How to use Niacinamide and Retinol
Knowing how to use ingredients enables us to use skincare products properly to reap the benefits and two popular ingredients in the skincare world are Niacinamide and Retinol, so let’s dive right in.
Benefits of using Niacinamide and Retinol together
Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3 which works to minimize pores, improve uneven skin tone - it has many benefits. Retinol, vitamin A, is a powerhouse ingredient that targets most skin concerns such as fine lines and wrinkles and improving skin texture.
Combining niacinamide and retinol together strengthens the benefits that each of them provide.
Niacinamide benefits
Restores the skin barrier and boosts the production of ceramides
Decreases the visibility of pores
Helps to improve skin texture by regulating oil production
Improves the appearance of hyperpigmentation
Helps prevent premature aging
Retinol benefits
Reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
Minimizes pigmentation and evens skin tone
Improves skin texture through increasing cell turnover
Helps to create visibly firmer skin
Can you mix Niacinamide and Retinol?
Yes, You can use Retinol and Niacinamide together, in fact they work really well alongside one another. Strengthening the skin’s barrier is something that Niacinamide does well and it does this whilst also calming any reactivity in the skin.
This in turn helps the skin be more responsive to retinol, without some of the effects that some people may experience whilst using Retinol.
Alexa Tip 💡
A little secret about these two amazing ingredients…they don’t deactivate each other, there’s no need to wait between applying both. You can even layer them together.
How to use Niacinamide and Retinol
With Niacinamide apply a few drops daily, after cleansing and toning, it comes into the section of ‘treatments’ (the part of your skincare routine where you’re targeting your skincare concerns) for your skin. Retinol should be used after cleansing and toning in your evening routine and before your moisturizer. A pea sized amount only is needed, avoiding the skin directly under the eyes.
When to use Niacinamide and Retinol
If you are just starting out with Retinol, use a lower strength twice a week. After applying retinol, follow up with a Hyaluronic Acid or moisturizer to prevent any potential dryness and irritation. Always follow up with SPF in the morning.
Retinol can be used every evening, only if you have built up your skin’s tolerance.
Niacinamide can be used both in the morning and evening, start with a lower strength to see how your skin responds.
In summary
As already mentioned, pay attention to your skin, they are active ingredients so you may want to start off slowly, perhaps using one at a time and/or working out what strengths work best for your skin. You can use Niacinamide and Retinol on their own to really see how your skin responds.
Once you see how your skin behaves with both ingredients you can use them together. They compliment each other well and work wonders at targeting most of our skin concerns.
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