In the ever-evolving world of skincare, understanding the best way to combine active ingredients is essential. You've likely heard about the benefits of niacinamide and retinol—two powerhouse ingredients known for their ability to improve skin texture, reduce fine lines, and combat signs of ageing. But can you use niacinamide with retinol together? This common question arises from the desire to harness the benefits of both ingredients without causing irritation or diminishing their effects.
In this article, we'll explore the science behind niacinamide and retinol, discuss their individual benefits, and explain how to safely use them together.
- BENEFITS OF RETINOL FOR SKIN
- BENEFITS OF NIACINAMIDE FOR SKIN
- CAN I USE NIACINAMIDE AND RETINOL TOGETHER?
- BENEFITS OF USING NIACINAMIDE AND RETINOL TOGETHER
- HOW TO COMBINE RETINOL WITH NIACINAMIDE TOGETHER FOR BEST RESULTS
- NIACINAMIDE AND RETINOL PRODUCTS TO TRY IN YOUR ROUTINE
- NIACINAMIDE AND RETINOL FAQs
BENEFITS OF RETINOL FOR SKIN
Retinol, a powerful derivative of vitamin A, offers numerous benefits for the skin, making it a valuable addition to any skincare routine. It promotes faster cell turnover, which helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation, resulting in a smoother, more youthful complexion (1).
Retinol also enhances collagen production (2), improving skin elasticity and firmness. Its ability to unclog pores and reduce breakouts makes it beneficial for those with blemish-prone skin. By incorporating retinol into your skincare regimen, you can achieve a brighter, more even-toned, and rejuvenated skin appearance (3).
BENEFITS OF NIACINAMIDE FOR SKIN
Niacinamide, a form of vitamin B3, is a versatile ingredient that offers numerous skin benefits, making it a valuable addition to any skincare routine. What's niacinamide good for? It excels in reducing inflammation, which helps to calm redness and soothe irritated skin, making it particularly beneficial for those with sensitive or blemish-prone skin (4).
Niacinamide also enhances the skin's barrier function, retaining moisture and protecting against environmental stressors (5). Additionally, it helps to minimize the appearance of pores, smooth fine lines, and improve overall skin texture and tone (6). By incorporating niacinamide into your daily regimen, you can achieve a healthier, more balanced, and radiant complexion.
CAN I USE NIACINAMIDE AND RETINOL TOGETHER?
Absolutely, you can use niacinamide and retinol together in your skincare routine, and this combination can offer impressive benefits for your skin. Niacinamide is known for its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to counteract the potential irritation that retinol might cause.
BENEFITS OF USING NIACINAMIDE AND RETINOL TOGETHER
Using niacinamide and retinol together in your skincare routine can yield remarkable benefits. This combination enhances the effectiveness of both ingredients, offering a comprehensive approach to skin health.
Niacinamide helps to reduce inflammation, smooth fine lines, improve skin texture and even skin tone, while retinol promotes cell turnover and collagen production, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
When used together, niacinamide's soothing properties can mitigate the potential irritation caused by retinol, making the duo suitable for most skin types (7). However, it's essential to introduce them gradually to avoid any side effects, such as dryness or redness.
HOW TO COMBINE RETINOL WITH NIACINAMIDE TOGETHER FOR BEST RESULTS
To achieve the best results from using niacinamide and retinol, it's essential to understand how to combine them effectively in your skincare routine. Remember that retinol should be used only at night while niacinamide can be used both in the morning or at night.
One effective approach is to layer both niacinamide and retinol together in your evening skincare routine. Should niacinamide or retinol be applied first? Always apply niacinamide first, before applying retinol. Start by applying niacinamide, allowing it to fully absorb into the skin, and then follow with retinol. This method helps to maximize the benefits of both ingredients while minimizing potential irritation.
Alternatively, you can use niacinamide in the morning and retinol in the evening. This approach ensures that your skin reaps the benefits of both ingredients throughout the day and night.
If you prefer a minimalist approach to skincare, choose products that contain both niacinamide and retinol and use them at night. When combined, they enhance each other's effectiveness, reduce potential irritation, and improve overall skin texture and appearance (8).
Regardless of the method you choose, it's crucial to incorporate SPF into your routine. Retinol can increase your skin's sensitivity to the sun, so using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 every morning is essential to protect your skin from UV damage. This practice will help you safely enjoy the benefits of niacinamide and retinol, leading to a healthier, more radiant complexion.
