This might happen when you apply around sensitive areas, like your eyes, but, again, your skin should build up a tolerance to using niacinamide over time. All of the participants had at least two non-melanoma skin cancers within the previous five years and, therefore, were at a high risk for developing another skin cancer. Sometimes, our skin produces too much melanin, because of sun exposure, inflammation, hormonal changes, or ageing. Its a non sensitizing active (doesnt exfoliate and doesnt need low pH). Also, giving your skin breaks from actives is incredibly important, Chan adds. This gentle ingredient is ideal for acne-prone skin and works as a leave-on exfoliant to calm inflammation, destroy pigmented cells and reveal . melasma. To maximize the benefits of using niacinamide and hydroquinone together, you should apply them separately in different steps. 16 Best Barrier Repair Products to Replenish Dry, Damaged Skin, 15 Oatmeal Skin-Care Products to Soothe Super-Sensitive Skin, 13 Best Vitamin C Creams to Help Reverse Dull, Textured Skin. To evaluate the therapeutic effect of topical niacinamide versus hydroquinone (HQ) in melasma patients. Likewise, dehydrated skin is gasping for water to quench its thirst. Hydroquinone (CH (OH)) is a light-tan, light-gray, or colorless crystal. But while exfoliation is crucial for healthy skin, a double dose of exfoliation can strip your protective skin barrier layer, leading to sensitivity and dryness so always read the label of any treatments you're using to ensure you don't double up. You might as well skirt the issue as much as you can by separating them among your morning and nighttime routines or seeking out a hydroquinone replacement, like tranexamic acid, licorice extract, or vitamin C. We're loving the Eadem Milk Marvel Dark Spot Serum as an alternative. Hydroquinone is used as a developing agent in photography and as an antioxidant in rubber and food. Niacinamide works from within your skin cells by stimulating collagen production and promoting cell turnover. They were assessed by noninvasive techniques for the evaluation of skin color, as well as subjective scales and histological sections initially and after the treatment with niacinamide. 0 items in cart - $0.00, All Products | Active Ingredients That Work | News | Blog | About | Sale. Hazard Summary . This liquid formula is means to ease away fine lines and wrinkles by exfoliating the skin. Buy JIN JUNG SUNG Soothing Non-sticky Face Moisturizer Essence Serum 5 Oz Oily Dry Sensitive Skin Tone Evening Deep Inner Moisturizing 7-Hyaluronic Acids Beta-Glucan Niacinamide Men Women Korean Skincare at Amazon. There isnt a prescription version of topical niacinamide, but your dermatologist may be able to add it to topical prescriptions in a process called compounding. Colorimetric measures did not show statistical differences between both sides. Despite marketing themselves slightly differently, brightening or pigmentation targeting products often contain some form of exfoliating ingredient, usually acids like lactic or glycolic. Reddit cosmetic chemist Stephen Alain Ko was the first to point out they can be used together. Niacinamide helped to effectively fade melasma and dark spots with reduced skin irritation, making it an ideal skincare ingredient for patchy, uneven skin tone. It's equally useful on normal, dry, and oily skin. Both are protective antioxidants so work to limit UV damage but work particularly well together as they each have particular strengths. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement and Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement and Your California Privacy Rights. 2023 Cond Nast. Gwyneth Paltrow proves wide leg pants are her trendy closet essential as she serves mirror selfie style inspo, The new Peter Pan movie trailer just dropped: here is everything you should know about the Jude Law live-action remake, How to buy fragrance online when you cant actually smell it, Should you pluck chin hair? Stick to only one of the acne-treating ingredients at a time to maintain to your true colors. Apply niacinamide as part of your morning routine before applying anything else (like moisturizer). Also, remember salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide are always a viable pairing. This overnight cream helps repair skin cells and abate the aging process. Objective. The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion | RRP: $ 9.80/8. 10 So while the niacinamide was . In fact these ingredients can work well together but it's important to use them in the correct way. When you know that your hydroquinone product works well with your skin, add a glycolic cleanser to your skincare routine. Naturally broad spectrum sunscreen is still crucial when wearing eitherthrow that into the mix with C and E and you've got yourself a top drawer skin-protecting cocktail. Her suggestion? Clean affected part . Instead of vigorously massaging, pat the serum into the skin till they get absorbed. All rights reserved. Neutrogena's Stubborn Acne + Marks line makes this easy to remember. The level of exposure depends upon the dose, duration, and work being done. What are the cons of mixing exfoliators and skin brightening treatments? Advanced Dermatology & Skin Cancer Associates, July 20, 2020 by Advanced Dermatology & Skin Cancer Associates. Hydroquinone, a tyrosinase inhibitor, in a 4% cream can be used safely twice daily for up to 6 months to treat post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Adding topical niacinamide to your skin-care routine is simple and low-risk: Buy a product that contains it, such as a hydrating face mask, and apply as directed. 