Can retinol and niacinamide be used together?

To optimize the benefits of retinol while minimizing the risk of irritation, discover how combining it with niacinamide can transform your skincare routine.

Association: Retinol and Niacinamide

Compatibility and Benefits

Use the retinol and the niacinamide together is not only possible, but strongly recommended for healthier skin. This combination delivers the complementary benefits of these two powerful ingredients, while reducing the risk of irritation often associated with retinol.

Visit retinol and niacinamide target similar skin problems, but act in different ways to treat them. Retinol stimulates cell renewal, helping to eliminate dead cells and regenerate the skin. Niacinamide, on the other hand, inhibits melanin transfer, reducing brown spots and hyperpigmentation.

In addition, retinol unclogs pores, helping to prevent acne, while niacinamide fights inflammation, reducing redness and soothing the skin. In terms of skin firmness, retinol stimulates collagen production, improving skin elasticity and texture. Niacinamide strengthens the skin's barrier, keeping it hydrated and plump.

Irritation Reduction

One of the disadvantages of retinol is that it can cause irritation, such as redness, flaking and dryness of the skin. Niacinamide, with its anti-inflammatory properties, is an excellent complement to alleviate these side effects. It helps improve skin hydration and repair the cutaneous barrier, making retinol more tolerable, even for sensitive skin.

What is Retinol?

Retinol is a form of vitamin AIt works by stimulating cell renewal, which means it helps to remove dead cells from the skin's surface and replace them with new, healthy cells. This action improves skin appearance by reducing fine lines, wrinkles, acne, age spots and areas of discoloration.

Using Retinol

Despite its many benefits, retinol can cause irritation, especially in people with sensitive skin. For this reason, it's essential to introduce it gradually into your skincare routine. Start by applying a small (pea-sized) amount to your face and neck once a week. As your skin gets used to it, increase the frequency of use until you can apply it daily without irritation. In addition, retinol makes the skin more sensitive to UV rays, which means it should be used in the evening, and a sunscreen with SPF should be applied every morning to protect your skin from sun damage. 

What is Niacinamide? 

Niacinamide, also known as vitamin B3, is an ingredient with powerful anti-inflammatory properties. It is effective in treating a variety of skin problems, including acne and rosacea, hyperpigmentation and dark spots. Niacinamide also improves skin texture and hydration. It's also a powerful antioxidant. It protects the skin against environmental aggressors such as pollution and UV damage, which can accelerate skin aging. By incorporating niacinamide into your skincare routine, you benefit not only from its restorative properties, but also from its preventive capabilities.

Use of Niacinamide 

To maximize the benefits of niacinamide, we recommend using it as part of your morning skincare routine. Choose a formula with a concentration of 10 % or less to avoid irritation and ensure optimal efficacy.

How to use Niacinamide and Retinol? 

Find a Combination Product

The easiest way to use these two ingredients together is to opt for a product that contains both. This ensures that the ingredients are formulated to be compatible and effective together. Serums are often preferred as they contain a higher concentration of active ingredients, but lotions and creams may be more suitable for sensitive skin.

Separate Product Application

If you prefer to use separate products, follow this general rule: apply your products from thinnest to thickest. Water-based toners and essences should be applied before serums, which should be followed by moisturizers.

How often? 

Retinol and niacinamide can be used together on a daily basis, provided your skin tolerates them well. If you notice signs of flaking or dryness, reduce the frequency of retinol use. Never apply retinol to skin that is already irritated or dry.