If you're beginning to use retinol, you may have come across a few key tips that dermatologists recommend: Start slowly, always wear SPF, and don't mix it with other harsh ingredients. The first two are fairly universal and easy to follow, but the last one can be a bit more subjective, especially if you're trying to figure out where retinol best fits into your routine. ’Skin cycling‘ has taught us never to alternate retinol and exfoliating acids every other night. If you use vitamin C, the general advice is to use it in the morning, and retinol at night—but what about niacinamide? Dermatologist Kiran Sethi, actually says that this discolouration-fighting antioxidant deserves a spot in everyone's routine—especially when using a retinoid. Ahead, learn all about using retinol and niacinamide together, starting from the benefits right up to how to incorporate them.
All About Retinol
Largely considered the gold standard in skincare, retinol is a form of vitamin A that offers a whole host of benefits. The ingredient stimulates cellular turnover—this means that it brings fresh, healthy cells to the surface to replace dead, dull ones—and can help with a wide range of skin concerns, including acne, fine lines and wrinkles, dullness, and discolouration.
All that power though, brings a fairly high potential for irritation. Certain sensitive skin types may want to opt for a gentler alternative, like plant-based bakuchiol or retinyl palmitate. Regardless of the type of retinoid you’re adding, it's important to start slowly. Apply a pea-sized amount to your face and neck once a week, and gradually increase usage as your skin builds tolerance.
About Niacinamide
Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3 known for its anti-inflammatory properties. Dr Kiranstated that it’s great for acne, rosacea, hyperpigmentation, dark spots, or anyone looking to improve their skin texture and hydration. In recent years, niacinamide has gained popularity as a gentler alternative to vitamin C, offering similar brightening and protective benefits with a lower risk of irritation.
In addition to addressing existing concerns, niacinamide offers preventative benefits by protecting against environmental stressors, like pollution and UV damage, that cause visible signs of ageing. Though niacinamide is unlikely to cause a reaction, opt for a formula with a concentration of 5 per cent or lower to maximise its defences and avoid irritation.
Can You Use Them Together?
Not only can retinol and niacinamide be used together, but when combined, they are a ‘multitasking multivitamin‘ for your skin.
Benefits Of Pairing Retinol And Niacinamide
These two powerhouse ingredients are better together for several reasons, with a few main perks:
More Potency
Retinol and niacinamide both target acne, hyperpigmentation, and sun damage, so when combined, they provide a double dose of benefits. Medical studies have shown that the two can be used together quite safely for enhanced benefits when treating conditions like acne or hyperpigmentation. Each ingredient targets these concerns in a slightly different way: Retinol stimulates cell turnover, while niacinamide inhibits melanin production. Combining retinol’s pore-unclogging benefits with niacinamide’s inflammation-fighting abilities helps keep all types of acne at bay. On the skin-firming front, retinol boosts collagen, while niacinamide strengthens the skin barrier to keep your complexion hydrated and plump.
Less Irritation
There are various ways to offset the irritation that often comes with adding retinoids to your routine, but pairing it with niacinamide is one of the best. Niacinamide's anti-inflammatory benefits make it a great counter to the inflammatory response and weakened skin barrier that can occur as a side effect of using retinol. Dowling added that niacinamide has been proven to improve skin hydration, help repair the skin’s barrier, and soothe redness, making it a good addition to a skincare regimen for those who have difficulty tolerating topical retinol.
How To Use Niacinamide And Retinol Together
Find A Combined Product
The simplest way to pair these two ingredients is to opt for a formula that includes both. This ensures that the ingredients blend well, are stable, and don’t contain other elements that may negate their benefits. Serums, which offer a higher concentration of active ingredients, will be the most effective, but those with sensitive skin might prefer a lotion or cream.
Apply Thinnest To Thickest
If you’re using two separate products, apply them from thinnest to thickest. Generally, water-based toners and essences go before serums, which go before moisturisers. If you’re planning to use two products with the same format (like a retinol serum and a niacinamide serum), the order doesn’t matter much—with some caveats.
When In Doubt, Start With Retinol
Dowling explained that retinoids work at their strongest capacity when applied to clean skin, so they are most effective when applied before any other skincare product. Niacinamide can be applied after retinol to reduce redness or improve hydration.
Try Niacinamide First To Combat Sensitivity
Don't Forget Sunscreen
Remember, any retinoid use necessitates diligent SPF application during the day to protect the skin.