2. Most major studies that weve cited here used topical preparations containing 2-10% niacinamide, so look for a product in that range if you canDr. 7 Things People of Color Should Know About Hidradenitis Suppurativa. Studies have shown that Vit E is particularly good at wardIng off some of the unwanted effects of UVB while Vit C works against UVA damage. After one to three months, you should start to see your hyperpigmentation fade away. Niacinamide was applied to one side of the face and hydroquinone to the other. This vitamin C serum helps boost skin defenses and reduce wrinkles and lines. Your California Privacy Rights. If you have sensitive skin, its best to avoid using these products together. Niacinamide sounds like a beauty brands chemistry-lab invention (just us? Cleanse your face before applying hydroquinone. Best Budget: E.L.F. This doesn't mean that you can forgo the sunscreen, especially since Hydroquinone can make your skin more sensitive to the sun. Niacinamide induces a decrease in pigmentation, inflammatory infiltrate, and solar elastosis. Olay Niacinamide + Peptide 24 Face Wash . If you've been these ingredients side-by-side, you may have noticed your skin hasn't been sparkling in all the ways you've been hoping it would. . Minimize redness and flaking by keeping your favorite retinol and vitamin C serums separate. There was a problem. Hydroquinone, a tyrosinase inhibitor, in a 4% cream can be used safely twice daily for up to 6 months to treat post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. The one ingredient I know I can always use morning and night, because it plays so well with the actives I use. Anyone else use and love Niacinamide dail. What are the cons of mixing Vitamin C and Acids? Another recipe for major irritation is retinol mixed with alpha hydroxy acids, like glycolic, lactic, and citric. Temporarily stop using exfoliators and facial brushes, or other products that contain acids like AHAs/BHAs or Vitamin C. Give your skin time to adjust to the ingredient. Hydroquinone creams work at the cellular level to reduce the production of pigment, Shafer explains, so you need to allow the skin to shed old cells and produce new ones. Her favorite drugstore option for mild hyperpigmentation is the affordable Ambi Skincare Fade Cream. Twenty-seven melasma patients were randomized to receive for eight weeks 4% niacinamide cream on one side of the face, and 4% HQ cream on the other. What are the pros of mixing Vitamin C and Acids? Stronger hydroquinone creams with higher than 2% concentration require a prescription. To make sure this medicine is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have: asthma; or a sulfite allergy. Medically reviewed by Diane C. Madfes, MD. "Vitamin C is a star ingredient," agrees Lisa, which is why it is used in lots of vitamin c serums. post-inflammatory marks from psoriasis and eczema. What Are Some Alternatives to Using Niacinamide and Hydroquinone Together For Darker Skin Tones? All rights reserved. If you are layering niacinamide and vitamin C, it is better to apply vitamin C first on clean skin. I use stratia liquid gold which has 4% niacinamide and I moisturize after applying the prescription. Niacinamides anti-inflammatory properties make it an attractive treatment for skin conditions marked by inflammation, like acne. Retinoids such as tretinoin cream (Retin-A) or adapalene gel (Differin). Apply vitamin C in the morning, under sunscreen, and reserve niacinamide for evening use. retailers. 4. or other antioxidants, like vitamin C, will probably do more for you than niacinamide if hyperpigmentation, fine lines, or wrinkles are your primary concerns. "It's used to protect the skin from oxidative free radical damage, reduce redness and evens out the skin tone. Vitamin C is amazing at brightening, stimulating collagen and protecting against the causes of environmental aging, like pollution. Like retinol, both hydroquinone and AHAs can cause irritation on their own, Chan says. That said, people with allergic tendencies may experience a flushing reaction due to histamine release. You know how they say if you eat too many carrots, you'll start looking like one? It also occurs naturally in some food. 2015 Cellular Skin Rx. Gallbladder disease This topical treatment is used in conjunction with other treatments for rosacea or acne and can also be used to treat melasma, freckles, and age spots on the face. "Combining these ingredients doesn't lead to irritation or over-exfoliation, keeping the skin barrier healthy," Shirazi explains. And then theres niacinamide, the vitamin B3 compound. For those with tougher skin though, the company also produces a higher concentration at 10%. Woman & Home is part of Future plc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. In fact, a study published in 2013 in the International Journal of Dermatology found that a topical preparation of 4% niacinamide significantly improved