Can I Use Niacinamide with Retinoic Acid?
Retinoic acid and niacinamide are two ingredients that deliver impressive skin results. While their names might suggest that they are unusual ingredients, they are actually quite common in a variety of skincare formulas. It’s no wonder that many people want to use both in their daily skincare routine.
Now you may be sitting there wondering can I use niacinamide with tretinoin? The goal of today’s blog post is to answer these and other questions about niacinamide and tretinoin.
Can I use niacinamide with tretinoin?
Yes, you absolutely can! When using these two skincare superstars, many people find that the best way to benefit from each ingredient is to alternate between applying them to the skin. You can choose to use niacinamide in the morning and tretinoin in the evening.
This is considered the best way to use each ingredient with minimal side effects. Apply niacinamide after cleansing your skin, preferably while your skin is still slightly damp so that the moisturizing properties can lock moisture to the surface of the skin.
Retinoic acid is a highly effective ingredient that is great for reducing the signs of aging as well as fighting breakouts. Despite its effectiveness, it is known to make the skin more sensitive to UV radiation. Using it at night and applying SPF 30 or above daily can help prevent permanent skin damage. If you want to learn more about tretinoin, you can read our dedicated blog post on its benefits for the skin.
If you’re looking for a product that contains both ingredients, this can be a little difficult. This is because tretinoin is a prescription ingredient, so it can be hard to find over-the-counter products that contain both ingredients and are equally effective for the skin. Remember: if you have any questions about the ingredients in your skincare products, you should consult your doctor or dermatologist.
Can I use retinol and niacinamide together?
Yes, the combination of retinol and niacinamide makes for an impressive skin combo. Ideally, you should apply niacinamide to slightly damp skin first. This traps extra moisture on the surface of the skin, keeping it plump and hydrated. You’ll also notice that because the skin barrier contains the right amount of water, retinol penetrates to the underlying layers and can work quickly. When you combine niacinamide with retinol, you can also combat potential dryness or irritation caused by the powerful vitamin A.
Do I apply a moisturizer before or after using tretinoin?
Since moisturizers are applied at the end of your skin care routine, you can use them after using retinoids. You may have heard of the Skin Rule, which states that the order in which you apply skincare products plays an important role in ensuring that each formula works. The best order to apply skincare products is to start with the thinnest consistency and work your way up to the thickest.
Which products should not be used with retinoids?
There are certain products with certain ingredients that you should avoid when using retinoids. Here are three of the most important:
Astringents/Toners
Since retinoic acid is a mixture of all-trans retinoic acid, it tends to dry out the skin. Therefore, you should avoid using strong toners or astringent formulas because they can dry out the skin even more. You see, when your skin is completely deprived of sebum (the skin’s natural oil), it produces too much sebum, which can lead to acne breakouts and other breakouts.
Chemical Peels
Many people confuse the effects of retinoids with the exfoliating benefits of chemical peels (AHA/BHA, such as glycolic acid and salicylic acid). These peels typically work on the outer surface of the skin and remove dead skin cells. Retinoids, on the other hand, speed up the natural cycle of skin cells. All of these can be taxing on the skin and lead to facial inflammation, flaking, rashes, irritation, and general discomfort.
Benzoyl Peroxide
Since benzoyl peroxide is one of the most potent ingredients in skincare, you’ll find it produces similar effects to tretinoin. This is a recipe for disaster because two ingredients in one layer are too irritating for the skin, rendering both ingredients useless to the skin.
Of course, there are some other ingredients to consider carefully when using tretinoin. Always check with your doctor before adding anything to your skin care routine.
Can I use tretinoin every night?
Yes, technically you can use tretinoin every night, but it may become too harsh on the skin due to the different strengths of the formula. Instead, why not use your favorite tretinoin product every other night or as directed on the label? Retinoic acid can cause peeling and minor irritation of the skin. Especially if you’ve only recently introduced it, make it a regular part of your routine. This will ensure you get the benefits without causing dry skin.
Does Niacinamide Have a Detoxifying Effect?
No, niacinamide does not purify the skin. This is often a side effect of other skin ingredients that exfoliate the surface or increase skin cell turnover. Since niacinamide does not work in this way on the skin, you will find that it keeps the skin hydrated, comfortable, and radiant instead.
However, in rare cases, people have experienced adverse reactions to niacinamide. Therefore, it is important to pay close attention to the look and feel of your face when using it.
Does Retinoic Acid Contain Retinol?
Yes, Retinoic Acid and Retinol are very similar skin care ingredients. The main difference is that Retinoic Acid is a highly concentrated form of pure Retinoic Acid, while Retinol is a form of retinoid that converts to Retinoic Acid. Both ingredients have the same effects and are found in skin care formulas, but Retinoic Acid is only available in prescription products. You need to introduce both ingredients into your skin care routine slowly and in the right way to avoid severe dryness and other side effects.
Here you can find answers to some of the questions we have about Niacinamide and Retinoic Acid. If you still have questions, visit our Instagram page and follow us!
DQH Knowledge drop: In your 20s, your skin cell turnover decreases. (Cell turnover is a key component in keeping your skin youthful.) You know what else slows down? Your collagen production. Starting in your 20s, collagen decreases by about 1 percent per year. Should you want to prevent fine lines and wrinkles, start by eliminating behaviors that contribute to premature aging. “If it’s bad for you, it’s bad for your skin,” says dermatologist Michel Somenek.
