Should You Combine Retinol and Niacinamide?

Some things in beauty are better in pairs: shampoo and conditioner, blush and bronzer, perfume, and Vaseline (makes the scent last longer) – and the same thing applies to skincare. Two products layered over each other are often more beneficial than just one. Combining the two potent actives, antiaging superstar retinol with super-skin brightening niacinamide is one such pair that brings out the best in each other.

However, it’s important for active ingredients to not only go together well, but they must also play well together. We know skin A-listers retinol and niacinamide are known to be powerhouses on their own, but we may be unaware these powerful actives can be a spotlight downer for your skin when mixed and matched the wrong way.

This red-carpet skin conundrum is mainly due to widespread confusion over if and how these actives can be safely combined.

We’re here to clear up the confusion and show you why retinol and niacinamide are compatible, and how you’ll see enhanced results through this strategic ingredient pairing. When combined, they form a dynamic duo that can rejuvenate and transform your complexion to red-carpet-ready radiance! The secret to this transformation lies in the synergy of two skincare giants–retinol and niacinamide.

Understanding Retinol and Niacinamide

Retinol, a derivative of vitamin A, is a wonder ingredient renowned for its remarkable anti-aging benefits. It works by accelerating cell turnover and stimulating collagen production. This process not only promotes a smoother and more radiant complexion but also helps to diminish the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and other signs of aging like sun spots. It also rejuvenates the skin by improving uneven texture and tone, reducing inflammation and acne breakouts, and scavenging free radicals.

One of the key properties of retinol is how it works on a cellular level. The vitamin A derivative Is renowned for its ability to stimulate collagen production. Collagen is a protein that provides structural support to the skin, helping to maintain its firmness and elasticity. As we age, collagen production naturally declines, leading to sagging and loss of volume in the skin. Collagen-stimulating retinol keeps skin plump and taut, and lessens the appearance of aging signs like fine lines and wrinkles so we can look our freshest and most fabulous.

Moreover, retinol is effective at improving skin texture and tone. It can help to minimize the appearance of pores, smooth out rough patches, and even out skin discoloration, such as sunspots or hyperpigmentation. This overall refinement of the skin's surface can impart a more uniform and luminous complexion.

While retinol can heighten and tighten your complexion, niacinamide can lighten and brighten it for that red carpet radiance! Niacinamide, a form of vitamin B3, is a true multitasking antioxidant in the realm of skincare. As a water-soluble vitamin, this powerful ingredient has been gaining attention for its versatility and compatibility with various skin types and concerns. Whether you have dry, oily, sensitive, or combination skin, niacinamide can seamlessly integrate into your skincare routine to deliver transformative results.

One of the key properties of niacinamide is its multifaceted ability to strengthen the skin barrier, which is crucial for maintaining healthy skin. A robust skin barrier enhances moisture retention, preventing dryness and ensuring your skin stays hydrated and supple. Additionally, niacinamide is known for its anti-inflammatory properties, which help soothe irritated skin, reduce redness, and calm conditions like rosacea and acne.

The skin-efits of niacinamide extend far beyond mega-moisture retention and inflammation reduction. The B3 skin beauty balances oil production, making it a fantastic option for those with oily or acne-prone skin. By regulating sebum production, niacinamide helps to tighten enlarged pores and keep breakouts at bay, leading to a smoother, more refined appearance.

As for those pesky dark spots, pigmentation, and uneven skin tone, whether from sun damage, acne scars, or other factors, niacinamide offers a solution! The potent antioxidant diligently inhibits melanin production, which is responsible for dark spots and hyperpigmentation. Moreover, it improves overall skin texture, making your complexion appear smoother and healthier. Regular use of niacinamide can lead to a reduction in dark spots, giving the skin a more luminous and uniform appearance.

Benefits of Retinol

In the ever-evolving world of skincare, few ingredients have garnered as much attention and praise as retinol. As the gold standard in anti-aging, retinol’s powerhouse components offer a plethora of benefits to your skin, each bringing its unique properties to the table.

When applied topically, retinol has tons of impressive skin-boosting benefits to help combat aging concerns and improve skin’s texture and tone. Let’s check them out!

Accelerating skin cell turnover:

Retinol stimulates skin cell turnover, which in simplest forms means new skin, faster. It sloughs away dead skin layers, making them divide faster and die faster, so newer, healthier cells and skin can take their place. This also helps to lift stubborn blockages and debris from deep within pores. The result is a reduction of wrinkles, fine lines, and visible pores.

Boosting collagen production:

Retinol is a pro-collagen topical treatment that aids in smoothing and rejuvenating the outermost layers of our skin, resulting in less texture and more glow. It keeps our skin supple and plump and maintains the skin’s elasticity and firmness.

