Vitamin C vs. Niacinamide vs. Retinol: Which Serum Does Your Skin Need?

It is not easy to decide which serum is suitable for you unless you do a simple analysis. This analysis is about the benefits and limitations of all three types, and it will surely help you select the right one for your skin. Also, you can use multiple serums, where you will have to know the right order and time of application. So, here is a simple guide about vitamin C vs. niacinamide vs. retinol serums.

Benefits of Vitamin C Serum

Since vitamin C has plenty of benefits for our skin, one can expect its essential role in a skincare routine. That is why many skincare products, especially serums, contain vitamin C. What is vitamin C serum? Well, it is a serum that primarily contains vitamin C to heal, protect, and nourish the skin. Anyone who looks for younger and fresher skin can’t skip any product that contains this vitamin. Whether it is from fruits, vegetables, or even skincare products, one has to ensure their skin gets vitamin C. Once this vitamin enters the body, the skin starts having benefits in surprising ways. Since it is about vitamin C serum, here are the benefits of it.

Skin appears more rejuvenated

• It works as an antioxidant against harmful elements that cause damage.

• It boosts collagen production, which is the key to soft, glowing, and fresh skin.

• The skin texture also becomes smooth because of vitamin C.

• Vitamin C serum reduces and prevents further skin dryness.

• It reduces wrinkles of all types, especially the premature ones caused by UV rays.

• Skin thinness starts diminishing because of collagen production.

• A vitamin C serum also reduces paleness and skin hyperpigmentation.

• The skin starts getting more radiance after it gets rid of toxins and paleness.  

• Even the inflammation starts dropping, which helps the skin feel calm.

However, vitamin C serums could be a little harsh on some skin. You will have to do a patch test before starting to apply it to the full face.

Benefits of Niacinamide Serum

Niacinamide, aka nicotinamide, is a form of niacin, which is vitamin B3. Its primary function is to support and protect the skin barrier against various threats like pollutants and UV rays. What is niacinamide serum? It is a skin serum that has niacinamide or vitamin B3 to balance skin oil and repair DNA for better skin results. Here are all the benefits you might need to know before you choose a niacinamide serum.

• Dark spots start to disappear after some months.

• The skin becomes radiant and calm.

• It repairs DNA, which results in better skin appearance and texture.

• It also balances the sebum production because it regulates skin oil.

• Niacinamide serum soothes inflammation and redness on the skin caused by UV rays.

• Reducing the pores reduces excess oil production.

• It also contains antioxidants against various toxins to keep the skin healthy.

• Likewise, it reduces wrinkles and fine lines to make skin appear rejuvenated.

• Niacinamide serum also helps in skin repair and balances the skin tone.

• People who need to recover from sunburns get better support from it.

It is suitable for almost all skin types since it reduces excess oil and pores. Also, it enhances skin hydration. Besides, a niacinamide serum can treat rosacea, atopic dermatitis, and hyperpigmentation.

Benefits of Retinol Serum

Before you find its benefits, here is what you should know. What is retinol serum? It is a form of retinoids that are derived from vitamin A. That means it is a vitamin A serum that promotes cell development for better skin health. People who want to improve the skin quality in terms of texture and radiance use this serum. Once they start applying it, they experience all these benefits below.

• It helps in collagen production for better skin texture and a younger look.

• Retinol serum keeps the pores clear against acne breakouts.  

• It helps in reducing the fine lines.  

• Using it leads to the timely repair of sun damage.

• It removes scars, acne scars, and stretch marks on the face.

• Basically, it promotes elasticity to make skin look younger.

• Retinol serum improves pigmentation and brightens the skin tone.

• If someone is looking for anti-aging effects by reducing wrinkles, it can help them.

• It also helps build cell communication for better skin health.

Besides, retinol serum is not suitable for sensitive skin, eczema, or even rosacea. It takes approximately 3 months to show results. Make sure you start slow with a small retinol percentage in serum because the percentage level matters. Also, the quantity must be very little in the beginning, and a patch test will be mandatory.

Comparison of Benefits for Correct Serum Selection

Here is a comparison of all three types of serums. You can also do a comparison by looking at the benefits and limitations based on your skin type. Oil, dry, combination, and sensitive skin types need different types of serums. Just one type of serum is not safe for all. Therefore, you can decide better with these simple queries.

Suitable Serum for Oily and Acne-Prone Skin

Niacinamide serum is a better choice for oily skin. If someone has acne-prone skin, a retinol serum is a good option. However, some people use multiple serums for combined effects. What you can do is apply niacinamide serum during the day and retinol serum at night. It will give you benefits like oil control and acne reduction together without risk of any reaction.

Suitable Serum for Dry and Dull Skin

Vitamin C serum is a better choice for dry skin and dullness. However, you can also use a niacinamide serum for a better skin barrier. You can apply niacinamide serum at night for the skin repair process, and vitamin C serum during the day for hydration. That will give you multiple benefits from both types of serum for radiant and hydrated skin.

Which Serum Goes First: Vitamin C, Niacinamide, or Retinol?

Start with the day, and vitamin C serum will go first. Then you apply niacinamide serum to lock the first one. Then at night, you can apply retinol serum because it can’t survive in the daytime. Also, retinol will get enough time in the skin to repair for better results. Make sure you wait for around five minutes between each skincare product when layering them in your skin routine.

Which Two Serums Can Not Go Together?

Avoid using retinol and Vitamin C serums together because retinol will wear off in the daytime. Also, layering with vitamin C will not be a good idea since there will be no stability between these two. Besides, try to avoid using retinol serum with AHA/BHA serum, and vitamin C serum with benzoyl peroxide.

Which is Better for Dark Spots: Retinol, Vitamin C, or Niacinamide?

Niacinamide serum is the most suitable serum against dark spots. However, some use vitamin C serum because of its benefits, like radiant skin and collagen production.

Is Using 3 Serums Too Much?

You can use all three serums, but make sure you choose different timings. Use vitamin C and niacinamide serums in your day skincare routine, and retinol serum at night. Retinol is not a good option with vitamin C or niacinamide, so it is better to apply it at night alone. Also, apply vitamin C serum first because it is thin and reactive.

Conclusion

The selection of serum and its right usage level can provide the best results. The ingredients, application timing, and combination matter the most. Not following the guidelines can cause confusion and poor results. So, choose the dry-skin serum if you have dry skin, and the oily-skin serum for oily skin. Some are also available for combination skin, and they contain both hydrating and oil-control ingredients. Besides, follow the patch test before you apply the serum to your whole face.