“Cigarette smoking reduces blood flow to the skin and causes premature wrinkling and a dull skin texture. Making the repeated pursed motion to inhale can also cause smoker’s lines. Alcohol and recreational drugs are toxins for the skin that damage its cellular structure and DNA,” Somenek tells us. “The faster you eliminate vices while you are young, the better chance your skin and body have to recuperate.” Also, adopting an anti-aging routine in your 20s is key. After all, the best offense is a good defense. We spoke to Somenek and experts Joshua Ross and Audrey Kunin to find out more.
Keep reading for the best anti-aging products for your 20s, according to skincare professionals.
Sunscreen
“We all know that the sun is the number one cause of skin aging and starting the prevention in your 20s is very important,” Ross says. “The majority of your sun damage won’t start to appear until you’re in your 30s, so don’t wait until you see it surface or you’ll be behind the curve. Stay ahead of it with a good-quality zinc-based sunscreen worn daily.”
Farmacy Green Defense Daily Mineral Sunscreen
An invisible sunscreen with SPF 30, plus botanical extracts meant to protect skin with tons of antioxidants. Bonus: It’s clean and fine to use under makeup.
Bareminerals Complexion Rescue™ Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30
Although we recommend you use your SPF and moisturizer separately, we also understand moments when you don’t have time or energy for that extra step. For those times, this bareMinerals moisturizer is a great thing to have on hand.
Vitamin C Serum
“A great introduction to anti-aging is to start with a vitamin C serum in your morning skincare routine,” Ross says. “It’s a powerful antioxidant that will neutralize free radicals and brighten the skin.” He adds that it’s a great way to counteract the effects of the sun’s harmful rays, which, as previously mentioned, are among the biggest causes of premature aging.
Drunk Elephant C-Firma™ Vitamin C Day Serum
The Drunk Elephant C-Firma is a lightweight serum that promises to give skin a glow by combining the brightening powers of vitamin C with ferulic acid, l-ascorbic acid, and vitamin E. The included sodium hyaluronate is meant to replace hydration loss, so you shouldn’t have to deal with any irritation.
Sunday Riley C.E.O. Rapid Flash Brightening Serum
This potent serum is jam-packed with vitamin C (15 percent, to be exact), which means it’s a potential superstar at both brightening skin and dousing it in antioxidants.
Peptides
Using peptides on your skin has many benefits, says Somenek. “The skin barrier is what defends the body against pollution, UV rays, bacteria, and toxins. It can be damaged by several everyday factors. Using topical peptides aids in building a stronger barrier,” he says. “Peptides comprise elastic fibers, which are a type of protein. These fibers help to make skin appear taut and firm. Peptides can also help repair damaged skin, relieve inflammation, and even out skin tone. Some peptides can kill acne-causing bacteria that is common in 20-somethings.”
Kunin agrees, saying, “Peptides are an excellent entry point for supporting collagen.” She recommends looking for face and eye treatments that contain these collagen-boosting powerhouses.
Charlotte Tilbury Magic Eye Rescue Cream
This Charlotte Tilbury super-emollient eye cream has a base of coconut oil and shea butter (read: it’s incredibly hydrating). Botanicals plus peptides are meant to help reduce dark circles and boost collagen, respectively.
This creamy moisturizer serves up potent collagen-boosting peptides and pycnogenol, and antioxidant-rich vitamin C. “Instead of sitting on top of the skin, peptides penetrate the outer layer so they go deep. The ‘signals’ they send tell the cells to produce elastin and collagen, which are needed for youthful-looking skin,” explains Somenek.
At-Home Peel Pads
Remember that skin cell turnover fiasco we talked about earlier? One way to help support it is by exfoliating. “Exfoliation is important to help keep skin fresh and luminous,” Kunin says. She recommends using at-home peel pads as an easy and effective way to exfoliate.
“The goal in your 20s is to fight the slowing pace of cell turnover. It is wise to use products that gently exfoliate, yet still remove oil and other impurities. Products that have Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) or Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA) are a good choice.”
According to Somenek, you should only exfoliate two to three times a week. “People of all ages are guilty of over-exfoliating and that can be too much of a good thing,” he says.
Dermadoctor Kakadu C Intensive Vitamin C Peel Pad
A few swipes of this Derma Doctor powerful peel pad promise to leave your skin glowing and smooth, thanks to the seven (yes, seven) types of chemical exfoliants, including AHA and BHA. It also contains vitamin C via Kakadu plum extract for added brightening and antioxidant protection.
KEY INGREDIENTS Kakadu plum extract is sourced from the Kakadu plum, a fruit grown in northern Australia. It contains vitamin C, which restores the skin’s natural barrier, increases collagen production, and soothes irritation.
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta® Universal Daily Peel Pads
These are the gold standard of peel pads, with a cult following and over 900 five-star reviews on Sephora. They’re easy to use and contain a blend of anti-aging exfoliating acids.
Emollient Night Cream
“In your 20s, you need to start upping the hydration in your skincare routine. You may have been cautious of over-moisturizing because of acne in your teens, but as you enter your 20s, your skin transitions and becomes drier,” Ross says. “I recommend an emollient night cream added into your evening skincare regimen.”
“Twenty-somethings need to make sure that they are not using creams that will clog their pores and cause excess oil production,” says Somenek. Opt for non-comedogenic products.
Cerave Skin Renewing Night Cream
One great choice is the CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream, which is a non-comedogenic night cream that leaves skin soft and glowy. It combines the moisturizing powers of ceramides and hyaluronic acid.
RoC Retinol Correxion Max Hydration Creme
“The best night cream ingredients contain retinol, benzoyl peroxide, and/or salicylic acid or hyaluronic acid. The goal is to moisturize, yet remove excess oil,” says Somenek. This Roc Retinol Correxion cream fits the bill as it contains both hyaluronic acid and retinol so it promises to moisturize while also being non-comedogenic.