Improving fine lines and wrinkles:

By encouraging the production of new skin cells, retinol can diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, leaving the skin looking smoother and more youthful.

Addressing uneven skin tone and texture:

Since retinol aids in skin cell turnover, this is perfect for those of us looking to fade dark spots, and hyperpigmentation, giving skin a smoother texture and a more youthful appearance. Retinol’s exfoliating properties mean dull and dry skin can roll out the red carpet for newer, brighter, and more even-toned skin.

Potential Retinol Challenges

Retinol can be a blessing or a curse for your skin, depending on how you use it. This powerful ingredient, renowned for its anti-aging and skin-clearing properties, can deliver transformative results. However, misuse or being unaware of its potential side effects can lead to irritation, making it crucial to find the right balance.

Skin sensitivity and irritation

When exposed to sunlight, retinol will break down, resulting in increased sensitivity and vulnerability in skin due to a weakening of the skin’s top-most layer. This degradation from the sun can have mild to extreme adverse reactions, ranging from mild skin irritation to lesions and an increased risk of melanoma.

Retinol also speeds up skin cell turnover, which can sometimes happen faster than the skin can regenerate. This process is called "skin purging" and can temporarily thin the skin's protective barrier, making skin more prone to irritation and sensitivity, especially for those with sensitive or reactive skin.

To help with potential sensitivity and irritation, you can use the retinol sandwich method. The technique involves “sandwiching” your retinol between two layers of moisturizer before and after applying retinol. The method was created to help minimize some of the potential side effects of retinol, like dryness, redness, and flakiness. Layering moisturizer helps deliver and lock in extra hydration in the skin, counteracting the dryness that can lead to irritation.

Another great alternative to help with sensitivity and irritation when using retinol is to pair it with none other than - niacinamide! This brightening ingredient has anti-inflammatory properties that can help soothe and calm the skin. We’ll delve more into the benefits of pairing retinol and niacinamide below!

Initial "retinol uglies" phase

The retinol uglies is used to describe the initial adjustment period when your skin is first exposed to retinol. It’s a temporary period of increased skin irritation, sensitivities, and breakouts at the start of retinol treatment. When using retinol, can also cause peeling and flaking of the skin since it’s a form of exfoliation.

To ensure the safety of your skin, do not combine retinol products with facial peels containing a lot of alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) or beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) until your skin is used to retinol products. Retinol can cause some skin sensitivities when it’s first started, and using these exfoliating acids will only make matters worse.

The retinol uglies can last anywhere from 4–8 weeks. The exact length of the process depends very much on your skin type and sensitivity. The amount and strength of your retinol product can also play a part. Some people experience a purge flare-up for only a few days to weeks, and others don't get it at all. To avoid major retinol uglies, it's important to start slow and gradually build up your retinol usage.

The good news? While unpleasant, the retinol uglies can be a sign that your treatment is working as intended.

Sun sensitivity and protective measures

Retinol works its most potent magic while you sleep, but it will also be at its safest. When exposed to sunlight, retinol will break down, resulting in increased sensitivity and vulnerability in skin due to a weakening of the skin’s top-most layer. This degradation from the sun can have mild to extreme adverse reactions, ranging from mild skin irritation to lesions and an increased risk of melanoma.

Speaking of a consistent day skincare regimen, it’s vital to use sun protection – no matter the season, weather, clouds, or not! Retinol can increase sensitivity to the sun, so it's important to apply sunscreen in the morning after using retinol at night.

Even certain types of artificial light emit small amounts of UV rays and can increase the potential for adverse reactions, so if using retinol at night you should avoid direct exposure to fluorescent or halogen light sources. No matter what light source you’re around, just remember the cardinal rule: retinol works right at night!

Combining Retinol and Niacinamide

In the world of skincare, combining the right ingredients can make all the difference in achieving a radiant, healthy complexion, and this is especially true when it comes to retinol and niacinamide. While each of these ingredients offers significant benefits on its own, using them together can create a synergistic effect that maximizes their potential. Smart ingredient synergy extends beyond having compatible actives—it’s about making sure they all have each other’s backs or play well together!

Synergy in your skincare routine means using potent ingredients together that build on each other’s strengths, enhancing and balancing their properties and benefits, to achieve results that are even better than the combined effects of using them individually.

Here’s why retinol and niacinamide complement each other so well and why we recommend using them in tandem.

Complementary benefits

How niacinamide can mitigate retinol side effects:

Retinol can cause some initial irritation, including redness, dryness, and flakiness, particularly those with sensitive skin. Enter niacinamide. This anti-inflammatory ingredient can soothe and calm skin, mitigating retinol’s side effects. It also helps to strengthen the skin barrier, improving its resilience against environmental stressors and reducing the likelihood of irritation caused by retinol.

