Adding niacinamide to your skincare routine is fairly simple, but knowing how to apply it correctly can make your routine easier to follow. Should you use it in the morning or at night? How many drops are enough? And does it go before or after moisturizer?
If you're introducing a face serum into your daily skincare routine, understanding the correct application order is a good place to start.
Here's how to use niacinamide serum: apply 2–3 drops of The Derma Co 10% Niacinamide Face Serum with 2% Zinc PCA to your clean face and neck. Gently pat or massage until absorbed, then follow with moisturizer. You can use it in the morning, at night, or both. During the day, always finish with sunscreen.
How to Apply The Derma Co 10% Niacinamide Serum Step by Step
Step 1: Cleanse Your Face
Before applying the serum, wash your face using a gentle cleanser suited to your skin type.
Throughout the day, dirt, sweat, excess oil, and other impurities can accumulate on your skin. Cleansing removes this buildup and prepares your face for the next step.
Use lukewarm water instead of very hot water, as excessive heat can leave your skin feeling dry or uncomfortable.
Once you've washed your face, gently pat it dry with a soft towel. Avoid rubbing aggressively, particularly around areas with active breakouts.
Step 2: Take 2–3 Drops of Niacinamide Serum
Take 2–3 drops of The Derma Co 10% Niacinamide Face Serum onto your clean fingertips.
This is the amount recommended in the product's application instructions.
You don't need to use an entire dropper or apply multiple layers. A small amount can be spread evenly across your face and neck.
Using more serum than recommended doesn't necessarily mean you'll get better or faster results.
Step 3: Apply the Serum Evenly
Gently spread the serum across your forehead, cheeks, chin, and neck.
You can use your fingertips to lightly pat the product into your skin or massage it in gentle circular movements.
Take extra care around the eyes and avoid applying the serum to broken or irritated skin.
Allow the product to absorb before moving to the next step.
If you have oily or acne-prone skin, avoid rubbing aggressively over active pimples.
Step 4: Follow with a Moisturizer
Once the serum has absorbed, apply your regular moisturizer.
Niacinamide helps support the skin barrier, but that doesn't mean you should skip moisturizing.
A moisturizer helps maintain hydration and keeps your skin feeling comfortable.
For oily skin, you may prefer a lightweight gel moisturizer. If you have dry or combination skin, choose a formula that suits your hydration needs.
Step 5: Apply Sunscreen During the Day
When applying niacinamide serum in the morning, finish your routine with a broad-spectrum sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher.
This is particularly important if you're concerned about acne marks or uneven skin tone.
Sun exposure can make existing dark marks more noticeable and contribute to additional pigmentation.
Allow your moisturizer to settle, then apply sunscreen evenly to exposed areas.
When Should You Use 10% Niacinamide Serum: Morning or Night?
The Derma Co 10% Niacinamide Face Serum can be used in both morning and nighttime skincare routines.
You don't need to choose one particular time. What matters is following the right application order and using the product at a frequency your skin can tolerate.
Morning Skincare Routine with Niacinamide Serum
If you usually wake up with oily skin, adding niacinamide to your morning routine may be helpful.
Niacinamide and Zinc PCA are commonly used in formulations designed to manage excess sebum and improve the appearance of enlarged pores.
Follow these steps:
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Face Wash: Cleanse your face to remove overnight oil buildup and impurities.
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Niacinamide Serum: Apply 2–3 drops evenly across your face and neck.
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Moisturizer: Use a moisturizer suitable for your skin type.
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Sunscreen: Complete your routine with broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher.
You can follow this routine before leaving for work, college, or your daily activities.
Night Skincare Routine with Niacinamide Serum
Applying niacinamide at night is equally straightforward.
Before going to bed, remove your sunscreen, makeup, and accumulated dirt with a suitable cleanser.
Then follow this routine:
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Face Wash: Cleanse your face and gently pat it dry.
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Niacinamide Serum: Apply 2–3 drops and gently pat until absorbed.
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Moisturizer: Finish with your regular face moisturizer.
If you already use exfoliating acids or retinol, introduce new products gradually rather than combining several unfamiliar active ingredients at once.
How Often Should You Apply The Derma Co 10% Niacinamide Serum?
According to the product instructions, the serum can be used twice daily.
However, 10% niacinamide is a relatively concentrated formulation, so beginners may prefer starting with once-daily application.
If you have sensitive skin, begin every other day and observe how your skin responds.
Once your skin feels comfortable, you can gradually increase the frequency.