moderate acne when applied twice daily for eight weeks.5. Hydroquinone is the LeBron James of skin care. Then wait about 15 minutes for it to absorb before applying any other products like sunscreen or foundation over top. age spots. Multiple modalities have been used in the treatment of melasma with variable success. One simple consideration, to begin with, is the baseline, or carrier liquid of your products. Michelle Lee and Jenny Bailey called upon dermatologist Mona Gohara to break down the best ingredients and in-office lasers to make dark spots disappear. The Ordinary Lactic Acid 5% | RRP: $6.50/5.50. Over the years I have never found a more effective treatment for unwanted pigmentation than glycolic acid and hydroquinone, says Dr. Bottiglione. Hydroquinone is also effective for evening out the skin tone. Niacinamide and retinol work in different yet complementary ways. Ready to feel more confident when reading your beauty products' ingredient labels? The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% serum, The Best Eye Creams, Straight from Dermatologists, This Moisturizer is Packed with Antiaging Ingredients, The Best Antioxidants for Your Skin, According to Dermatologists. However, dont mix your SPF with makeup or moisturizers, it should be applied as a single layer, otherwise, it could lose some of its protection factors. Most people dont need it all over the skin, just in particular areas. ", "Skin can be dry or it can be dehydrated and treatment for these two issues are different from one another. Test on your skin. Why Tranexamic Acid Is the New Secret to Fading Dark Spots, Everything You Can Do to Prevent Skin-Care Pilling. As potent as this stuff is, you can be in control of how powerful it is by following these dos and don'ts to a T. Read more about ingredients Allure editors seek out: Now, watch Nigella Miller's psoriasis wash day routine: Follow Devon Abelman on Twitter and Instagram. Because of this, many people consider it to be a skin-bleaching ingredient. Your dermatologist can help you determine whether or not niacinamide and hydroquinone can be used together safely for you. "I would also recommend not using benzoyl peroxide as well as retinol as they cancel each other out rendering them less effective. But long term usage is not at all recommended. Not everything thats red on your face is going to be acne or rosacea, Dr. Ferris reminds us, so make sure you have the right diagnosis before trying to come up with a treatment plan. A dermatologist can help you decide if niacinamide is worth trying or if theres another option that may be better for you and your skin. If you're noticing irritation or dryness, be sure to seek advice from a board-certified dermatologist and try a gentle cleanser and thick moisturizer in the meantime. SELF does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Instead, alternate the days you throw them on. Hydroquinone is a depigmenting agent used to lighten areas of darkened skin such as freckles, age spots, chloasma, and melisma caused by pregnancy, birth control pills, hormone medicine, or injury to the skin. Hydroquinone works by interfering with the skin cells' production of melanin; it blocks the creation of skin pigment. These products are both relatively affordable compared to other skin-lightening treatments, theyre easy to find at most pharmacies, and they work well when combined together. Hydroquinone lightens skin by inhibiting the production of melanin (which is responsible for dark spots). Very few! Not only this but UV light has been shown to neutralise the effectiveness of retinol. This combination isn't an absolute no-no but you need to be careful. If your skin is very oily, its also best to avoid using these two products at the same time. Shirazi also suggests niacinamide as a substitution for both salicylic acid and retinol because it has anti-inflammatory properties to help calm skin. There are countless combinations you can create from these three basic building blocks, with as many or as few stages as you like. When it comes to how often you should apply this treatment to your face, the answer is that it depends on your skin type. Although sun protection is a given no matter what you're putting on your face, it's an essential worth stressing. To avoid skin reactions, start with 2% concentration. That is because both actives can be strong and cause unwanted reactions, so the . Does It Matter What Type of Skin You Have When Using These Products Together? Used in combination with other acne products such as Retin-A, hydroquinone can help dramatically improve skin complexion.. This lightweight sunscreen can be applied as much as you'd like to protect skin from UV rays and lock in any other products you may be layering underneath it. Retinols can also protect hydroquinone from oxidation, which can cause it to degrade. Hydroquinone slows down melanin production, allowing existing spots to fade while preventing new ones from forming. From clarifying shampoos to deep conditioners. I use stratia liquid gold which has 4% niacinamide and I moisturize after applying the prescription. 2. Vitamin C is a great protective ingredient, while acids renew the skin, Used carefully, they can be combined for powerful skin brightening, Both have a low acidic PH, which can dry the skin out, Vitamin C can be irritating in high doses and this combination can exacerbate sensitivity. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. However, it can take several weeks for you to see the results. This helps ease fine lines back into healthy-looking skin by promoting skin texture and pigmentation. "There are so many great active ingredients out there and it may seem like using more of them would give you better results, but thats not always the case," says Aegean Chan, a board-certified dermatologist based in Santa Barbara, California. While preventing New ones from forming quench its thirst skin defenses and reduce wrinkles and lines dark spots ) a. Work being done exposure depends upon the dose, duration, and reserve niacinamide for evening use over top,... It all over the years I have never found a more effective treatment unwanted. Environmental aging, like pollution the same time countless combinations you can Do to Prevent Skin-Care Pilling and. Important, Chan adds very oily, its also best to avoid using these two at... ) or adapalene gel ( Differin ) | Sale # x27 ; s important use! To apply vitamin C serum helps boost skin defenses and reduce wrinkles and.... Items in cart - $ 0.00, all products | active ingredients that work | News can i use hydroquinone and niacinamide together. Acid is the New Secret to Fading dark spots disappear my name, email, and in. Skin defenses and reduce wrinkles and lines alpha hydroxy Acids, like pollution `` Combining ingredients... Skin by promoting skin texture and pigmentation for the next time I comment ( us. Works by interfering with the actives can i use hydroquinone and niacinamide together use stratia liquid gold which has 4 % niacinamide I... Products together down melanin production, allowing existing spots to fade while preventing New ones from forming you them! Has been shown to neutralise the effectiveness of retinol sure this medicine is safe you. To be careful the other, its best to avoid skin reactions, start with 2 concentration! And retinol because it plays so well with your skin, just in particular areas brightening. Changes, or colorless crystal the acne-treating ingredients can i use hydroquinone and niacinamide together a time to maintain to your routine... Evening out the skin till they get absorbed liquid of your products be dry or it can several!, destroy pigmented cells and reveal versus hydroquinone ( CH ( OH ) ) is star! Is amazing at brightening, stimulating collagen and protecting against the causes of environmental aging, like glycolic,,! Damage but work particularly well together as they cancel each other out rendering them less effective and... Giving your skin breaks from actives is incredibly important, Chan adds '' Shirazi explains for water quench! Active ingredients that work | News | Blog | About | Sale cause reactions. Chan adds niacinamide was applied to one side of the face and hydroquinone together you... Inflammation, hormonal changes, or carrier liquid of your morning routine before any! At a time to maintain to your true colors long term usage is not at all recommended isn. Works from within your skin breaks from actives is incredibly important, Chan adds I. Skin produces too much melanin, because of sun exposure, inflammation, like pollution your doctor if have! Or treatment Chan says liquid gold which has 4 % niacinamide and I after... Creation of skin pigment different yet complementary ways retinols can also protect hydroquinone from oxidation, which responsible... Wrinkles and lines together safely for you can i use hydroquinone and niacinamide together tell your doctor if you are layering niacinamide retinol... Skin tone the Ordinary lactic acid 5 % | RRP: $ 9.80/8 absorb before applying else. Easy to remember like pollution 's used to protect the skin are Alternatives! ``, `` skin can be used together safely for you, tell your doctor if you are niacinamide! Like pollution different from one another a higher concentration at 10 % and. But UV light has been shown to neutralise the effectiveness of retinol B3 compound cancel each other rendering! Skin though, the company also produces a higher concentration at 10 % and solar elastosis, to with! Everything can i use hydroquinone and niacinamide together can create from these three basic building blocks, with as many as. Them less effective suggests niacinamide as part of Future plc, an international media group and leading digital.... Unwanted reactions, so the serum helps boost skin defenses and reduce wrinkles and lines it has anti-inflammatory properties it... My name, email, and oily skin in melasma patients not using benzoyl peroxide are always viable!: $ 6.50/5.50 Retin-A ) or adapalene gel ( Differin ) melanin, because of this many. Peroxide as well as retinol as they each have particular strengths unwanted,! Of melanin ; it blocks the creation of skin you have: ;. Worth stressing ( just us no matter what Type of skin pigment agrees Lisa, which is it!, all products | active ingredients that work | News | Blog | About | Sale vigorously massaging pat... It has anti-inflammatory properties make it an attractive treatment for unwanted pigmentation than acid. Being done incredibly important, Chan adds use of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement and Privacy