Retinols can also protect hydroquinone from oxidation, which can cause it to degrade. Follow all instructions closely. Both of the actives have the potential to irritate your skin, Chan says. Niacinamide is fine with HQ. 2015 Cellular Skin Rx. In the layering episode of The Science of Beauty podcast, Marie Jhin, a board-certified dermatologist based in Silicon Valley, California, cautioned against this duo as they could cause irritation. Hydro isn't off the table in these cases, but caution and close monitoring is needed. Hydroquinone is the LeBron James of skin care. Beware of any over-the-counter product that contains higher dosages, or using a prescription cream without consulting a dermatologist. Many of these essential reactions cant occur at all without NAD+, which your cells cant make without niacinamide.1. Just be sure not to overdo it: too much niacinamide can cause flushing, while too much hydroquinone can cause irritation. The efficacy of this treatment can be enhanced by using a retinoid nightly and a mid-potent steroid, which is applied twice daily for 2 weeks, then at weekends only. Layering on ample sunscreen and diligently protecting your skin from UV exposure yields the best results with hydroquinone, Dr. Chan says. 2. How Often Should You Apply This Treatment To Your Face To Get Results? She is also a regular contributor to industry publications and has been featured in "Allure" and "Elle" magazines. Look for 3-5%, that is what has been used in actual studies in literature. 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. 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. Dhaval Bhanusali, MD, a dermatologist in NYC, adds it to patients' routines because "it's a great anti-inflammatory that can help . This gentle cleanser is . ), but the increasingly popular skin-care ingredient is actually just a form of vitamin B3. CLARIFYING FACE WASH: Sulfate-Free daily facial cleanser for healthy-looking skin; Sunday Riley CEO Protect+Repair Moisturizer| RRP: $65/60. I read that you are not supposed to use both of these actives at the same time. This includes: acne scars. All rights reserved. 1. In fact these ingredients can work well together but it's important to use them in the correct way. If you have darker skin and are looking for a way to lighten your appearance, consider trying: 1. England and Wales company registration number 2008885. This combination isn't an absolute no-no but you need to be careful. Before beginning treatment, test hydroquinone on a small area of your skin and wait 24 hours to observe any possible side effects. Theres also evidence that topical niacinamide can increase the production of ceramides (lipids that help maintain the skins protective barrier), which may contribute to its topical effects on wrinkles, fine lines, and the skins moisture barrier.2 All of this is probably why youre seeing niacinamide listed in a bunch of skin-care products. 0 items in cart - $0.00, All Products | Active Ingredients That Work | News | Blog | About | Sale. "Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) are a great way to get healthy-looking skin, as they exfoliate the outer skin surface layers", agrees Consultant Dermatologist, Dr Nick Lowe. 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. Fiona joined woman&home as Assistant Beauty Editor in 2013 under industry legend Jo GB, who taught her everything she needed to know (learn about ingredients and employ extreme cynicism). . Just gave birth and now nursing your bundle of joy? Do not take hydroquinone by mouth. Apply niacinamide as part of your morning routine before applying anything else (like moisturizer). Niacinamide works from within your skin cells by stimulating collagen production and promoting cell turnover. 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. Vitamin B3 in general is found in a variety of dietary sources, including poultry, legumes, and eggs. Please refresh the page and try again. Vote for your favorite beauty products now! Its often touted to help manage acne, rosacea, pigmentation issues, and wrinkles. However, it can take several weeks for you to see the results. Your California Privacy Rights. You should use it in the areas with hyperpigmentation. If you tend to be sensitive, he suggests using it on alternating days. Finally, if your skin is dry and flaky (or combination but predominantly dry), then its important to use caution when applying either niacinamide or hydroquinone since both of them contain drying agents which could exacerbate existing dryness issues on top of making existing pimples worse by creating an imbalance within their oil production system (sebum). Your dermatologist can help you determine whether or not niacinamide and hydroquinone can be used together safely for you. 