Niacinamide and retinol - How to use them together

Finding the right skincare is like finding a soulmate for your skin! Once you find them, there is no looking back.

Dermatologists have loved the combination of niacinamide and retinol, calling them a match made in heaven, thanks to their multitude of benefits. So if you have loved using niacinamide and retinol for your skin separately, there is no reason you should miss utilizing their unique benefits when used together. 

Let’s understand all about these two beneficial active ingredients and find answers to all your related questions, like  ‘Can I use niacinamide with retinol? Are there any side effects to using retinol and niacinamide together? And more. Let’s begin.

Niacinamide and its benefits

Today, niacinamide (a form of vitamin B3), has an entire skincare range of its own. From dry to oily acne-prone skin, niacinamide has proved its compatibility and versatility time and again. 

Although it is found in the proteins and vegetables in our diet, it is not stored in the body due to its water-soluble composition. This is why you need to use topical products to prevent the signs of niacinamide deficiency that show in the form of dryness, acne, hyperpigmentation, etc. in your skin.

Key benefits of niacinamide for skin

1.  Reduces dark spots and blemishes on your face, while brightening the skin. 

2. Boosts collagen production,

3. It is anti-aging as it repairs damage and strengthens the skin barrier.

4. Reduces the symptoms of acute skin issues like rosacea and atopic dermatitis.

5. Cures hyper-pigmentation caused by sun damage and acne.

6. Regulates the production of oil and sebum, preventing random breakouts on the skin.

7. Improves moisture retention, and hydration for glowing skin.

8. Enhances the efficacy of most active ingredients

What is retinol?

This vitamin A derivative has been in skincare for its anti-aging benefits. Famous for its reversing signs of aging properties, retinol is commonly used in night creams and anti-aging skincare. But if your skin is oily, acne-prone, and/or sun-damaged, this master oil regulator can put your skin on the fast track to health.

Key powers of retinol

1. Boosts collagen production and aids the skin in reversing all signs of aging.

2. Increases cell turnover, aiding the skin in clearing dead skin cells and unclogging the pores, resulting in fewer breakouts.

3. Fights the existing UV damage on your skin by cueing in cell regeneration, giving you firm and glossy skin.

Combining retinol with niacinamide.

Scientifically speaking, retinol and niacinamide together, are meant to work like a charm. 

Here's how you can further optimize their combination for that fairy glow:

1. Although serums work best for treatments, avoid using them in higher concentrations.  For retinol, 0.5-1% concentration is a good start for beginners. It is best to start retinol use on alternate days. For niacinamide, begin with up to 5% concentration, depending on how your skin responds.  Once your skin gets tolerant to this concentration, you can gradually add a higher concentration. In any case, prolonged signs of skin flushing are your skin's way of telling you that maybe it is not working. In that case, stop or drop the usage. Precisely, be all ears to your skin! It's always communicating!

2. Layering the ingredients correctly also makes quite a difference in unleashing their power. When using this combination, apply the niacinamide first on your cleansed skin. Although both the ingredients work on some common issues together like hyperpigmentation and sun damage, retinol is a slightly more aggressive active. Beginning with niacinamide preps the canvas better!

3. To avoid any skin sensitivity to the sun, it is best to incorporate retinol in your nighttime regimen. Using a retinol serum before bed also ensures that it can contribute to cell regeneration.  You can use niacinamide in both routines as a serum or moisturizer for that added boost of hydration or add a retinol serum in a niacinamide skincare routine, at night. Restrict retinol use to 2-3 times a week in early days. 

4. If there is sun, you need a 'screen. So do not skip your sunscreen even if you are indoors. More is less when it comes to the SPF so always use at least 30 SPF or above, whether you are stepping out into the sun or not. Especially while using active ingredients like niacinamide and retinol, we highly recommend that you use a broad-spectrum sunscreen in your morning skincare routine and reapply every 2-3 hours or as the label says.

5. Whether in doubt or caught up in a hectic lifestyle, it is better to opt for multitasking products than relying on the odds. Combined in a single formulation, they further reduce the hassle and time in your skincare routine. Just apply one of those on a cleansed face and lock in everything with a moisturizer. Finish your routine with sunscreen or night cream to wrap it all up.

Benefits of using niacinamide with retinol:

1. Minimizes any chances of skin inflammation or irritation caused by a potent active like retinol

2. Balances the photosensitivity of your skin.

3. Soothes the skin in cases of purging- a phenomenon in which the skin breaks out due to the introduction of a new ingredient in your routine that may last up to 2-4 weeks till it has finally adapted to the change. 

4. It strengthens the skin barrier, helping the skin adapt better to retinol use. 

5. Enhances the potency of both active ingredients.

Things to consider while using niacinamide and retinol together.

There are no side effects of this combination. However, there are a few things you need to consider while using active ingredients together.

• Always be mindful of the concentrations you use. Always do a patch test before incorporating actives in your routine. 

• Be consistent and patient to achieve desired results. It might take some time for you to stumble upon the perfect skincare since your skin is ever-evolving. It depends on your lifestyle and external aggressors too. So don't give up on it! 

• Always consider your skin type and concerns while combining two active ingredients. If you have sensitive skin, consult a dermatologist before opting for this combination.

Be consistent in your routine, follow a balanced diet, and be kind to your skin.

FAQs

Can you use niacinamide with retinol?

Yes. Niacinamide and retinol are not reactive and can give visible results when used in moderation and consistently. Always do a patch test  and keep a close watch on your skin, when you add it newly to your routine

How long to wait after applying niacinamide and retinol?

Mixing retinol and niacinamide together doesn’t cause any side effects,  but it is good to give some time to the ingredients to activate and absorb into your skin. Wait a couple of minutes after applying one active ingredient to allow it to completely absorb in your skin.  You can also apply them together, infused in a single formulation, as a multi-tasking product.

Can niacinamide and retinol be used together every day?

Yes, you can use niacinamide and retinol every night. Pairing them in different routines will reduce any risks of side effects like dryness, skin flushing, etc. If you are newly adding retinol to your skincare, you could restrict to the night time routine or use it once or twice weekly to ensure the safest application.

What should I avoid when using niacinamide and retinol?

Avoid higher concentrations of these active ingredients. It is also a wiser decision to start with very little quantity when you are starting out.