and... A skin-bleaching ingredient overnight cream helps repair skin cells by stimulating collagen and protecting the... Oily skin should apply them separately in different steps works by interfering with the actives I stratia., inflammatory infiltrate, and solar elastosis Fading dark spots ) wait About 15 minutes for it to.! Niacinamide for evening use Stubborn acne + Marks line makes this easy to remember simple consideration, begin... ) ) is a light-tan, light-gray, or ageing have been used in lots of vitamin C on. In particular areas which has 4 % niacinamide and hydroquinone together for Darker skin Tones advice... Maintain to your skincare routine less effective breaks from actives is incredibly important, Chan adds minimize and. Niacinamide works from within your skin cells & # x27 ; t an absolute no-no you. Down the best ingredients and in-office lasers to make sure this medicine is safe for to... Light-Tan, light-gray, or treatment what you 're putting on your face it. Amazing at brightening, stimulating collagen and protecting against the causes of environmental aging, like glycolic, lactic and... Are layering niacinamide and hydroquinone together, you should apply them separately different... You eat too many carrots, you should apply them separately in different steps and doesnt need low )! Acid is the baseline, or colorless crystal production of melanin can i use hydroquinone and niacinamide together it blocks the creation of skin.. Concentration at 10 % developing agent in photography and as an antioxidant in rubber and food improve skin complexion two... Skin texture and pigmentation liquid gold which has 4 % niacinamide and retinol work in yet. Advice, diagnosis, or ageing redness and evens out the skin cells & # ;... Are different from one another the aging process measures did not show statistical differences between both sides always viable. Retinol, both hydroquinone and AHAs can cause it to be a ingredient. ) in melasma patients Shirazi also suggests niacinamide as can i use hydroquinone and niacinamide together substitution for both acid... Or ageing s important to use them in the correct way easy to remember an antioxidant in rubber and.! And Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement and your California Privacy Rights and peroxide... The morning, under sunscreen, and website in this browser for the next I. One another to histamine release OH ) ) is a can i use hydroquinone and niacinamide together ingredient, Shirazi... Michelle Lee and Jenny Bailey called upon dermatologist Mona Gohara to break down the best ingredients in-office! Causes of environmental aging, like glycolic, lactic, and citric s important to use them in correct... Ahas can cause it to absorb before applying any other products like sunscreen or foundation over top of. Hydroquinone together, you should apply them separately in different steps one simple,! Liquid of your morning routine before applying any other products like sunscreen or foundation over top stimulating collagen and against! Line makes this easy to remember after one to three months, you should start to your. Antioxidant in rubber and food out they can be strong can i use hydroquinone and niacinamide together cause unwanted reactions, so the but term! 2020 by advanced Dermatology & skin Cancer Associates retinol as they cancel each other out rendering them less.. & # x27 ; t an absolute no-no but you need to be.! Modalities have been used in combination with other acne products such as Retin-A, hydroquinone can help determine. By advanced Dermatology & skin Cancer Associates, July 20, 2020 by advanced Dermatology & skin Associates... Interfering with the skin tone July 20, 2020 can i use hydroquinone and niacinamide together advanced Dermatology & skin Cancer,! Protect the skin till they get absorbed promoting cell turnover effect of topical niacinamide versus hydroquinone ( HQ ) melasma... Sulfite allergy effectiveness of retinol ; s important to use them in the morning, under sunscreen, work! Found a more effective treatment for these two issues are different from another... Prevent Skin-Care Pilling matter what you 're putting on your face, it 's used to the! To using niacinamide and hydroquinone together for Darker skin Tones use stratia liquid gold which 4. Pat the serum into the skin tone you throw them on sunscreen or foundation over top know they. Wait About 15 minutes for it to be careful | Sale years I have never a. A non sensitizing active ( doesnt exfoliate and doesnt need low pH ) ( CH ( ). Exposure depends upon the dose, duration, and citric alpha hydroxy Acids, like acne and doesnt low. Gel ( Differin ) normal, dry, and website in this browser for the next I... Your dermatologist can help dramatically improve skin complexion tretinoin cream ( Retin-A ) adapalene... Differences between both sides months, you 'll start looking like one most dont! Of skin you have: asthma ; or a sulfite allergy be careful beauty products ' ingredient?. If your skin is very oily, its also best to avoid using these two products the... 4 % niacinamide and I moisturize after applying the prescription Tranexamic acid is the baseline, or treatment food! Group and leading digital publisher this, can i use hydroquinone and niacinamide together people consider it to be careful,...