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Article: Can Niacinamide and Vitamin C Be Used Together?

Active Ingredients

Can Niacinamide and Vitamin C Be Used Together?

Myth-busting!

What the internet says

Combining Niacinamide and Vitamin C neutralize the effectiveness of both ingredients and might create a substance (nicotinic acid) that leads to skin redness.

What science says

Research has shown that combining niacinamide and vitamin C does not lead to skin problems; in fact, the combination can lead to a wealth of skin benefits.

What Are the Facts?

What’s propelling the idea that niacinamide and vitamin C can’t be combined is old research that was interpreted incorrectly.

The studies showing incompatibility between niacinamide and vitamin C date back to the early 1960s (yes, that far). These studies were off from the start because they used non-stabilized forms of both ingredients, whereas both ingredients are typically stabilized when used in modern formulas.

It is important that niacinamide be formulated at a pH that’s close to neutral. Vitamin C (ascorbic acid), on the other hand, does best in a low-pH (acidic) environment. However, nicotinic acid—the undesirable by-product of niacinamide and vitamin C—becomes an issue only when the niacinamide and vitamin C are combined in a high-temperature environment for a long time. That temperature is higher than you’d find in at-home scenarios, including leaving a box of skin care products sitting outside in the sun for a couple of days.

It is also important to point out that this concern applies only to ascorbic acid, not to its oil-soluble form tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate included in DermExcel Collagen serum formulation.

In short, any ancient studies that show a issue from combining niacinamide and vitamin C (ascorbic acid) were conducted in an environment that does not reflect what average skin care products experience during development, manufacturing, or in real-world storage and usage.

A Winning Combination!

This means that you’re safe to use both niacinamide and vitamin C, either together in the same product, or combined from different products that you layer one over the other.

The benefits from such a mix are numerous: On its own, niacinamide is a skin-restoring ingredient that can visibly improve the appearance of enlarged pores, fine lines, and dull skin.Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant that defends skin against environmental assault, as well as a brightening agent that can improve the visible signs of aging.

Together, these ingredients form a powerhouse combo that addresses uneven skin tone, wrinkles, loss of firmness, and dullness. All skin types will see a complexion that progressively becomes more radiant, smoother, more even, and noticeably younger-looking.

Current studies shows only benefits for Niacinamide and vitamin C combination.

We invite you to try this combination for yourself. You might find you’ll become a true believer - no myths, just facts and results.

References

Clinical, Cosmetic, and Investigational Dermatology, September 2015, pages 463–470Indian Dermatology Online Journal, April-June 2013, pages 143–146Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, December 2012, issue 4, pages 310–317; and 2004, issue 2, pages 88–93Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, March 2009, page AB78Journal of Drugs and Dermatology, July 2008, pages S2–S6

DermExcel Collagen Serum with this powerful combination!

Sale priceR 1,157.00

Pay interest-free installments from R 289.25 with various payment gateways selected at checkout.


SIZE: 30 mL

Antioxidant

Antioxidant

Even Skin Tone

Even Skin Tone

↑ Collagen

↑ Collagen

anti-aging

anti-aging

Moisturizing

Moisturizing


A potent antioxidant formulation designed to brighten skin tone and combat signs of aging. Its unique blend of ingredients is expertly formulated to provide multi-depth serum penetration and optimal hydration. With its remarkable ability to stimulate collagen production, this treatment serum promotes skin elasticity and reduces the appearance of skin aging. It also inhibits melanin production, leading to a brighter complexion and an even skin tone.

Collagen Serum plumps the skin, enhances skin tone, and refines pore size, resulting in a visibly smoother and more youthful appearance.


Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant that helps neutralize skin free radicals. These free radicals are generated by environmental stressors like UV radiation and pollution, which contribute to premature aging. By neutralizing these harmful molecules, vitamin C helps prevent oxidative skin damage, thereby reducing signs of aging, such as fine lines and wrinkles.

Another significant benefit of vitamin C is its role in collagen production. Collagen is a key protein that gives the skin its structure and firmness. As an essential cofactor for collagen biosynthesis, vitamin C helps maintain skin elasticity and can aid in wound healing and scar reduction.

Vitamin C is also known for its skin-brightening properties. It helps to inhibit the enzyme tyrosinase, which is involved in melanin production. By reducing melanin formation, vitamin C can help lighten hyperpigmentation and even skin tone, leading to a brighter and more radiant complexion.

Tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate is a stable, oil-soluble form of vitamin C. Unlike ascorbic acid, which is water-soluble and can be unstable in certain formulations, tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate is more stable. Due to its lipid-soluble nature, it can penetrate the skin more effectively, reaching the deeper layers of the skin, stimulating collagen production, and providing antioxidant protection.


