Niacinamide Serum and SPF: The Dark Spot Duo for Bright, Protected Skin

Using dark spots serums and retinol can only do so much for your skin if you’re neglecting SPF. The truth of the matter is, it makes it extremely hard to fade dark spots when you fail to wear SPF because you negate all the hard work that you do every night with your serums when you spend the day without sun protection. 

We’ve recently learned a skin care insider secret: You can make the most of your skin care routine by pairing niacinamide and SPF so they treat and protect the skin together. To learn more about both of these powerful skin care ingredients, we tapped Michelle Henry, MD FAAD, NYC-based board-certified dermatologist and L’Oréal Paris consultant. Read on to learn how to use the L’Oréal Paris Bright Reveal Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Daily UV Lotion and L’Oréal Paris Bright Reveal 12% [Niacinamide + Amino Sulfonic + Ferulic Acid] Dark Spot Serum in your skin care routine for bright, dewy skin. 

What Does Niacinamide Do?

Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3 that can help, soothe the skin and minimize redness,  reduce pigment and minimize oils, according to Dr. Henry. Furthermore, a study from The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology reports that topical niacinamide application has the potential to reduce fine lines, fade hyperpigmentation and improve skin barrier function. 

Can Niacinamide Be Used Every Day?

According to Dr. Henry, niacinamide can be used twice a day, and many skin types can use it freely without irritation. However, a good rule of thumb is to always look at the directions on your niacinamide serum or cream to guide your personal usage. The formulation is going to be a major deciding factor in whether or not you can use it daily. 

Niacinamide is an active, like retinol, but one thing that separates it from both of those ingredients is safe for daily use and pregnancy. “Niacinamide is vitamin B3, and we eat that all the time,” Dr. Henry shares. 

What Does SPF Do?

In case you still roll your eyes at the idea that you must wear SPF every single day, year round (not just in summer or on beach days), let us break it down for you. According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), sunscreen can help to prevent skin cancer by shielding the skin from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays (which are present year round). It can also help to protect against visible signs of aging, like fine lines and wrinkles and hyperpigmentation caused by UV rays. According to the AAD, everyone should be applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen (one that protects against UVA that cause aging and UVB rays that cause burning) with an SPF of 30 or greater and a water-resistant formula daily. 

How to Use the Bright Reveal UV SPF and Niacinamide Serum in Your Skin Care Routine

Niacinamide and SPF go hand-in-hand if you’re looking to create a solid morning routine to achieve bright, glowy and well-protected skin. Here’s how to use the two in the same routine. 

1. Cleanse

Always start off your skin care routine by cleansing your face. You never want to apply serums or creams on top of bacteria because this can lead to acne and skin irritation. In the morning, use a gentle cleanser like the L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Radiant Smoothing Cream Cleanser. The creamy formula gently exfoliates to nourish skin and boost radiance. 

2. Apply Your Face Serums

Once your face is clean, you can continue applying your face serums of choice. If you’re using a few face serums apply them from thinnest to thickest consistency. The L’Oréal Paris Bright Reveal 12% [Niacinamide + Amino Sulfonic + Ferulic Acid] Dark Spot Serum has a lightweight finish that absorbs quickly without leaving behind a sticky or greasy residue. It works to fade all kinds of dark spots and leaves the skin looking clearer and luminous in just two weeks with twice daily use. 

3. Layer on Moisturizer

After applying your serums, lock in hydration with a lightweight moisturizer like the L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Derm Intensives Micro Hyaluronic Acid + Ceramides Line-Plumping Water Cream. The hydrating formula contains hyaluronic acid and ceramides to strengthen the skin barrier. It’s quick to absorb, layers well with SPF and makeup and it suits all skin types. “[Niacinamide] plays really well with other ingredients, which is part of why I like it so much,” Dr. Henry says. Furthermore, in a 2021 study conducted by the National Center for Biotechnology Information, niacinamide and hyaluronic acid were deemed safe for topical skin care use.  

4. Apply SPF

No morning skin care routine is complete without SPF, so reach for the L’Oréal Paris Bright Reveal Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Daily UV Lotion. Apply a quarter-sized dollop to your palms and gently blend it onto your face. This broad-spectrum SPF contains UVA and UVB filters to fight against harmful sun rays that lead to aging and burning. The lightweight texture is neither greasy nor heavy, plus it doesn’t leave a white cast on any skin tone. It gives a subtle, glowy finish that helps to prime the skin for makeup. 

Next: 8 Reasons to Use Hyaluronic Acid Under Eyes

Photographer: Ted Cavanaugh, Producer: Becca Solovay, Art Director: Hannah Packer, Prop Stylist: Katrina Rozeville, Prop Assistant: Emily Ramirez, Photo Assistant: Ben Berkes, Digi Tech: Aaron Barton