Can You Mix Niacinamide and Retinol in Your Skincare Routine?

Can You Mix Niacinamide and Retinol?

Believe it or not both potent powerhouses can not only be mixed but is considered a very effective skincare duo. But don’t just take my word for it, many dermatologists and skin experts recommend teaming both niacinamide and retinol in your daily skincare routine to gain optimal results.

Much like any layering of skincare products, there is sometimes a little confusion with how it done. So, if that sounds like you, look no further as everything will become a lot clearer.

Before I get into more detail about mixing these ingredients together, let me first give you a refresher about the benefits you can expect to see when applying these ingredients in your day-to-day regime.

What’s Niacinamide?

Niacinamide is a form vitamin B3 that is naturally occurring in the body but can also provide many skin benefits when applied topically onto the skin. Here are some you can expect to see when using niacinamide.

Combats signs of ageing, such as fine lines and wrinkles

Reduces frequent flare-ups in acne and breakouts

Calms the skin from skin drying conditions such as rosacea and atopic dermatitis

Repairs signs of sun damage and hyperpigmentation

Gives the skin an all-over plumped appearance

What’s Retinol?

Known as one of the most potent skincare ingredients, retinol is a form of vitamin A and has gained a reputation for its impressive anti-ageing abilities for the skin, as well as reducing the blemishes and acne flare-ups. Some other

Speeds up the skin cell cycle revealing a glowing complexion

Reduces the appearance of premature ageing, such as fine lines and wrinkles

Combats uneven skin tone and hyperpigmentation

Regulates the skin’s natural sebum production

How long after using niacinamide can I apply retinol?

Niacinamide and retinol work so well together that a 5-minute gap in between applications without the worry of the skin becoming irritated or show any signs of redness. If you are wanting to use something that is a little more time considerate, there are a selection of effective products available online or in your high street stores.

What can you not mix with niacinamide?

Niacinamide is one of the very few skin ingredients available that can be used by almost all skin types. Because niacinamide contains humectant traits, meaning it can draw water into the skin and locking it into the lower layers. This also generally means it can work well with many different skin ingredients. Having said that, there is some outdated research dating back to the 1960s advising to avoid using niacinamide and vitamin C together. Considering old forms of vitamin C being highly unstable it was considered counter effective to use both niacinamide and vitamin C together as they both deliver similar results for the skin. This usually results in them competing with each other and preventing each deliver their benefits.

What should you not mix with retinol?

There are several potent ingredients that you should avoid applying at the same time retinol. This doesn’t mean however, that you shouldn’t use these ingredients all together in your routine, it is just a case of using them at the alternate times to reap the rewards and be left with a glowing, healthy complexion.

Ingredients you should not mix with retinol

Vitamin C

Ideally it would be best to apply vitamin C during your morning routine allowing the antioxidant properties to repair and rebuild the skin. Follow your evening routine with retinol to boost collagen production and revive the complexion.

Benzoyl Peroxide

Both benzoyl peroxide and retinol cancel each other out making it a pointless affair to use both at the same time. Instead, it is considered best to alternate between each ingredient throughout the week.

AHAs & BHAs

Both chemical exfoliants tend to increase skin sensitivity and flare-ups in redness, irritation, and dryness. Remember to not overuse these ingredients especially if your routine contains retinol to avoid any unwanted side effects.

Don’t forget that if you have any concerns with using any skin ingredient, it’s best to consult with a doctor, dermatologist or trained medical professional to ensure you and your skin will benefit from introducing these ingredients into your routine.

Should I use niacinamide before or after retinol?

There are several formulations that in fact contain both ingredients and this is considered ideal for those on a tight time frame. If you are wanting to use each ingredient in separate products, I suggest first applying niacinamide followed by retinol. By applying niacinamide first you are protecting the skin’s natural barrier enabling it to protect itself from exposure to free radical damage from aggressors such as pollution, UV rays and harsh climates.

How long does it take for niacinamide to work?

You will be able to see a noticeable improvement in the skin’s complexion regarding looking more hydrated and healthier after application. For more long-term results consistency is key and if you continue to use products containing 5% niacinamide you’ll see overall marked improvement after 8-12 weeks. After this time your skin will be plumped, with signs of ageing and dehydration significantly reduced with the natural sebum production regulated.

Can I use niacinamide every day?

Absolutely, you can use it twice a day during your morning and evening routines. This will keep your skin barrier fully functioning with the correct levels of water ensuring it is able combat any free radical damage. Once you have reapplied this clever humectant in your evening regime you will find any damage caused from the day is repaired. Any other products you apply to the skin are absorbed quickly allowing them all to work whilst you catch your beauty sleep.

How do I know if retinol is working?

