Niacinamide (Vitamin B3): The Science
Niacinamide is one of the most extensively studied skincare actives, with clinical trials supporting its efficacy for a wide range of skin concerns at concentrations between 2% and 10%.
Proven benefits of niacinamide
- Pore minimising — reduces the appearance of enlarged pores by normalising sebum production
- Brightening — inhibits melanosome transfer from melanocytes to keratinocytes, reduces hyperpigmentation without irritation
- Barrier strengthening — stimulates ceramide and free fatty acid synthesis
- Anti-inflammatory — reduces redness, blotchiness and acne-related inflammation
- Anti-aging — improves skin texture, fine lines and sallowness in photo-aged skin
- Oil control — reduces sebum excretion rate, helpful for oily and acne-prone skin
Vitamin C in Skincare: The Science
L-ascorbic acid (pure vitamin C) is the most potent and clinically validated form of vitamin C. It is a powerful antioxidant that protects against UV-induced free radical damage — the primary driver of photoaging.
Proven benefits of vitamin C
- Antioxidant protection — neutralises free radicals generated by UV and pollution
- Collagen synthesis — essential cofactor for collagen biosynthesis, firms and plumps skin
- Hyperpigmentation — inhibits tyrosinase enzyme, reduces dark spots and uneven tone
- Photoprotection — when combined with SPF, enhances UV protection up to 4× compared to SPF alone
- Wound healing — accelerates healing and reduces post-inflammatory marks
Can You Use Niacinamide and Vitamin C Together?
Yes — they are safe and beneficial to use together. Early concern arose from in-vitro studies suggesting the two could form a yellow complex called nicotinic acid. However, modern research clarifies that this reaction occurs only at very high concentrations and temperatures not found in standard skincare use.
Many current formulations include both for complementary brightening and antioxidant benefits.
Aurelderma Products with Niacinamide and Vitamin C
Niafine Serum — Niacinamide Focus
Niafine Serum delivers concentrated niacinamide for multi-benefit skin correction — pore minimising, brightening and barrier support in a lightweight serum suitable for daily use.
Agelite Vitamin C Facewash
Agelite Vitamin C Facewash provides daily antioxidant cleansing with stabilised vitamin C — removing impurities while delivering brightening and anti-aging benefits with each wash.
How to Incorporate These Actives
Morning routine (brightening + protection)
- Cleanse with Agelite Vitamin C Facewash
- Apply Niafine Serum — wait 1–2 minutes to absorb
- Moisturizer of choice
- SPF 50 — Uvedge Tinted SPF50 or Uvedge SPF 50 Gel
Evening routine (repair + tone correction)
- Double cleanse if wearing makeup or SPF
- Niafine Serum or Lumiedge Cream for targeted brightening
- Moisturizer — Ceraedge Cream for barrier-compromised skin
Who Should Use These Ingredients?
- Niacinamide — all skin types, including sensitive; great starting point for beginners
- Vitamin C — all skin types; use stabilised formulations if you have sensitive skin
- Both — especially effective for South Asian skin types prone to hyperpigmentation
Summary
Niacinamide and vitamin C are among the best-evidenced skincare actives available today. Niafine Serum and Agelite Vitamin C Facewash from Aurelderma bring these benefits to Nepal through Stellar Healthcare. Explore our full skincare range.