Niacinamide and Retinol: Why Combine This Powerful Anti-Aging Duo!
To the question of whether you can combine niacinamide and retinol, we can clearly say "Yes!". These two active ingredients complement each other perfectly: h niacinamide has a sedative effectWhile the retinol with the powerful anti-wrinkle its action ensures youthful skin.
Read on for the benefits of combining niacinamide and retinol and how to best use your two favorite skin care ingredients.
Want to combine niacinamide and retinol? These are the advantages!
Niacinamide
When we talk about niacinamide, we mean a specific form of vitamin B3. Our body cannot produce this water-soluble vitamin. Therefore, in order to be able to benefit from its advantages, we should offer it to our skin ourselves.
This is how niacinamide works:
- sebum regulation
- anti-inflammatory & antibacterial action
- supports ceramide production by the skin itself and a healthy skin barrier
- antioxidant action
- inhibits melanin formation and helps reduce spots
Retinol
H retinol it's also a vitamin – more specifically, a form of vitamin A. In skin care, retinol is known for its wrinkle-reducing and cell-regenerating properties. Because it has a powerful effect, there are also many myths surrounding retinol. Read below about it.
This is how retinol works:
- cell renewal and regeneration
- antioxidant action
- reduces discolorations and spots
- boosts collagen production in the skin
- has a mat effect, as it regulates sebum production
These are the benefits when you use niacinamide and retinol together
- Niacinamide strengthens the skin barrier
This is because niacinamide acts on the formation of ceramides. Ceramides are a special type of lipid found on the surface of the skin, specifically in the stratum corneum. There they are involved in building our skin barrier. They help prevent moisture loss (so-called "transdermal water loss") through the skin's surfaces. At the same time, they strengthen the barrier protection function against harmful environmental influences.
- Niacinamide has a sedative effect
This property makes it an ideal supplement to your retinol care. Depending on the formulation, the application of retinoids can lead to dryness, itching and scaly patches. Because niacinamide has an anti-inflammatory and soothing effect, it can protect the skin from irritation and redness.
- Niacinamide affects the sebum production of the skin and reduces pigmentation
Because reduced sebum production is an important factor affecting the matte appearance and clarity of the skin, oily and acne-prone skin are perfect candidates for combining care with niacinamide and retinol. Even if your skin suffers from blemishes, you can combine niacinamide and retinol in your skincare to visibly reduce blemishes.
Niacinamide hydrates and supports the effects of retinol
By supporting the formation of ceramide in the upper layer of the skin, h niacinamide helps the skin retain its moisture better. At the same time, niacinamide ensures that retinol can optimally develop its rejuvenating effect, as sufficient moisture facilitates the removal of old cells from the skin's surface.
How to Combine Niacinamide and Retinol!
The combination of niacinamide and retinol it is especially suitable for blemish-prone skin as well as sensitive skin. Niacinamide soothes, strengthens and hydrates, while retinol stimulates collagen formation and cell renewal – a duo of hydration and anti-aging. And let's not forget the double oil-regulating action when combined!
Because the two care ingredients match each other so well, they can be used in a formulation together or in combination with other ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and vitamin C.
Do you prefer layering and wondering which order is best to use niacinamide and retinol?
See the tips below.
4 things to remember when applying!
- Texture: Use the serum with the thinnest consistency first. In this way, your skin can better absorb each treatment. Do not apply the next serum until the first is completely absorbed.
- Skin condition: If both face serums are similar in texture, apply the serum that corresponds to your skin's most urgent need first.
- Less is more: To avoid irritating your skin, you should use a maximum of two different serums in your morning and evening routine.
- The epilogue: Finish your treatment with a moisturizer and then apply your sunscreen.
It is often recommended to use niacinamide first and then retinol. However, this is not necessary. Focus mainly on the texture of the products used. So you benefit from the protective and strengthening effect on the skin barrier, niacinamide, and at the same time you have all the benefits of retinol care.
Combine retinol with other active ingredients!
Retinol is a magical wrinkle eraser and one of the most effective ingredients in modern times cosmetics. Because it is so powerful, you should know a few basic rules before using it. First, retinol is not compatible with some other active ingredients, and second, you can avoid side effects if you use this skin care hero correctly.
Combining retinol correctly: Do's & dont's!
These active ingredients are suitable for use with retinol:
- Retinol and hyaluronic acid. The hyaluronic it has fantastic moisture-binding properties and helps the skin retain water better. In this way, hyaluronic acid prevents the dryness of the skin that can occur when using retinol.
- Retinol and Vitamin C. Η vitamin C has an antioxidant effect and maintains the cellular health of the skin. If you want to incorporate both ingredients into your youthful skin care, it is recommended to apply one active ingredient in the morning and the other in the evening.
- Retinol and niacinamide. We've covered this skincare duo extensively. Whether in a combination or as separate products, this care line complements each other and effectively ensures an improved complexion.
3 Retinol Myths, Busted
- Retinol irritates the skin. The truth is that highly concentrated retinoids and some forms of retinol can lead to dryness and itching. Her retinol serum La Roche Posay also suitable for sensitive skin. Combine it with niacinamide and benefit from its moisturizing and soothing properties.
- All retinoids are the same. Retinol is just one of many forms of vitamin A used in dermatology and skin care. Isotretinoin and tretinoin are often used to treat acne. Effective retinol precursors such as retinol palmitate, on the other hand, are often found in cosmetics.
- Retinol should be used daily. This is not recommended, especially at first. Since the skin first needs to get used to this powerful active ingredient, we recommend using retinol every other day. Once your skin is used to the retinol, you can gradually increase the frequency of use.
Bottom Line: There are many reasons why you should combine niacinamide and retinol!
Niacinamide and retinol work wonderfully together. This is why they are often found together in a formulation. Niacinamide can ideally enhance the effectiveness of retinol in skin care against spots, discoloration and wrinkles and also ensures hydrated, oil-free skin and a strengthened skin barrier.