NIACINAMIDE AND RETINOL PRODUCTS TO TRY IN YOUR ROUTINE
Here are some of the top skincare products from Olay featuring niacinamide and retinol that you can incorporate into your routine. Developed with decades of expertise, these highly effective products are dermatologically tested and known to deliver visible results within just 14 days of use.
OLAY REGENERIST NIACINAMIDE DAY SERUM
Experience the age-defying power of Olay's Regenerist Niacinamide serum. With 99% pure niacinamide and Vitamin E, it penetrates deeply to renew cells and protect against free radical damage. Dermatologist-tested and fragrance-free, it's the key to a youthful, radiant complexion.
OLAY REGENERIST NIACINAMIDE + SPF 30 DAY CREAM
Combat premature ageing with Olay's Regenerist Niacinamide + SPF30 Moisturiser. This ultra-lightweight, non-greasy formula features SolaSheer technology for effective SPF30 UVA & UVB protection. Enriched with 99% pure niacinamide and Vitamin E, it penetrates deeply to stimulate cell renewal and fight free radical damage. Enjoy smoother, rejuvenated skin in just one day and firmer skin with reduced fine lines after 14 days.
OLAY REGENERIST NIACINAMIDE EYE CREAM
Olay's Regenerist Niacinamide eye cream is designed for the delicate eye area, providing all-day hydration and is fragrance-free. Clinically tested, this potent formula reduces fine lines and wrinkles in just two weeks. Get smooth and renewed under eyes with this powerful product!
OLAY RETINOL 24 NIGHT SERUM
Achieve radiant, smoother skin with Olay Retinol24 Night Face Serum. This powerful night serum combines a Retinoid Complex and Niacinamide to hydrate your skin for 24 hours, addressing fine lines, wrinkles, dark spots, and enlarged pores. Recommended for nightly application, its fragrance- free formula penetrates 10 layers deep to deliver active ingredients for noticeable results.
OLAY RETINOL 24 NIGHT CREAM
Transform your skin overnight with Olay Retinol24 Night Cream. This night moisturiser, enriched with Retinyl Propionate and antioxidant Vitamin E, offers immediate and long-term benefits. Enjoy 24-hour hydration and visibly smoother skin after just one night. Endorsed by the Skin Health Alliance for its proven effectiveness, this fragrance-free formula is dermatologist-approved for its skin-renewing properties.
OLAY RETINOL 24 NIGHT EYE CREAM
Wake up to brighter, more youthful eyes with Olay Retinol 24 Night Eye Cream. This potent formula combines Niacinamide and a Retinoid Complex to deliver 24-hour hydration and visibly smooth fine lines overnight. Specially crafted for the delicate eye area, it quickly absorbs and penetrates deep into the skin for maximum effectiveness. Fragrance-free, it’s a must-have in your skincare routine for radiant, youthful eyes.
NIACINAMIDE AND RETINOL FAQs
Can you mix Retinol and Niacinamide in the same routine?
Yes, you can mix retinol and niacinamide in the same evening routine. Niacinamide can help soothe and strengthen the skin, reducing the irritation that retinol may cause. Apply niacinamide first, let it absorb, and then apply retinol.
When to Use Niacinamide and Retinol?
Use niacinamide and retinol at different times of the day for best results. Apply niacinamide in the morning to soothe and strengthen your skin and use retinol at night to promote cell turnover and reduce signs of ageing. Always follow with sunscreen during the day, as retinol increases sun sensitivity.
What not to use with niacinamide?
Avoid using niacinamide with vitamin C in its pure form (ascorbic acid) simultaneously, as they can potentially reduce each other's effectiveness. It’s based on the theoretical assumptions that Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) requires a low pH to remain stable and effective, while niacinamide is stable at a higher pH. Combining them might result in a less effective formulation due to pH incompatibility. Hense, it's best to use them at different times of the day or on alternate days to maximise their benefits. Also, be cautious with potent active ingredients like AHAs/BHAs, which can cause irritation when combined with niacinamide.
What should you not use with retinol?
Avoid using retinol with other potent active ingredients like benzoyl peroxide, AHA/BHA acids, and vitamin C, as they can increase irritation and reduce effectiveness. It's best to use these ingredients at different times or on alternate days.
Can I Use Niacinamide, Retinol, and Hyaluronic Acid Together?
Yes, you can use niacinamide, retinol, and hyaluronic acid together in your evening skincare routine.
What goes first, retinol or niacinamide or hyaluronic acid?
In the evening start with applying niacinamide serum to help soothe and strengthen your skin barrier. After the niacinamide has been absorbed, apply your retinol product to promote cell turnover and reduce fine lines. Finally, apply hyaluronic acid to lock in moisture and hydrate your skin.