One of the main reasons retinol can irritate is because it can disrupt the skin’s natural barrier, making it more susceptible to dryness and sensitivity. Niacinamide plays a crucial role here by enhancing the skin’s barrier function. It increases the production of ceramides, which are essential lipids that help maintain the skin’s moisture balance and integrity. By fortifying the skin barrier, niacinamide makes it more robust and less prone to irritation from retinol.

Enhanced overall skin renewal and repair:

True magic happens when these two ingredients work together in harmony. By using niacinamide and retinol together, you get the best of both worlds: the powerful anti-aging and skin-renewing benefits of retinol, coupled with the soothing and strengthening properties of niacinamide. You get perfect skin Zen or ingredient synergy that enhances overall skin renewal and repair. This synergy not only enhances the overall effectiveness of your skincare routine but also ensures that your skin stays calm and balanced, minimizing potential side effects.

Another way niacinamide complements retinol is by boosting its efficacy. A well-functioning skin barrier ensures better absorption and utilization of active ingredients. When niacinamide strengthens the skin barrier, it not only reduces the risk of irritation but also allows retinol to penetrate more effectively. This means you can achieve better results from your retinol product and enhanced overall skin renewal and repair.

Proper application techniques

Layering strategies for maximum efficacy:

As we have covered, retinol can irritate the skin because it speeds up skin cell turnover, which can sometimes happen faster than the skin can regenerate. This process, called "skin purging", can temporarily thin the skin's protective barrier, causing irritation and sensitivity.

The retinol sandwich method involves “sandwiching” your retinol between two layers of moisturizer before and after applying retinol. The technique was created to help minimize some of the potential side effects of retinol, like dryness, redness, and flakiness. Layering moisturizer helps deliver and lock in extra hydration in the skin, counteracting the dryness that can lead to irritation.

Making yourself a retinol sandwich is a very effective technique because it creates a protective barrier using the power of moisturizers to reduce those unwanted side effects and irritation while allowing retinol to work its skin-smoothing and youth-boosting benefits effectively. Moisturizers help buffer the skin, preventing dryness and irritation commonly associated with retinol use. This retinol method can be especially helpful for those who are new to retinol or have very dry or sensitive skin.

Timing considerations (AM vs. PM use):

Retinol works its most potent magic while you sleep, but it will also be at its safest. When exposed to sunlight, retinol will break down, resulting in increased sensitivity and vulnerability in skin due to a weakening of the skin’s top-most layer. Exposing a temporarily weakened skin barrier to the sun can have mild to extreme adverse reactions, ranging from mild skin irritation to lesions and an increased risk of melanoma.

Moreover, your nightly rest time is your skin’s rebuild and repair time. While you’re getting your beauty sleep, your skin's blood flow increases and the body rebuilds its collagen and repairs damage from UV exposure, reducing wrinkles and age spots. Your skin is more permeable at night, making it more receptive to topical skincare products like retinol and niacinamide! Remember, nighttime is prime time for skin repair and some retinol rebirth!

Ideal concentrations and formulations

Finding the right balance for your skin:

To better achieve skin Zen with retinol, it’s best to not only use it correctly but to find the right balance for your skin. When you overdo it with retinol, your skin may react with redness, peeling, and excessive dryness.

To avoid major side effects of retinol, it's important to start slow and gradually build up your retinol usage:

Starting Slow: Introduction Phase

Begin with a lower concentration of retinol to allow your skin to adjust. Apply it every other night or twice a week. This cautious approach helps your skin build tolerance without overwhelming it.

Increasing Usage: Adjustment Phase

As your skin adapts, you can gradually increase the frequency of nightly use. During this phase, it's crucial to monitor your skin's response and adjust accordingly. If any signs of irritation appear, scale back your usage.

Maintaining Balance: Regular Use

Once your skin has fully adjusted, maintain an optimal dosage for ongoing benefits without irritation. Regular, balanced use of retinol will keep your skin looking its best. Remember, signs of overuse include redness, peeling, and excessive dryness. Keep a close eye on your skin's condition and enjoy the radiant results of a well-calibrated retinol routine.

Product recommendations for different skin types:

Skin types are like fingerprints: each one is different. Knowing your skin type can help in selecting the best retinol treatment for you, with a reduced risk of irritation.

For acne-prone skin

Our Multi-Vitamin + Antioxidants Potent PM Serum is a major player in the retinol regimen, having achieved superstar status nearly overnight. Retinol helps to promote cellular turnover and sloughs away dead skin, helping to lift stubborn blockages and debris from deep within pores. The potent, stabilized vitamins in this PM serum work synergistically to reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles, while brightening and balancing skin.

