Retinol and Niacinamide: How They Work and How to Use Them Together?

• How Retinol and Niacinamide Work Individually?

The Benefits of Retinol

Retinol is a retinoid, a derivative of vitamin A which occurs naturally in your skin. 

In skincare, retinol is the gold standard for youth preservation (anti-aging) because it is the only scientifically proven ingredient that effectively stimulates the production of collagen while also being extremely effective against acne. Retinol is the only ingredient that the FDA will legally allow skincare companies in the US to refer to as "anti-aging."

Retinol itself doesn't actually affect the skin directly. Enzymes within the skin must first convert retinol into retinoic acid. It's only when it is converted into retinoic acid that it becomes effective. This isn't an instantaneous process, though. In fact it could take up to 3 to 6 months of daily usage for retinol based products to provide a noticeable difference.

The Benefits of Niacinamide

Niacinamide,  also known as vitamin B3 or nicotinic acid, is a water-soluble vitamin that works with the natural substances in your skin to help visibly improve enlarged pores, uneven skin tone, fine lines and wrinkles, dullness, and a weakened surface.

In addition, niacinamide can also reduce the impact of environmental damage as it has the ability to improve the skin's barriers and also helps the skin to repair signs of past damage. Niacinamide is also applied to the skin for treating eczema, as well as a skin condition called inflammatory acne vulgaris.

• What are the benefits of using them together?

Using niacinamide and retinol together in one product or combined as part of your skin care routine has several benefits.

When used together, niacinamide can help to reduce the irritation associated with retinol and retinoid use. This study examined the use of tretinoin, a prescription-strength form of Vitamin A, which is much stronger the retinol. 

Many research studies point out that Niacinamide helps retinol function to its content and calms the redness that it causes in the process. Studies also suggest that the combination improves tone, signs of aging, and acne.

While retinol's optimal pH is 5.5 – 6.0, niacinamide is most viable around 6.0, so unlike other actives that don't play well together, niacinamide and retinol work synergistically and won't cancel out each other's benefits.

• How to Use Them Together?

Retinol and niacinamide can be combined in one product, which may be easier and more convenient. But they're also available as separate products.

With niacinamide available in variety of products from face washes, to serums, hydrating toners and moisturizers, how you pair the two together is a matter of preference, but the typical skin-care layering rules still apply.

The golden rule is to begin with the lightest formulation and build up layers with heavier textures so the heavier products can penetrate through the lighter ones to be properly absorbed. Start with water based products, follow with oil, emulsions, and finish with heavier creams. You can use both ingredients day or night—just make sure to follow with broad-spectrum sun protection during the day.

If you find that your skin becomes red, flaky or feels uncomfortable, you may need to decrease the frequency of application or move down to lower concentrations of the bio-active ingredients.

• Retinol and Niacinamide Products

| Roc Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Night Cream 

($17.99, up to 4% cashback at Walgreens)

Designed for those with skin sensitive to retinol, this gentle facial night cream is formulated with a milder form of retinol in moisturizing cream to reduce irritation and keep the skin hydrated – not flaky.

It also contains hyaluronic acid to help bind essential moisture in your skin to re-plump wrinkles. Tested by dermatologists and clinically proven to visibly reduce the look of both fine lines and deep wrinkles in 12 weeks, RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Night Cream is oil-free and non-comedogenic.

| Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Serum

($89/1oz, up to 4% cashback at Murad)

Fight the signs of visible aging and give your skin a radiance boost with the Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Serum. The serum is powered by Retinol Tri-Active Technology to create luminous and visibly firmer skin. 

The formula also contains Swertia Flower Extract to boost cell production to ensure smooth tone and texture. Hyaluronic Spheres deliver moisture to the skin through intense hydration, helping to create a youthful glow. Suitable for all skin types, the formula is recommended for those who are just beginning to show signs of aging, as well as those experiencing advanced signs. 

