Combining skincare ingredients and creating something that is beneficial and effective can be a challenging task. For example, will the pH levels of the ingredients being combined impact each other? Will the combination irritate your skin? Is it possible that there will be a negative reaction that may cause your eyebrows to disappear?
It’s not unusual for your head to be spinning at this point. Is it really possible to combine skincare ingredients without having a chemistry degree?
The answer is a resounding “yes.” While you can effectively combine countless skincare ingredients, one combination seems to stand out from the others – niacinamide and retinol. When combined properly, they can provide superior results and effects for your skin. It is also beneficial to look at some of the Retin A results that people have used. This will help you see the benefits it offers.
What Is Niacinamide?
Niacinamide, which is also called nicotinamide, is a type of vitamin B-3. If you have a B-3 deficiency, it can cause problems with your brain, kidneys, and skin. When you take niacinamide or use it as a topical, it can help to prevent a B-3 deficiency.
It’s important to note there is more to this nutrient than you may think at first. This is especially the case when it comes to overall skin health. While more research is needed on this product, it has been seen that topical niacinamide may help treat specific skin conditions, such as eczema and acne.
How Niacinamide Is Used with Retinol
It’s important to note that both niacinamide and non-prescription retinol are effective on their own. However, when you use them together, it provides more benefits because of the way a niacinamide serum will strengthen the skin barrier, all while calming the reactivity and irritation in your skin. This will help skin be much more receptive to the application of retinol but doesn’t have the irritating effects that some experience.
Also, using niacinamide will help to stimulate the natural production of ceramides and fatty acids in your skin. This helps to reinforce retinol’s ability to enhance the feel and look of your skin. Each of the products works in unique ways to help normalize the function of your pores, resulting in better oil control and reduced pore size. It is important to note that the safety of Retin A has been proven again and again.
When you add these ingredients to your skin care routine, they will begin to neutralize the damaging effects caused by various environmental stressors that may impact your skin. When you find a way to offset the damage, both ingredients will be more effective. Niacinamide and retinol use different methods to improve your skin tone and to help brighten dull skin. This is yet another reason to use them together.
How to Use Retinol and Niacinamide Together
If you plan to use a combination of retinol and niacinamide in a skincare product as part of your daily skincare routine, begin with towel-dried, clean skin. If you use an exfoliant or toner, apply these first. It is possible to use the products individually or purchase a product where they are already combined. Sometimes you will need to try each option to see which one works best with your skin.
If you plan to use two individual products, use the one with the lightest or thinnest texture. You don’t have to wait after applying one to apply the other. The ingredients work well together, and they don’t deactivate each other.
It is important to note you can use both ingredients, niacinamide, and a retinoid, during the day or at night. Just make sure you use sun protection if you are outside during the day.
Remember, when you use the combination of niacinamide and retinol, your skin may become uncomfortable or look red and flaky. If this happens, it is best to reduce the frequency of how much you use it or use a lower concentration.
For example, using a one percent concentration retinol product is thought to be high strength. Because of this, you may want to begin with something lower, such as a 0.5 percent concentration.
Benefits of Niacinamide
Getting to know the specific benefits offered by niacinamide can help you see why this product is such a smart investment for the health of your skin. Some of the top benefits include:
Reduces Pores
When you use niacinamide to keep your skin moisturized and smooth, there may be a side effect. This side effect is a reduction in the size of your pores, similar to the effect of benzoyl peroxide.
Immunity
As you use niacinamide, it begins building keratin. This is a protein that can help keep your skin healthy and firm.
Reduces Blotchiness and Redness
When used regularly, this substance can help reduce cases of inflammation. It can also ease redness caused by acne, eczema, and other inflammatory skin conditions.
Creates a Lipid Barrier
As you use niacinamide, it will help your skin create a lipid or ceramide barrier. This helps your skin retain more beneficial moisture. Even if you have mature skin or eczema, this can be extremely beneficial.
Treats Hyperpigmentation
Using five percent niacinamide concentrations may be beneficial in reducing the appearance of dark spots. Most people see results after four weeks of ongoing use. It’s believed this happens thanks to the increased production of collagen.
Protects Skin from Sun Damage
When you use niacinamide, it will help to rebuild healthy skin cells. It will also protect these new cells from damage caused by UV rays.
Regulates Oil Production
Moisture retention is a huge benefit for everyone, not just those with dry skin. When you use niacinamide, it will help regulate the overall oil produced by the sebaceous glands, preventing them from producing excess oil.
Effective Acne Treatment
If you suffer from severe acne, niacinamide may be beneficial. This is especially true for inflammatory forms, such as pustules and papules. Also, with continued use, you may see fewer lesions and an improvement in skin texture.
Reduces Wrinkles and Fine Lines
The same five percent concentration of niacinamide mentioned above can also be beneficial in reducing signs of sun damage that are often seen as you age. This includes wrinkles and fine lines.
Products: Niacinamide with Retinol
If you are looking for products that combine niacinamide with retinol to avoid using these separately, you have several options. While Admire retinoid cream is a great option, there are also combination products to consider, too. Some of the options to consider include:
Eva Naturals Skin Clearing Serum
This is a type of vitamin C serum. It has 3.5% niacinamide and 2% retinol. Other active products include salicylic acid, hyaluronic acid, and ascorbic acid.
InstaNatural Age Defying and Skin Clearing Serum
With this product, you have a combination of salicylic acid for treating blemishes, retinol to minimize the appearance of fine lines, and vitamin C and niacinamide to help lighten any dark spots.
QRxLaps Niacinamide + Retinol Serum
With this product, you have a combination of jojoba oil, vitamin E, hyaluronic acid, 1% retinol, and 5% niacinamide. This is considered a clinically effective retinol cream.
La Roche-Posay Pure Retinol Face Serum
The serum combines both gradual release retinol and pure retinol to ensure maximum anti-aging benefits. It also includes niacinamide (vitamin B3) along with glycerin.
TruSkin Vitamin C-Plus Super Serum
This is one product that is perfect for all skin types. It is a popular product and combines a blend of salicylic acid, hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, niacinamide concentration of 3.5%, and retinol concentration of 2.5%.
The Takeaway of Using Niacinamide and Retinol Together
If you want to begin using niacinamide and retinol together, knowing how to do this is essential. When starting out, use niacinamide alone twice per day. Do this for a few weeks before adding retinol to your routine.
You should also continue to use niacinamide as a type of “buffer” while treating your skin with retinol. While there are no hard and fast rules regarding applying these products, if you are using them together, but as individual products, apply niacinamide first when used as a serum and last if it is being used as a serum moisturizer.
Remember, any time you use retinol, it is important to apply sunscreen each day. If you have extremely sensitive skin, begin using retinol once per week and then increase the frequency as your skin’s tolerance increases.
Are You Ready to Use This Skincare Combo?
If you are dealing with dark spots, have acne-prone skin, or hyperpigmentation, there’s no question that using topical niacinamide with retinol can offer many benefits. Adding these products to your skincare routine will pay off in the long run. Adding additional products to your routines, such as glycolic acid, eye cream, and tretinoin, can further improve things like skin pigmentation and reduce the presence of dead skin cells.
When it comes to skin benefits, there are a lot of products to consider. However, learning more about each product, its specific benefits, and why you should use it can help ensure you take the right steps to improve the look, feel, and texture of your skin, regardless of your age or the type of skin you have. Remember, finding a quality product is essential to achieve the desired results. Keep the options above in mind, which will help you with this.
