How to add niacinamide to skin care routine?

Niacinamide, also known as Vitamin B3, is a versatile and well-tolerated ingredient that can address a variety of skin concerns such as redness, hyperpigmentation, fine lines, and acne. Here’s how you can incorporate niacinamide into your skincare routine:

1. Cleanser: You can start by using a gentle cleanser containing niacinamide. This can be especially helpful for those with sensitive or acne-prone skin.
2. Toner: Some toners contain niacinamide and can be a great addition to your routine. Apply the toner after cleansing.
3. Serum: Niacinamide serums are one of the most effective ways to incorporate this ingredient. They usually come in concentrations ranging from 5% to 10%. After cleansing (and toning, if that’s part of your routine), apply a few drops of the niacinamide serum to your face and neck. Allow it to absorb before moving on to the next step.
4. Moisturizer: Many moisturizers contain niacinamide. This can be beneficial for all skin types, as niacinamide helps to strengthen the skin barrier. Apply your moisturizer after any serums or treatments.
5. Sunscreen: Niacinamide can also be found in some sunscreens. Regardless of whether your sunscreen contains niacinamide or not, you should always finish your morning routine with a broad-spectrum SPF of at least 30 to protect your skin from UV damage.
6. Spot Treatment: If you are dealing with specific issues like dark spots or acne, you might find targeted treatments containing niacinamide helpful.
7. Eye Cream: Niacinamide can also be beneficial in eye creams as it can help to reduce puffiness and lighten dark circles.
8. Masks and Peels: Some facial masks and peels include niacinamide among their ingredients for its soothing and brightening properties.
9. Combining with Other Ingredients: Niacinamide is generally well-tolerated and can be combined with many other ingredients. However, some people find that using it with vitamin C (ascorbic acid) may lead to flushing or irritation, although recent research suggests that this combination is usually fine for most people.
10. Patch Test: Before incorporating any new product into your routine, it’s always a good idea to do a patch test to ensure you do not have an adverse reaction.
11. Ease into Your Routine: If you’ve never used niacinamide before, start with a lower concentration and gradually increase it as your skin builds tolerance.
12. Consult a Dermatologist: If you have specific skin concerns or conditions, consulting a dermatologist before adding new products or ingredients to your skincare routine is always a good idea.

By incorporating niacinamide thoughtfully and paying attention to your skin’s responses, you can enjoy the benefits it offers.