Physiological Effects

  • Antioxidant Properties: Powerful antioxidant that neutralizes free radicals caused by UV radiation and pollution, preventing oxidative stress and damage to the skin.
  • Collagen Synthesis: It plays a crucial role in collagen synthesis, aiding in maintaining skin firmness and elasticity and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
  • Skin Brightening: Effective in reducing hyperpigmentation and evening out skin tone by inhibiting the enzyme tyrosinase, which is responsible for melanin production.
  • Photoprotection: While not a sunscreen, it provides photoprotection by neutralizing free radicals induced by UV exposure.

Managing Dermatological Conditions

  • Skin Aging: Reduce signs of aging and improve skin texture.
  • Hyperpigmentation: Effective in treating hyperpigmentation, sun spots, and melasma.
  • Sun Damage: Help mitigate the effects of sun damage and provide some level of photoprotection.
  • General Skin Health: Both forms can improve overall skin health by boosting collagen production and providing antioxidant protection.

THD Specific benefits

  • Stable form of Vitamin C: Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate is a more stable, lipid-soluble vitamin C, allowing for better skin penetration and less irritation than other forms.
  • Enhanced Collagen Production: It has been shown to stimulate collagen production more effectively than ascorbic acid, aiding in anti-aging and skin rejuvenation.
  • Hydration and Barrier Function: Due to its lipid-soluble nature, it enhances skin hydration and reinforces the skin barrier.

References

  • Pullar, J. M., et al. (2017). The Roles of Vitamin C in Skin Health. Nutrients.
  • Murray, J. C., et al. (2008). A Topical Antioxidant Solution Containing Vitamins C and E Stabilized by Ferulic Acid Provides Protection for Human Skin Against Damage Caused by Ultraviolet Irradiation. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology.
  • Al-Niaimi, F., & Chiang, N. Y. Z. (2017). Topical Vitamin C and the Skin: Mechanisms of Action and Clinical Applications. The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology.

Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a naturally occurring glycosaminoglycan found throughout the body's connective, epithelial, and neural tissues. Most abundantly present in the skin, eyes, and synovial fluid, HA is renowned for its exceptional capacity to retain moisture — a single gram can hold up to six liters of water.

In skincare, the primary appeal of hyaluronic acid lies in its unparalleled hydrating abilities. As a humectant, HA attracts and retains moisture from the environment, providing intense hydration to the skin. This hydrating property contributes significantly to maintaining skin plumpness, suppleness, and elasticity.

Beyond hydration, hyaluronic acid also plays a vital role in skin repair and regeneration. It supports the skin's healing and repair processes, and its anti-inflammatory properties help calm irritated skin. Moreover, HA's ability to promote collagen production, a crucial protein for skin elasticity, further underscores its anti-aging benefits.

The molecular size of hyaluronic acid influences its skin penetration and efficacy. High-molecular-weight HA remains on the skin's surface, providing hydration and forming a barrier against moisture loss. In contrast, low-molecular-weight HA penetrates deeper into the skin's layers, offering more profound hydrating and rejuvenating effects.

Hyaluronic acid's remarkable ability to hydrate, improve skin elasticity, aid in wound healing, and provide antioxidant protection makes it valuable in managing various dermatological conditions, particularly aging, dryness, and sensitive skin.


Physiological Effects

  • Hydration: Hyaluronic acid is a powerful humectant that can hold up to 1000 times its weight in water, significantly enhancing skin hydration and leading to plumper, more hydrated skin.
  • Skin Elasticity and Wrinkle Reduction: By increasing skin moisture, it improves skin elasticity, reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and gives the skin a more youthful appearance.
  • Wound Healing: It plays a role in wound healing due to its ability to regulate inflammation levels and signal the body to build more blood vessels in the damaged area.
  • Barrier Enhancement: Hyaluronic acid helps reinforce the skin's natural barriers, protecting against environmental factors and retaining moisture.
  • Antioxidant Properties: It provides antioxidant defense against free-radical damage from the sun and pollution.

Managing Dermatological Conditions

  • Aging Skin: Its ability to reduce wrinkles and improve skin elasticity makes it popular in anti-aging skincare products.
  • Dry Skin: Hyaluronic acid is beneficial in treating dry skin conditions by providing intense hydration.
  • Wound Care: Its role in wound healing is leveraged in post-procedure care, such as after laser treatments, and in healing minor cuts and abrasions.
  • Acne Scars: It can help treat acne scars by promoting skin regeneration and reducing inflammation.
  • Sensitive Skin: Hyaluronic acid is suitable for sensitive skin due to its gentle nature. It provides hydration without irritating.