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| Drunk Elephant A-Passioni Retinol Cream

($74/30ml, up to 4% cashback at Sephora)

Ideal for all those who're already acquainted with the wonders of retinol (this can trigger irritation and peeling if your skin is sensitive, or if you're new to the retinol realm), Drunk Elephant's game-changing A-Passioni Retinol Cream is the perfect addition to your evening-time routine. This potent, silicone-free formulation of 1% retinol boasts comforting and nourishing ingredients, to give lazy skin cells a boot up their bottoms! Formulated with retinol and peptides, this cream works to restore brightness and elasticity to the complexion without causing redness.

Vitamin F and a blend of comforting passionfruit, apricot, marula, and jojoba oils replenish essential lipids and moisture, while antioxidant-packed kale, winter cherry, and xanthophylls help defend against environmental stressors. It's like a reboot of your skin back to its healthiest, most youthful state.

| The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% 

($6.40, up to 8% cashback at SkinStore)

The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% is no ordinary serum. It is a cult favorite that offers a ton of benefits for oily, acne-prone skin by helping to balance sebum production, minimise the look of pores and decongest the skin. 

Niacinamide has been proven to minimise the look of blemishes and discolouration, and helps to boost the skin's immunity, while zinc works to promote collagen production and repair damaged skin. This rich formula is free from silicones, oil and alcohol, and is both vegan and cruelty-free. It is suitable for use alongside acne treatments for added visible benefits for the skin.

| CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion

($11.24, up to 4% cashback at Walmart)

CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion helps repair damaged skin and maintain the skin's natural protective function with ingredients not commonly found in other moisturizers. PM lotion contains the three essential ceramides (called 1, 3, and 6-II) skin needs to help restore the protective skin barrier. The formula also contains hyaluronic acid to help retain skin's natural moisture and niacinamide to help calm skin.

Its patented Multivesicular Emulsion (MVE) formulation releases these ingredients over time, penetrating deep into the skin to hydrate and nourish throughout the night. 

| Olay Regenerist Whip Face Moisturizer

($29.24, up to 7% cashback at Olay)

Olay Regenerist Whip Face Moisturizer- Olay's Regenerist line is aimed at tackling the signs of aging, such as fighting fine lines and wrinkles. 

It contains Olay's hero ingredients: Niacinamide, carob fruit extract, pentapeptides and hyaluronic acid. The formula helps to control shine and provide a matte finish, even after eight hours. The moisturiser instantly hydrates and primes the skin for all-day makeup wear, leaving the skin feeling light and smooth all day long. 

• Niaicinamide and Retinol All-In-One Products

| La Roche-Posay Retinol B3 Serum

($39.99, up to 8% cashback at La Roche-Posay US)

La Roche-Posay Retinol Face Serum with Vitamin B3 oil-free anti aging serum hydrates and helps resurface the skin to reduce the look of fine lines, wrinkles and sun damage. The anti-wrinkle resurfacing serum combines pure retinol, slow-release retinol, glycerin for hydration, and vitamin B3 (also known as niacinamide) for skin-smoothing and moisture-retention, which as a combination is pretty amazing for skin prone to retinol irritation. 

| SkinMedica Retinol Complex 0.25

($62, up to 8% cashback at SkinStore)

SkinMedica Retinol Complex 0.25 contains a lower concentration of this anti-aging ingredient so it is ideal for anyone who has never used a retinol product. It features a blend of anti-aging ingredients that will complement the effects of retinol, like peptides and niacinamide, along with moisturizing ceramides. Adding this anti-aging product to your routine will create a smoother texture and clearer skin tone. 

| Olay Regenerist Retinol 24 Night Moisturizer

($28.99, up to 7% cashback at Olay)

Olay's Regenerist Retinol 24 cream is the brand's #1 best-selling retinol product. This moisturizer is formulated with a combination of Vitamin B3(Niacinamide) and Olay's Retinoid Complex, which includes retinol and retinyl propionate, that deeply penetrates the skin and does way more than assist with wrinkles. It also contains soothing ingredients like glycerin and peptides that help nourish the skin on top of that. And so, you're getting all of the benefits that retinol has to offer without the usual side effects. 

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