Avoid applying repeated layers during the same routine. Using the recommended 2–3 drops consistently is generally sufficient.
If the serum causes persistent redness, itching, or burning, discontinue use.
Should You Patch Test Before Using 10% Niacinamide Serum?
Yes. A patch test is a sensible first step before introducing a new skincare product.
Apply a small quantity to a clean area of your upper forearm. Check for any redness, itching, burning, or irritation. Continue observing the area for delayed reactions before using the product regularly on your face.
The Derma Co 10% Niacinamide Face Serum has undergone independent dermatological testing. Its published patch-test certificate records that the tested formulation was assessed as dermatologically safe for use and non-irritant under Protocol No. C3B04977.
The formulation has also undergone laboratory quality checks. Its NABL laboratory test report documents testing of batch AC5B023, including microbial counts within specified limits and heavy metals below the laboratory's stated detection limits.
For readers interested in the serum's formulation, its clinical testing report includes a comparison of the formula's ingredient permeation and reported clinical evaluations relating to oiliness and skin texture.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying Niacinamide Serum
Although niacinamide is easy to incorporate into a skincare routine, a few application mistakes are worth avoiding.
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Using too much serum: Stick to the recommended 2–3 drops rather than applying thick layers.
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Applying to unclean skin: Wash your face before applying the serum.
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Skipping moisturizer: Moisturizer helps maintain hydration and supports your daily skincare routine.
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Forgetting sunscreen: Apply sunscreen every morning, especially when targeting acne marks or pigmentation.
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Introducing multiple actives together: Start new active ingredients gradually to identify potential irritation.
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Ignoring irritation: Discontinue use if you experience significant or persistent burning, itching, or redness.
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Improper storage: Store the serum in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do I use The Derma Co 10% Niacinamide Serum on my face?
Start by washing your face with a gentle cleanser and patting it dry. Apply 2–3 drops of The Derma Co 10% Niacinamide Serum evenly across your face and neck. Gently pat until absorbed, then follow with moisturizer. During the day, finish with broad-spectrum sunscreen.
2. Can I use The Derma Co 10% Niacinamide Serum every day?
Yes, The Derma Co recommends using its 10% Niacinamide Serum daily, either in the morning, at night, or both. Beginners can start once daily or every other day to assess skin tolerance. Gradually increase frequency if comfortable, and discontinue use if persistent irritation develops.
3. Should I apply niacinamide serum before or after moisturizer?
Apply niacinamide serum before your moisturizer. After cleansing, spread 2–3 drops of serum across your face and neck. Allow it to absorb before applying a moisturizer suitable for your skin type. During your morning routine, sunscreen should be the final step after moisturizing your skin.
4. Can I use The Derma Co 10% Niacinamide Serum at night?
Yes, you can use The Derma Co 10% Niacinamide Serum at night. Wash your face to remove dirt, oil, and sunscreen, then gently pat it dry. Apply 2–3 drops of serum, allow it to absorb, and finish with moisturizer before going to bed.
5. How many drops of The Derma Co Niacinamide Serum should I apply?
The recommended amount is 2–3 drops for your face and neck. Take the serum onto clean fingertips and spread it evenly across your skin. Gently pat or massage until absorbed. Applying more than the recommended amount is unnecessary and doesn't guarantee faster or better skincare results.
6. Should niacinamide serum be applied to wet or dry skin?
It's generally best to apply The Derma Co 10% Niacinamide Serum to clean, dry skin. After washing your face, gently pat it dry with a soft towel. Apply 2–3 drops evenly and allow the serum to absorb before following with your regular moisturizer.
7. Can I use niacinamide serum with sunscreen?
Yes, niacinamide serum can be used before sunscreen in your morning skincare routine. Apply 2–3 drops to clean skin, allow the serum to absorb, and follow with moisturizer. Finish with a broad-spectrum sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher to help protect against UV-related pigmentation.
8. Do I need to wash my face after applying niacinamide serum?
No, The Derma Co 10% Niacinamide Serum is a leave-on skincare product. After applying 2–3 drops, gently pat the serum into your skin and allow it to absorb. Follow with moisturizer and daytime sunscreen. Rinse it off only if you experience significant irritation.
Final Thoughts
Using The Derma Co 10% Niacinamide Face Serum is simple. Start with clean skin, apply 2–3 drops to your face and neck, gently pat until absorbed, and follow with moisturizer. If you're applying the serum in the morning, always finish with sunscreen.
