Can Retinol and Niacinamide Be Used Together?

Retinol and niacinamide are basically skincare’s answer to Batman and Robin, this superstar duo not only work well together, but deliver results to your complexion that you could only ever dream about. There is a lot of research backing the success of these two ingredients when treating your skin, this is why we are taking a closer look at how they can be used together in your skincare routine.

What is niacinamide?

Niacinamide is a water-soluble vitamin B3 that is present in the body and is essential to maintain the health of your skin. It has a powerful ability to lock in moisture keeping the skin hydrated whilst repairing any damage caused to the protective barrier. Environmental factors such as pollution, UV sun damage, toxins and skin stressors are also combated with thanks to the antioxidant properties in niacinamide.

What is retinol?

Retinol is part of the vitamin A family and is known for its ability to unclog pores of any debris, bacteria and sebum build-up, making retinol a potent ingredient to help battle against blemishes such as blackheads and spots. With its exfoliating properties this skin reviving ingredient is able to combat signs of ageing from fine lines and wrinkles.

With retinol being one of the most popular skin ingredients on the market, you will find you have a large variety of retinol enriched product to choose from. Bearing in mind retinol can cause some skin reactions such as dryness and irritation it is recommended you consult with a dermatologist if you are unsure of which concentrate of retinol is the best one for you and your skin. You can find out more about the most effective form of retinol over on the Beauty Insiders blog.

Can I mix retinol with niacinamide?

Both of these popular skincare ingredients can help improve the skin in a number of ways, from reducing the appearance of blemishes and acne, helping to even out skin tone, and target any signs of ageing. Here are some benefits you can expect to see when using either one of these products;

Skincare benefits of niacinamide

• Increases cellular energy
• Helps to lock moisture into the skin
• Reduces signs of ageing
• Helps treat acne and other blemishes
• Improves the appearance hyperpigmentation
• Repairs the skin of any sun damage

Skincare benefits of retinol

• Chemically exfoliates the skin making it appear more luminous
• Reduces the signs of ageing
• Clears active spots and breakouts
• Evens out skin tone and reduce hyperpigmentation

As you can see, using niacinamide and retinol together in either one product or as part of your skincare routine will deliver a number of improvements. You will also find that using these ingredients together will benefit how they both work on the skin, for example, when topically applying a formula with niacinamide will lessen the irritation that retinol is known to cause.

Niacinamide is able to protect the skin barrier absorbing hydration and counteracting the dryness effect retinol first has on the skin when it is introduced into your daily routine. You will find that you will experience the benefits with fewer side effects, having said this you must take care in adding retinol to your skincare regime before applying any product to your face.

How do I use retinol and niacinamide together?

You will find there are some options to choose from when it comes to using niacinamide and retinol. The easiest and most convenient being one product that contains both powerhouse skin ingredients in the formula. If you decide on using them in separate products it is advisable to apply niacinamide first as it helps to protect the skin from any irritation caused by retinol.

Here is a quick rundown of how to use retinol and niacinamide in your ever day skincare routine; 

1. Start off with a clean, dry face after fully cleansing the skin, removing any makeup, bacteria and build-up.
2. If you are planning on exfoliating the skin then now is the time to. If you have dry or sensitive skin however its best to give this step a miss.
3. Depending on whichever your skin prefers, you can apply niacinamide and retinol separately or combined in one product.
4. When using separate products ideally you want to apply niacinamide first so ensure the product has the thinnest/lightest formulation
5. Follow the niacinamide with your choice of retinol product
6. Don’t forget to apply sun protection with an SPF of 30+

This break down of skin routine shows the most effective and easiest way of using retinol and niacinamide together, many find this to work well for their skin. If you find you experience any flakiness, your skin becomes red and uncomfortable it may be a case of reducing how often you apply the product and also taking into consideration the strength of the retinol. There is a dedicated blog post that explains in more detail which strength of retinol you should be using.

What are the benefits of using retinol and niacinamide together?

The benefits of each of these ingredients have already been shared previously and combining them in your routine creates a potent, yet gentle, skin results. Vastly improving the overall health and appearance of your complexion. Niacinamide’s gentle approach at treating the skin helps diminish any signs of premature ageing, discolouration and breakouts, from blackheads to spots. Retinol has similar benefits but as you know, comes with some warnings. Pairing the two ingredients together is a safer way of using retinol, especially if you haven’t already introduced into your skincare routine.

Can you use niacinamide with retinol and vitamin C?

You have a better understanding now of how retinol and niacinamide can benefit your skin, surely throwing one more ingredient, like vitamin C into the mix wouldn't hurt, right? Wrong! Making your own cocktail of active ingredients may feel simple enough it must be avoided, no matter how confident you may be about using these skin ingredients.

One of the most important factors you have to keep in mind is that not all skincare ingredients play well together, niacinamide and vitamin C sadly do not due to the fact using them together can cause the skin to flare up. To avoid this from happening and reap the rewards of using all three of these active ingredients you can apply vitamin C in the morning and leave a combined routine of retinol and niacinamide in the evening.

It goes to show that some skin ingredients that come with precautionary warning, such as retinol, can in fact find a skin treating teammate. Blending niacinamide and retinol together will give you a boost in the appearance of your complexion with the help of a supercharged formulation to help target a number of skin concerns, from fine lines to pigmentation.

Don’t forget to come and join the family over on our Instagram for daily tips, giveaways and new product launches.