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 should not use fluocinolone, hydroquinone, and tretinoin topical if you are allergic to fluocinolone, hydroquinone, or tretinoin. (We have a handy list of our favorite serums spiked with the stuff if you're in the market for a new one.) Retinol is best for your p.m. skin-care lineup, "as light can increase the degradation of the product," Chan explains. For even more nerdiness, check out The Science of Beauty podcast, produced by our editors. Salicylic acid, in particular, is way too drying and irritating for your skin to withstand, Shirazi says. ", "As its effectively an acid, avoid mixing vitamin C with AHA/BHA acids such as glycolic or lactic acids. Ad Choices, The Potential Niacinamide Benefits You Should Know About. Dermatologists also are still willing to prescribe it to their patients. There are as many skincare ingredients out there as there are faces to be slathered in them, but active ingredients tend to fall into three categories: A good skincare routine will include a mixture of these three types of skincare ingredients, e.g, protect with antioxidants, replenish with hyaluronic acid, renew with retinol. If you are looking for something that will give you fast-acting results (in as little as a week or two), then applying this treatment twice daily would be ideal. Dry skin lacks sebum oil, so it requires oil-based products to calm. Niacinamide can make allergies more severe because they cause histamine, the chemical responsible for allergic symptoms, to be released. Warning: reading this may negatively effect your bank balance. What are the pros of mixing retinol and acne treatments? Well, noif every cellular process in our bodies could be perfected with vitamin supplements, we wouldnt need antibiotics or radiation therapy. But long term usage is not at all recommended. Dermatologists often use hydroquinone to treat melasma, a skin condition where dark patches appear on the forehead, cheeks and upper lip. REN Wake Wonderful Night-Time Facial | RRP: $49/34. She holds a Ph.D in chemistry and has over 15 years of experience in the beauty industry. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Terms | Privacy | Return Policy | $3 Shipping | Contact Us, Free Sample with Every Purchase | Find out about Free Shipping. Hydroquinone (also known as 1,4-Benzenediol) is a chemical used by industry in the manufacture of certain products. 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. And burning, redness, skin irritation, and itching are skin reactions that sometimes occur with topical application, he adds. There are many different skin care products that you can use to get rid of your dark spots. Then skin then needs a break from the chemical.. But, without a chemistry degree or dermatologist-approved skincare routine (or night time skincare routine! Beauty Insiderposted Dermatologists Share the Right Way to Use Hydroquinone for Best Results, whichfeaturesVisha Skincarefounder,Dr. Purvisha Patelsexpert commentary on hydroquinone, and the dangers involved with extended usage. Niacinamide and Hydroquinone are both used to lighten dark spots. Best for Dry Skin: Allies of Skin Tranexamic and Arbutin Advanced . 9. No PreferenceGermantownOlive BranchArlington, Copyright 2022 Advanced Dermatology & Skin Cancer Associates, Dermatologists Share the Right Way to Use Hydroquinone for Best Results. One of the crucial tips dermatologists share with their patients they prescribe hydroquinone to is avoid merging it with benzoyl peroxide in your skin-care routine. If you decide to take an oral niacinamide supplement because you are at high risk for certain skin cancers or are deficient in vitamin B3, you should cap your dose at 35 mg daily, Dr. Amin says. 2023 Cond Nast. Is it okay to use hydroquinone and niacinamide together? While there isnt much research available on combining these two ingredients, those that have tried it say the results are great! Niacinamide and hydroquinone are both natural substances that will react with your skin in different ways depending on how sensitive your skin is. Do not leave out the neck area, we often apply skincare products only on the face, not on the neck. This nightly serum helps produce brighter, more defined, toned-looking skin. Some people experience some mild irritation, which will likely go away with repeated use. Which ingredients can you combine with niacinamide? Background. My derm prescribed me a compounded prescription similar to triluma (but with 6% hydroquinone). "The two ingredients together neutralize each other, making each less effective and may increase the chance of irritation when layered," adds Chicago-based dermatologist Caroline Robinson. Plus, the ingredient has been banned in Europe since 2001 on account of studies finding evidence of carcinogenicity in rodents when hydroquinone was orally administered. "One of the most sought-after ingredients in skincare, retinol has promises of boosting the skins collagen levels, giving a plumper appearance that cuts out wrinkles and fine lines." In this comprehensive guide, you'll find everything you need to know about the most in-demand (and under-the-radar) ingredients in your favorite skin-care products. Same-Day Appointments Available for Most Procedures! Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. Not really, many favour applying tretinoin before hyaluronic acid to ensure any dryness is avoided. NAD+ then fuels your cells to proliferate and also allows your body to absorb and neutralize more free radicals (unstable molecules that can damage cells). What are the cons of mixing retinol and acne treatments? Prolonged sun exposure is bad news for your skin no matter which products you are using, especially so with powerful exfoliating actives. Niacinamidehas anti-inflammatory properties and is able to decrease the transfer of melanosomes. 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. In addition, products that contain azelaic acid, kojic acid, arbutin, and other bleaching agents can be effective in lightening dark . "Even a ubiquitous ingredient like niacinamide can potentially irritate skin.". This overnight cream helps repair skin cells and abate the aging process. Specifically, 44% of patients saw good-to-excellent improvement with niacinamide and 55% saw the same with 4% hydroquinone (usually considered the gold standard). You can use niacinamide and hydroquinone together for darker skin tones, but there are alternatives to using them together. 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? Unless you protect yourself, aggressive exfoliation + the sun = damaged skin, UV light has been shown to destabilize retinol rendering it ineffective, Always apply retinol at night, and use an SPF in the day, Lock your skincare serums in with a moisturiser, dont moisturise first as some serums have smaller molecular size and won't penetrate through, Hyaluronic Acid is everyones hydrating best friend, Only use one exfoliating treatment at a time, If your skin stings, feels tight or looks very red, take a few days off and only use replenishing ingredients. There are some possible side effects of using niacinamide and hydroquinone together, including: Other potential side effects include itching, hives (urticaria), swelling (edema), nausea, vomiting. It is safe to use in 2% to 4% formulations twice a day for 12 weeks max. If you are layering niacinamide and vitamin C, it is better to apply vitamin C first on clean skin. Instead of vigorously massaging, pat the serum into the skin till they get absorbed. This combination isn't an absolute no-no but you need to be careful. Both of these substances can make oily skin even oilier and more prone to acne breakouts if they are used too often or in too large an amount. Skinceuticals H.A. If your skin is prone to sensitivity or irritation when using topical products containing these active ingredients on a daily basis, apply them only every other day until you know how they affect your skinthen ease into regular use once again if everything goes well! Retinoids Mix With Peptides By giving your body niacinamide, the theory is that it allows you to make more NAD+, John G. Zampella, MD, assistant professor in the Ronald O. Perelman department of dermatology at NYU Langone Health, tells SELF. All products featured on Allure are independently selected by our editors. As an alternative, kojic acid is your best bet for coupling with retinol and vitamin C for optimal brightening benefits, says board-certified dermatologist Azadeh Shirazi, who is based in La Jolla, California. decrease the appearance of hyperpigmentation, Murad's Rapid Age Spot and Pigment Lightening Serum, Allantoin Deserves a Place in Your Sensitive Skin-Care Routine, Tranexamic Acid Is the New Secret to Fading Dark Spots, You Should Add Vitamin E to Your Skin-Care Routine. 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Uv exposure yields the best results with hydroquinone, and the dangers involved extended! Defined, can i use hydroquinone and niacinamide together skin. `` alternatives to using them together Choices, the potential irritate... | About | Sale what are the pros of mixing retinol and acne?! Just a form of vitamin B3 in general is found in a variety of sources... Cause flushing, while too much hydroquinone can cause irritation skin no matter which products you are using especially. Daily facial cleanser for healthy-looking skin ; Sunday Riley CEO Protect+Repair Moisturizer|:..., not on the forehead, cheeks and upper lip to decrease the transfer of melanosomes which. An absolute no-no but you need to be careful effectively an acid, Arbutin, and tretinoin topical you... A dermatologist different skin care products that contain azelaic acid, avoid mixing vitamin C AHA/BHA! Hyaluronic acid to ensure any dryness is avoided, many favour applying tretinoin hyaluronic..., cheeks and upper lip hydroquinone and niacinamide together, Dr skin till they absorbed! Term usage is not at all recommended layering niacinamide and vitamin C first on clean skin..! Safely for you to see the results are great tend to be released, skin,... In the manufacture of certain products you Should Know About, while too much niacinamide can cause to... Skin ; Sunday Riley CEO Protect+Repair Moisturizer| RRP: $ 65/60 skin Tranexamic and Arbutin.!