Can Niacinamide and Retinol be mixed?
Believe it or not, these two powerhouses can not only be mixed, but they are also considered a very effective skincare combination. But don’t just take my word for it, many dermatologists and skin experts recommend combining Niacinamide and Retinol in your daily skincare routine for the best results.
As with any skincare layering, sometimes people are a little confused about how to go about it. If this applies to you, look no further because everything will become much clearer.
Before I get into the details of how to mix these ingredients, let me first give you a refresher course on the benefits you can expect when using these ingredients in your daily skincare routine.
What is Niacinamide?
Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3 that occurs naturally in the body, but can also provide many skin benefits when applied topically to the skin. Here are some of the things you can expect when using Niacinamide.
Fights signs of aging like fine lines and wrinkles
Reduces frequent acne attacks and breakouts
Soothes skin for dry skin conditions like rosacea and atopic dermatitis
Repairs signs of sun damage and hyperpigmentation
Gives skin an overall plump appearance
What is Retinol?
Known as one of the most powerful ingredients in skincare, retinol is a form of vitamin A that has a reputation for its impressive skin-fighting abilities as well as reducing blemishes and acne breakouts. Some others
Speeds up the skin cell cycle, ensuring a radiant complexion
Reduces the appearance of premature aging like fine lines and wrinkles
Fights uneven skin tone and hyperpigmentation
Regulates the skin’s natural sebum production
How soon after using Niacinamide can you apply Retinol?
Niacinamide and Retinol work so well together that you can rest for 5 minutes between applications without having to worry about your skin being irritated or showing signs of redness. If you want to use a more time-saving product, there are a range of effective products that you can buy online or at your local store.
What can’t be mixed with Niacinamide?
Niacinamide is one of the few skin ingredients that can be used by almost all skin types. Because niacinamide contains hydrating properties, it can draw water into the skin and trap it in the underlying layers. This also means that it generally works well with many different skin ingredients. However, some outdated research from the 1960s recommended against using niacinamide and vitamin C at the same time. Since the old form of vitamin C was so unstable, it was believed that using niacinamide and vitamin C together would have opposite effects, as both would have similar effects on the skin. This often resulted in them competing with each other and preventing each from achieving their own strengths.
What Should Not Be Mixed With Retinol?
There are several powerful ingredients that should not be used at the same time as retinol. However, this does not mean that you should not use these ingredients together in your daily routine. Simply alternate between them to reap the benefits and maintain a radiant, healthy complexion.
Ingredients That Should Not Be Mixed With Retinol
Vitamin C
Ideally, you should use vitamin C in your morning routine to take advantage of its antioxidant properties to repair and regenerate your skin. Follow your nightly routine with retinol to boost collagen production for a rejuvenated complexion.
Benzoyl Peroxide
Benzoyl peroxide and retinol counteract each other, so it doesn’t make sense to use both at the same time. Instead, it’s considered best to alternate between each ingredient throughout the week.
AHAs and BHAs
Both chemical peels can increase skin sensitivity, leading to redness, irritation, and dryness. Just remember not to overuse these ingredients, especially if you have retinol in your routine, to avoid unwanted side effects.
Remember, if you have any questions about using ingredients on your skin, it’s best to consult a doctor, dermatologist, or trained medical professional to ensure that you and your skin will benefit from incorporating these ingredients into your skin care routine.
Should I use niacinamide before or after retinol?
There are several formulas that actually contain both ingredients, which is considered ideal for those who are pressed for time. If you want to use each ingredient in separate products, I recommend using niacinamide first, followed by retinol. By using niacinamide first, you protect your skin’s natural barrier from free radical damage caused by aggressors such as pollution, UV rays, and harsh climates.
How long does it take for Niacinamide to work?
You will notice a noticeable improvement in the appearance of your skin, which will look more hydrated and healthy after use. For long-term results, consistency is key. If you continue to use products containing 5% Niacinamide, you will see noticeable improvements after 8-12 weeks. After this time, your skin will be more plump, signs of aging and dehydration will be significantly reduced, and natural sebum production will be regulated.
Can I use Niacinamide every day?
Of course, you can use it twice a day, morning and night. This means that your skin barrier remains fully functional with the help of the right amount of water and can fight off damage caused by free radicals. Once you reapply this clever moisturizer as part of your evening routine, you will find that all the damage done during the day has been repaired. Any other products you apply to your skin will be absorbed quickly, so they can all work while you get your beauty sleep.
How do I know if Retinol is working?
Generally speaking, it takes a few weeks for your skin to develop a tolerance to this powerful powerhouse. A common side effect of using Retinol is temporary flaking and dryness of the skin, which may last for the first few weeks. After the first few weeks, you’ll notice a dramatic improvement in the overall look, feel, and texture of your complexion.If you want to learn more about incorporating retinol into your skincare routine and finding the best type of retinol, check out our blog post.
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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.