How to incorporate Niacinamide and Retinol into your routine.
Whether your daily skincare regimen is a 10-step grandiose, or something more simple, you’ll be astounded by the results of both ingredients. No one can deny that we’re overthrown with choice regarding effective products that are formulated, but this also increases the confusion associated with recognizing the ingredients that work together and those that should be avoided.
With this said, let’s focus on and learn more about how to utilize niacinamide and retinol. Let’s quickly discuss the benefits of each ingredient on the skin.
What is Niacinamide?
Niacinamide, also called vitamin B3, is a successful ingredient that promotes impressive hydrating effects on the skin. It can acquire moisture from the surroundings and deposit it in the outer layer of the skin’s barrier. Also present in high concentrations, Niacinamide has the ability to reduce inflammation, which is beneficial for the skin, it combats the effects of aging, and apes the skin of any flare-ups or irritation. All skin types benefit from having niacinamide, as it can regulate the natural production of sebum, this minimizes the occurrence of breakouts.
What is Retinol?
A powerful form of vitamin A, retinol, is also referred to as retinoids, this molecule promotes the skin’s natural cellular movement. This will facilitate the addition of new skin cells to the surface as well as increase the production of collagen. Your skin will appear younger, more radiant, and teeming with energy, the signs of aging and pigmentation are both reduced. One important aspect to consider with retinol is its extreme power, you must make sure you implement it into your routine with care and caution in order to avoid increased inflammation or sensitivity.
Is it possible to utilize niacinamide and retinol together?
You can actually guarantee that you have developed a tolerance to retinol. When combining these ingredients, you will find that niacinamide possesses the capacity to soothe and relax the skin of any inflammation. This makes it a great partner to associate with retinol, which will often lead to some flaking and dry skin during the initial stages of your routine. If you want to know more about combining retinol with niacinamide, you can explore our dedicated blog article.
What can’t you combine with niacinamide?
Because niacinamide is effective on all skin types, finding ingredients that work with the intelligent humectant is simple. However, you may discover that utilizing niacinamide and vitamin C together will not lead to the anticipated results regarding the skin. This is because both ingredients have the same effect on the skin and often compete with each other, which results in them being ineffective.
How frequently should you employ niacinamide?
You can utilize niacinamide on a daily basis, it’s even possible to utilize it twice per day. Frequently, this humectant will be formulated into numerous products, including potent serums, hydrating products, and treatment masks for the face. With the confidence that comes with the knowledge that niacinamide is simple, effective, and doesn’t lead to any symptoms of inflammation or irritation. By applying niacinamide twice a day, you will not only preserve the protective barrier of hydration and proper functioning. Additionally, any other skincare products you utilize following will quickly and completely absorb into the skin, and will begin to work on the lower layers of the skin.
Is it possible to combine niacinamide with hyaluronic acid and retinol?
You can definitely utilize hyaluronic acid, niacinamide and retinol in conjunction with each other, by combining these ingredients, you will allow the potent retinol to engage in its skin-boosting magic. This then leaves off niacinamide and hyaluronic acid, the latter of which is responsible for maintaining the skin’s hydration and moisture throughout the day. Despite the similar benefits of both humectants on the skin, there are still differences, for example, niacinamide can regulate the production of sebum (the natural oil found in the skin), by maintaining a balanced amount, any concerns with breakouts or excess oil will be reduced. Hyaluronic acid is different from niacinamide, because it can hold more water to the skin, which causes the complexion to become more plumped and maintain its health.
If you want to utilize all three ingredients at once, I would first start with a serum that is rich in hyaluronic acid, after 10 minutes, I would then apply a second serum that contains niacinamide, and finally, I would move onto a retinol treatment cream. This will lead to the skin still being comfortable as well as taking the benefits of the potent retinol. Just a warning, always make sure you have tested the effectiveness of any ingredients or combinations you are applying to the skin in order to avoid any skin reactions or allergies. Don’t forget that you can learn more about the combination of hyaluronic acid, niacinamide and retinol on the Beauty Insiders website.
Can niacinamide be incorporated into aHA?
Using niacinamide with AHA and BHA is simple way to avoid the potential drying effects of chemical exfoliants, such as the popular glycolic acid or salicylic acid. You may occasionally encounter situations in which the ingredients are too harsh for the skin, this is especially true if they are used incorrectly or in excess. This can lead to the skin being stripped of all natural oils and water. This is when niacinamide can take over and redistribute the skin’s water content by collecting airborne water and holding it in place. This restores the protective barrier and prevents the skin from having to overproduce the lacking oil, which then leads to breakouts.
How can I incorporate niacinamide into my daily skincare regimen?
As is already mentioned, you will find niacinamide in several skin care products. At instances, it can seem overpowered, but if I were to share some tips on how to maximize the benefits of this product, it would be advisable to choose a serum. Serums are more thin in consistency and have a potent combination of ingredients that typically work in the lower layers of the skin, typically the dermis and the area surrounding the production of collagen and elastin. By using a niacinamide serum as your primary skincleaning product, you will also ensure that it stays on your skin for the remainder of the day in comparison to other products, such as face wash and cleansers that are removed from the face.
Now that you understand better how to utilize niacinamide and retinol as part of a regimen, there is no limit to your ability to achieve the skin’s goals. Remember to come back and discuss your thoughts with us on Instagram, if you’re into skin, you’ll enjoy the latest episode of The Green Sofa.
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.