Follow up with a moisturiser and always use sunscreen during the day, as retinol can make your skin more sensitive to the sun.
References:
Shao Y, He T, Fisher GJ, Voorhees JJ, Quan T. Molecular basis of retinol anti-ageing properties in naturally aged human skin in vivo. Int J Cosmet Sci. 2017 Feb;39(1):56-65. doi: 10.1111/ics.12348. PubMed PMID: 27261203 [https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27261203/]
Griffiths CE, Russman AN, Majmudar G, Singer RS, Hamilton TA, Voorhees JJ. Restoration of collagen formation in photodamaged human skin by tretinoin (retinoic acid). N Engl J Med. 1993 Aug 19;329(8):530-5. doi: 10.1056/NEJM199308193290803. PMID: 8336752. [https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8336752/]
Grimes, P., McDaniel, D., Wortzman, M., & Nelson, D. (2019). In Vitro and In Vivo Efficacy and Tolerability of a Non-Hydroquinone, Multi-Action Skin Tone Correcting Cream. Journal of drugs in dermatology : JDD, 18 7, 642-648. [https://jddonline.com/articles/in-vitro-and-in-vivo-efficacy-and-tolerability-of-a-non-hydroquinone-multi-action-skin-tone-correcti-S1545961619P0642X]
Madaan, P., Sikka, P., & Malik, D. (2021). Cosmeceutical aptitudes of niacinamide: A review.. Recent advances in anti-infective drug discovery. [https://doi.org/10.2174/2772434416666211129105629]
Mohammed, D., Crowther, J., Matts, P., Hadgraft, J., & Lane, M. (2013). Influence of niacinamide containing formulations on the molecular and biophysical properties of the stratum corneum. International journal of pharmaceutics, 441 1-2, 192-201. [https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijpharm.2012.11.043]
Bissett, D., Oblong, J., & Berge, C. (2006). Niacinamide: A B vitamin that improves aging facial skin appearance.. Dermatologic surgery : official publication for American Society for Dermatologic Surgery [et al.], 31 7 Pt 2, 860-5; discussion 865. [https://doi.org/10.1111/J.1524-4725.2005.31732]
Farris, P., Zeichner, J., & Berson, D. (2016). Efficacy and Tolerability of a Skin Brightening/Anti-Aging Cosmeceutical Containing Retinol 0.5%, Niacinamide, Hexylresorcinol, and Resveratrol. Journal of drugs in dermatology : JDD, 15 7, 863-8 . [https://jddonline.com/articles/efficacy-and-tolerability-of-a-skin-brighteninganti-aging-cosmeceutical-containing-retinol-05-niacin-S1545961616P0863Xv ]
Bissett, D., Miyamoto, K., Sun, P., Li, J., & Berge, C. (2004). Topical niacinamide reduces yellowing, wrinkling, red blotchiness, and hyperpigmented spots in aging facial skin 1. International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 26. [https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-2494.2004.00228.x]
ARTICLESYOU MAY ALSO BE INTERESTED IN
Can You Use Niacinamide and Vitamin C Together?
In the skincare world, the combination of active ingredients often sparks questions. One common query is whether you can use niacinamide and vitamin C together. Both are potent ingredients with their various benefits. Given their strengths, you might wonder if combining them is beneficial or harmful. You're probably seeking clarity because you've heard mixed advice, with some suggesting these ingredients shouldn’t be mixed due to potential irritation or reduced effectiveness. In this article, we'll explore if niacinamide and vitamin C can be used together safely, dispel myths, and offer guidance on incorporating them into your routine for maximum benefits.
Can I Use Retinol and Vitamin C together?
Vitamin C and Retinol are celebrated by beauty experts and dermatologists as two of the most impactful ingredients for your skincare regimen. Each has great benefits on its own, but can you use them together? This article explores whether they should complement each other in your routine or if you're better off using them separately. We'll guide you on how to safely incorporate both into your skincare to target signs of ageing, brighten your complexion, and improve your skin texture, ensuring you get the most out of these powerful ingredients.
All About Retinol Eye Creams For Under The Eyes
Have you noticed the first wrinkles or started to see bags or dark circles forming under your eyes? You might have heard about the benefits of retinol for improving the appearance of the skin under your eyes and wanted to know more. Olay has got you covered! We’ve collected the answers to some frequently asked questions about eye creams that contain retinol, how to use Olay’s own Retinol24 Night Eye Cream, and how this potent ingredient can help you with specific eye concerns like dark circles and fine lines.
