., C.H.N.
Nov 4
4 min read

Do I need them and what are the benefits?

Adding niacinamide, vitamin C, and hyaluronic acid to your routine can provide significant benefits for many skin concerns. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant for brightening and protection, niacinamide helps with oil production, pores, and discoloration, and hyaluronic acid provides essential hydration and plumping. If your routine is already complex or you have sensitive skin, a streamlined approach with fewer products might be better to avoid irritation.

Niacinamide, also known as vitamin B3, offers numerous benefits for skin health. Some of the key benefits include:

Improves Skin Texture and Tone: Reduces fine lines and wrinkles, Minimizes pores, Brightens skin tone, and Evens out skin discolorations.

Regulates Oil Production:

Controls oil production, making it beneficial for oily or acne-prone skin
Reduces inflammation and redness

Strengthens Skin Barrier: Improves skin hydration, Protects skin from environmental damage, and Reduces sensitivity and irritation.

Promotes Collagen Production:

Boosts collagen synthesis, leading to firmer and more elastic skin
Helps repair skin damage

Reduces Hyperpigmentation:

Inhibits melanin production, reducing dark spots and hyperpigmentation
Lightens acne scars

Other Health Benefits: Supports immune function, Improves blood sugar control, and May reduce the risk of certain types of cancer.

Note: Niacinamide is generally safe for most people. However, it's recommended to consult a healthcare professional before using it if you have any underlying health conditions or are taking any medications.

Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant that offers numerous benefits for the skin, including:

Brightening and Even Skin Tone:

Vitamin C inhibits melanin production, reducing hyperpigmentation and dark spots. It also helps to even out skin tone and reduce redness.

Anti-Aging Effects:

Vitamin C stimulates collagen production, which improves skin elasticity and firmness. It also protects against free radical damage, which contributes to wrinkles and fine lines.

Protecting Against Sun Damage:

Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that helps to shield the skin from UV rays. It can reduce sun damage, prevent wrinkles, and improve overall skin health.

Boosting Skin Hydration: Vitamin C can help to attract and retain moisture in the skin, making it appear plumper and more hydrated.

Reducing Inflammation: Vitamin C has anti-inflammatory properties that can help to soothe irritated and sensitive skin.

Improving Skin Texture: Vitamin C can help to improve skin texture by promoting cell turnover and reducing the appearance of pores.

Other Benefits: In addition to its skin benefits, vitamin C can also brighten under-eye circles and reduce the appearance of puffy eyes.

Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a naturally occurring substance found in the skin, joints, and eyes. It has numerous benefits, including:

Skin Health:

Hydration: HA attracts and retains moisture, keeping the skin plump and hydrated.
Anti-aging: HA helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by filling in skin creases.
Improved elasticity: HA supports skin elasticity, making it more resilient and youthful-looking.
Wound healing: HA promotes wound healing by stimulating collagen production.

Joint Health:

Lubrication: HA acts as a lubricant in the joints, reducing friction and pain.
Cartilage protection: HA helps maintain the health of cartilage, the cushioning tissue in the joints.

Other Benefits:

Eye health: HA is a key component of the eye's tear film, providing lubrication and protection.
Immune function: HA plays a role in the immune system by regulating inflammation.
Gut health: HA may help maintain a healthy gut microbiome.

Additional Notes:

HA is a safe and well-tolerated ingredient, but some people may experience mild irritation or allergic reactions.

How to apply:

To effectively layer vitamin C, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid, apply them in the order of Vitamin C, Hyaluronic Acid and finally Niacinamide. This order generally follows the "thinnest to thickest consistency" rule and ensures each ingredient can function optimally.

Step-by-Step Layering Guide

Cleanse Your Skin: Start with a gentle cleanser to wash away impurities.
Apply Vitamin C: On clean, dry skin, apply your vitamin C serum. Vitamin C it should go on first to ensure proper absorption and efficacy.
- Wait: Allow the vitamin C serum to absorb completely for about 10-15 minutes before the next step. This ensures its pH is stable and helps prevent potential flushing or redness when layered with niacinamide.
Apply Hyaluronic Acid: Next, apply your hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid is a humectant that draws moisture into the skin, and applying it after the vitamin C helps hydrate the skin and can minimize any potential irritation from the vitamin C. Applying it on slightly damp skin can enhance hydration.
Apply Niacinamide: Follow with your niacinamide product. Niacinamide helps regulate sebum production and strengthen the skin barrier, and its soothing properties can further calm the skin after the application of vitamin C.
Moisturizer and Sunscreen: Finish your routine with a moisturizer to seal in all the active ingredients. If this is a daytime routine, always follow up with a broad-spectrum sunscreen to protect your skin from sun damage.

Alternative: Split Your Routine

If you have sensitive skin or prefer a more minimalist approach, you can split these ingredients between your morning and evening routines:

Morning Routine: Wash face, use Vitamin C (for antioxidant protection against free radicals) and Hyaluronic Acid (for hydration), followed by moisturizer and SPF.
Evening Routine: Wash face, use Niacinamide (for barrier repair and anti-aging benefits) along with your other nighttime products