References

  • Papakonstantinou, E., Roth, M., & Karakiulakis, G. (2012). Hyaluronic acid: A key molecule in skin aging. Dermato-endocrinology.
  • Jegasothy, S. M., Zabolotniaia, V., & Bielfeldt, S. (2014). Efficacy of a new topical nano-hyaluronic acid in humans. The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology.
  • Wollina, U., & Abdel-Naser, M. B. (2019). Hyaluronic acid in the treatment and prevention of skin diseases: Molecular biological, pharmaceutical and clinical aspects. Skin Pharmacology and Physiology.

Niacinamide offers several benefits for the skin, primarily due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It reduces the redness and inflammation associated with acne, rosacea, and other inflammatory skin conditions. Additionally, niacinamide's ability to improve the skin's barrier function benefits all skin types, particularly those with eczema or mature skin.

Another significant benefit of niacinamide is its role in reducing hyperpigmentation. Studies have shown that it can decrease the transfer of melanin to the epidermis, helping to fade dark spots and even out skin tone.

Niacinamide also plays a role in reducing the visible signs of aging. It has been found to stimulate collagen production and improve skin elasticity, reducing fine lines and wrinkles. Its antioxidant properties further protect the skin from environmental damage, such as pollution and UV radiation, which contribute to premature aging.

The efficacy of niacinamide and its ability to address multiple skin concerns simultaneously has led to its growing popularity in both over-the-counter and prescription skincare formulations.


Physiological Effects

  • Barrier Function Enhancement: Niacinamide helps strengthen the skin’s barrier function by increasing the production of ceramides, lipids that keep the skin hydrated and protect against environmental damage.
  • Anti-inflammatory Properties: It has notable anti-inflammatory effects, which are beneficial in reducing redness and inflammation associated with acne, eczema, and other inflammatory skin conditions.
  • Sebum Regulation: Niacinamide helps regulate sebum production, which controls excess oiliness and can benefit acne-prone skin.
  • Hyperpigmentation Reduction: It reduces hyperpigmentation by inhibiting melanosome transfer from melanocytes to keratinocytes, leading to an even skin tone.
  • Anti-aging Effects: Niacinamide helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by boosting collagen production and improving skin elasticity.
  • Antioxidant Activity: It has antioxidant properties, protecting the skin from oxidative stress and environmental aggressors like UV radiation and pollution.

Managing Dermatological Conditions

  • Acne and Oily Skin: Niacinamide effectively manages acne and oily skin by regulating sebum and reducing inflammation.
  • Hyperpigmentation and Melasma: Its ability to reduce melanin transfer benefits it in treating hyperpigmentation and melasma.
  • Aging Skin: Niacinamide targets wrinkles and loss of firmness.
  • Skin Barrier Disorders: Niacinamide is beneficial in treating skin barrier disorders like atopic dermatitis and eczema by enhancing barrier function and hydration.
  • Photodamage and Skin Protection: It helps mitigate the effects of photodamage and provides some degree of protection against environmental damage.

References

  • Gehring, W. (2004). Nicotinic acid/niacinamide and the skin. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology.
  • Bissett, D. L., Oblong, J. E., & Berge, C. A. (2005). Niacinamide: A B vitamin that improves aging facial skin appearance. Dermatologic Surgery.
  • Snaidr, V. A., Damian, D. L., & Halliday, G. M. (2019). Nicotinamide for photoprotection and skin cancer chemoprevention: A review of efficacy and safety. Experimental Dermatology.
  • Navarrete-Solís, J. et al. (2011). A Double-Blind, Randomized Clinical Trial of Niacinamide 4% versus Hydroquinone 4% in the Treatment of Melasma. Dermatology Research and Practice, 2011.

An active ingredient made from the combination of 3 powerful actives with extraordinary benefits for the skin:

  • Honey Extract
  • Marine native Collagen 
  • Marine Hydrolyzed Elastin

Honey Extract

  • Provides natural moisturising factor analogue substances to skin cells.
  • It also provides the skin with components with a vital capacity for hydro-retention and hydro-regulation.
  • Mechanisms of action on skin cells include antioxidant activity and the induction of cytokines, and matrix metalloproteinase expression.

Marine native Collagen

Native Collagen has a high molecular weight, that leaves a protective film on the skin with tensor effects and remarkable moisturizing capabilities.


Marine Hydrolyzed Elastin

  • Provide nutrients and amino acids that the fibroblasts (type of skin cell) will use to produce new fibres of elastin and collagen.
  • It contains the peptides and amino acids of elastin: Aspartic Acid, Theorine, Serine, Glutamic Acid, Proline, Glycine, Lysine, and Arginine.

It is a complete active ingredient from which the skin will get substances to nourish, increase its moisture, get external protection against damaging substances, and decrease its wrinkles.

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