Should you use niacinamide serum during the day or at night?

How do you use niacinamide serum during the day?

1. 1Wash your face with a gentle cleanser and gently pat dry.
2. 2Apply your niacinamide serum as directed. Serums typically need only a few drops for the whole face.
3. 3Apply moisturizer.
4. 4Finish with broad spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher on skin not covered by clothing. Apply makeup afterwards if you wear it.

Niacinamide does not work as sunscreen or prevent sunburn. Even if you choose niacinamide for brighter looking skin or dark spots, sunscreen remains a separate part of the morning routine.5

How do you use niacinamide serum at night?

1. 1Cleanse gently and pat your face dry.
2. 2Apply the amount of niacinamide serum directed on the label.
3. 3Follow with moisturizer. You do not need sunscreen for the bedtime routine.

A serum does not replace moisturizer, even if its dropper makes the routine look like laboratory work. Serums are usually light liquids designed to deliver concentrated ingredients; moisturizer helps keep water in the skin. Both can have a place in the same routine.24

Does niacinamide go before or after moisturizer?

For a typical light serum, before moisturizer is a practical default based on general serum layering: cleanse, treat, then moisturize. Niacinamide can also be applied after moisturizer or combined with moisturizer. Follow your serum's directions rather than treating one order as compulsory for every formula. Texture matters: a thin serum generally goes before a thick cream.146

What if you also use retinol?

Niacinamide can be paired with retinol and can soothe irritation caused by strong skincare ingredients. Retinol belongs in the bedtime routine and increases sensitivity to sunlight, so keep using daytime sunscreen. One straightforward option is niacinamide in the morning and retinol at night. Niacinamide does not make retinol irritation impossible. Introduce retinol slowly, follow its directions, and finish with moisturizer. If you already use a prescription retinoid, avoid adding another retinol serum or cream without checking with your prescriber.147

How often should sensitive skin use niacinamide?

Start slowly with a low concentration if your skin is sensitive; many products contain 5% niacinamide or less. Before using the serum widely, apply a small amount to your forearm and wait 24 hours. Niacinamide is generally well tolerated, including by some people who cannot tolerate retinoids or fruit acids, but it can cause itching, redness, mild burning or an allergic reaction.15

Stop using a nonprescription serum that stings or burns. If irritation or a rash develops, stop the product and make an appointment with a dermatologist. Do not assume that using several niacinamide products together is better; using too many skincare products can irritate skin.236

What results should you expect?

Niacinamide can improve moisture retention and the appearance of uneven pigmentation, fine lines and red blotchiness. In research using a 2% niacinamide moisturizer, facial oiliness improved over four to six weeks. Studies of 4% to 5% topical formulas found improvements in wrinkles or other signs of ageing over eight to twelve weeks. These are useful timeframes for setting expectations, not a deadline for every serum.5

Results depend on the ingredients and the finished formula. Price matters less than the formula, even when the bottle looks qualified to manage the rest of the bathroom.4