Generally speaking, it takes a few weeks for your skin to build its tolerance towards this potent powerhouse. The common side effects of using retinol are temporary flaking and dryness of the skin which can last for the first couple of weeks. Once you have passed the initial first weeks you will begin to see a noticeable improvement in the overall look, feel and texture of the complexion. If you are wanting to know more about introducing retinol into skincare routine and finding the best type of retinol, check out our blog post.

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DQH Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C? It’s easy to create a skincare routine, but knowing how to use it is another thing entirely. In most cases, if you’re not getting the desired skin results, it could be due to the layering of conflicting ingredients. So, is it possible that salicylic acid and vitamin C are such ingredients? Or are these active ingredients the duo that’s been missing from your skincare routine? If you want answers, stick around because today we are going to explain the benefits of salicylic acid and vitamin C and how they can be used in your daily life. What are the benefits of salicylic acid for skin? Salicylic acid is one of the most commonly used beta hydroxy acids and is favored by many people with oily, acne-prone skin. This acid is derived from willow bark, and unlike its water-soluble relatives (called alpha-hydroxy acids), salicylic acid is oil-soluble, which means it can penetrate deeper into the lower layers of the skin. Once it reaches the lower layers, it can help unclog pores of excess sebum, dirt, bacteria, debris, and impurities. This results in clearer skin tones and greater definition. Not only does salicylic acid benefit the underlying layers, but the outer surface of the skin benefits as well. When applied to the skin, salicylic acid removes the buildup of dead skin cells. This is accomplished by breaking the bonds that hold dead cells to the surface. Over time, this can cause the complexion to look dull and prone to acne, blackheads, and other blemishes. If you’d like to learn more about salicylic acid and how it can improve your skin, check out this dedicated blog post from a beauty insider. What are the benefits of vitamin C for skin? Vitamin C is considered one of the most powerful antioxidants, which means it is very effective at fighting free radicals and preventing them from causing further skin damage. Examples of free radicals include pollution, central heating, UV rays and harsh climate. They attack proteins, fats and cell membranes as soon as they come into contact with the skin, causing signs of premature aging such as fine lines and wrinkles as well as hyperpigmentation, flaky patches of skin and loss of elasticity. Many people usually prefer to use vitamin C in their morning routine as this ingredient gives the complexion a radiant glow. You’ll also find that vitamin C can target areas of hyperpigmentation, plumping the skin and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The thing about vitamin C is that there are a lot of outdated studies going back to the 1950s that describe vitamin C as an unstable skin component. Thanks to improvements in modern technology, this is no longer the case as all products now contain a stable form of vitamin C. Visit The Beauty Insider to learn more about vitamin C. So please check out our blog post. Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C? Yes, you absolutely can. In fact, it’s thought that using salicylic acid before using vitamin C ensures it penetrates faster and works faster. This is an efficient way to utilize two power sources, and the reason has to do with pH. For example, the skin’s natural pH is about 4.7, making it slightly acidic. Salicylic acid and vitamin C are also both acidic, and you’ll find that vitamin C is absorbed quickly into the skin. Therefore, using salicylic acid beforehand can increase the acidity of the skin and allow vitamin C to penetrate into the skin faster. While this is considered an effective way to combine two powerful ingredients, you need to be aware of your skin type and how it reacts to certain active ingredients. Even people with perfect, normal skin can experience skin sensitivity and irritation. Therefore, always consult a doctor or dermatologist before using any new products on your skin. It’s also important to follow skin application rules. In this case, you need to use the product correctly to ensure you get the best results for your skin. If you’re not sure what I mean, the basic rule for skin is to start with the thinnest consistency and work your way up to the thickest consistency. This prevents a barrier from forming on the surface, preventing other active ingredients from penetrating the skin. Can I use salicylic acid at night and vitamin C in the morning? Yes, absolutely, this is considered the most effective way to get returns without any adverse side effects. This is because there is enough time between applications to ensure that the skin’s pH levels return to balance. You’ll also find that Vitamin C is rich in antioxidants and is perfect for use in the morning to ensure your skin is protected and looking its healthiest. Due to the small size of salicylic acid molecules, it is an acid that is able to reach the deepest parts of the skin. While this is effective at keeping skin clear, it also increases the risk of irritation and photosensitivity. Therefore, many people prefer to use powerful BHAs in their evening routine without exposure to UV rays, pollution, or harsh weather. Warning: If you avoid using sunscreen every day, none of these ingredients will do what your skin needs. The combination of chemical peels and powerful ingredients increases the risk of further damage to the skin’s surface. Use SPF 50 every day to keep your skin protected and your lipid barrier healthy, even on cloudy days, keeping your skin in top condition.

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