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Skincare Power Couple: How To Combine Niacinamide And Vitamin C

Teamwork makes the dream work.

Getting our skincare right can sometimes feel like a little bit of an art.

Not only do we have to find the right combination of products, but we must ensure the ingredients we are using on our skin are working with each other, and not against.

Then, there are some complimentary combinations that deliver a one-two punch of effectiveness.

When it comes to fighting pigmentation and uneven skin tone, look no further than the powerful duo that is niacinamide and vitamin C. Both possess skin-loving properties on their own, but together, they make a very powerful pair indeed. 

The Benefits of Niacinamide

Also known as vitamin B3, niacinamide has a vast array of brightening and tightening qualities.

Helping to repair damaged DNA and cells, it can also reduce the effects of UV rays on the skin. That makes it particularly useful for fighting the early signs of ageing, like discolouration and the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

It’s also a powerhouse against hyper-pigmentation, slowing down the transportation of melanin, the skin’s natural pigment, to the skin’s surface.

Plus, it can improve the skin’s barrier function to maintain moisture, meaning our skin looks healthier, plumper and overall, more youthful.

Hailey Bieber
Niacinamide is known for its brightening and tightening qualities. (Credit: Instagram/@haileybieber)

The Benefits Of Vitamin C

Just like we take vitamin C to help fight off colds and infections, it has equally as protective and repairing qualities when used in our skincare.

Its powerful antioxidant properties give it the ability to neutralise the free radicals found naturally in our body and in the environment, from pollution, UV rays and an unhealthy diet, before they’re able to damage our skin. 

Vitamin C also boosts collagen production, improving the look of fine lines and wrinkles, and is a powerful, brightening weapon against pigmentation.

A Powerful Pair

When used together, niacinamide and vitamin C truly are a skincare power couple. That’s because, while they tackle similar issues, they work in different ways, meaning skin concerns can be addressed from multiple angles.

While it is possible to layer products containing each ingredient individually, ranges containing both deliver a boost of antioxidants, to visibly brighten the skin and improve overall tone and texture. Like Olay’s new Vitamin C + Niacinamide collection, which is formulated to brighten dull skin, visibly correct discolouration, and reveal skin’s natural (and gorgeous) glow.

Olay Luminous Niacinamide + Vitamin C range
L-R: Olay Luminous Niacinamide + Vitamin C Eye Cream and Olay Luminous Niacinamide + Vitamin C Moisturiser, $59.99 each.

Vitamin C is notoriously unstable, but after years of research (think ten rounds of consumer testing and 100 different formulations), Olay have created an effective and stable formula that provides visible results.

Blending Ethyl Ascorbic Acid (an extremely stable form of vitamin C) with low pH-activated niacinamide, the range—which includes a daily moisturiser, a super serum and eye cream—visibly evens skin tones, corrects discolouration, and gives you two times brighter skin in 28 days*.

So while the vitamin C gets busy brightening skin, the niacinamide plays an essential role in reducing melanin transfer to the skin’s surface. The result? A natural, radiant glow.

Brought to you by Olay.

* Referring to Olay Niacinamide + Vitamin C Cream vs a basic regular moisturiser

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