For dry skin

Looking for a skin-corrective powerhouse that can also combat dryness? Our Multi-Vitamin + Antioxidants PM Facial Oil is a multi-vitamin facial oil treatment designed for targeted anti-aging benefits. Stabilized multi-vitamins – E, C, D3, retinol, and CoQ10 – and potent antioxidants work to drastically lessen premature signs of aging.

For dull / sun-damaged skin

We formulated our Retinol Restorative Overnight Balm to be a potent retinol product by using vegan retinol and carrot seeds! Carrots and carrot seeds are high in beta-carotene, which enhances the effects of vitamin A on the skin. Made with vegan retinol, avocado butter, and plant oils to moisturize and restore skin’s radiance and elasticity while you sleep. More on its skin-efits below!

100% PURE Products with Retinol or Niacinamide

Incorporating retinol and niacinamide into your skincare routine can deliver transformative benefits, and 100% PURE offers a range of products designed to maximize these effects. Here's a closer look at the key 100% PURE products that support the harmonious use of retinol and niacinamide together:

Retinol Restorative Overnight Balm:

The Retinol Restorative Overnight Balm is a powerhouse for reducing wrinkles and improving skin texture. This gentle, time-release retinol formula is perfect for overnight skin renewal without irritation.

Ingredients: This balm is formulated with vegan retinol derived from carrots, which helps to boost collagen production and accelerate cell turnover. It also includes avocado butter and rosehip oil for intense hydration and nourishment.

Benefits: It works overnight to diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, while also smoothing and refining the skin's texture.

Guide: Apply a thin layer of the Retinol Restorative Overnight Balm to cleansed skin before bed. Use it 2-3 times a week, gradually increasing frequency as your skin builds tolerance.

Niacinamide Boost Serum:

The Niacinamide Boost Serum is designed to minimize pores and even out skin tone. This concentrated niacinamide serum also balances oil production and improves skin texture.

Ingredients: This serum features a high concentration of niacinamide (vitamin B3) along with hydrating hyaluronic acid and moisturizing vitamin E.

Benefits: Niacinamide effectively reduces inflammation, brightens dark spots, and improves skin elasticity, while hyaluronic acid hydrates and plumps the skin.

Guide: Apply the Niacinamide Boost Serum daily in the morning and evening after cleansing. Follow with a moisturizer to lock in hydration.

Multi-Vitamin + Antioxidants Potent PM Serum:

The Multi-Vitamins + Antioxidants Potent PM Serum is a nighttime powerhouse combining retinol and niacinamide for comprehensive skin rejuvenation.

Ingredients: This serum features retinol, vitamin C, niacin amide, CoQ10, and vitamin E.

Benefits: With a base of gently moisturizing rose water, this ultra-potent nighttime serum is designed to nourish while delivering an anti-aging one-two punch. It works synergistically to lessen the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, increase firmness and elasticity, and brighten and even skin tone.

Guide: In the evening, apply a dime-sized amount of Multi-Vitamins + Antioxidants Potent PM Serum onto the skin, after cleansing and before moisturizing. Gently press into the skin of the face and neck. For PM use only. Follow with an SPF the next morning.

Retinol PM Eye Cream:

The Retinol Eye Cream is especially important for your eye area because this area is thinner and more vulnerable to damage. Retinol is just what you need to smooth those crow’s feet and eye crinkles for a more youthful smile. Ingredients: This eye cream features retinol and brightening vitamin C, as well as hyaluronic acid, which locks in hydration and plumps, while acai and pomegranate oils deeply moisturize for softer, more youthful skin around the eye area. Benefits: This targeted retinol treatment addresses fine lines and wrinkles in the delicate eye area. It features a potent concentration of age-correcting vitamins, stem cells, and peptides that promote collagen production and elasticity for firmer and plumper skin. Guide: In the evening, apply Retinol Eye Cream to ring fingers. Gently pat onto eye area, including upper and lower lids, taking care not to tug or pull. For PM use only.

Lavender Niacinamide Pore Minimizer Tonique:

For a daytime niacinamide treatment, the Lavender Niacinamide Pore Minimizer Tonique is a pore-refining and hydrating toner to prep skin and enhance the benefits of subsequent treatments. It provides a refreshing layer of hydration, not to mention the soothing benefits of lavender.

Ingredients: The tonique features niacinamide, skin-balancing witch hazel, skin-smoothing MSM, and refreshing lavender hydrosol.

Benefits: This pore-minimizing tonique cleans and purifies pores to lessen the appearance of facial pores, lines, and wrinkles, while reducing inflammation, increasing firmness, and evening the skin tone.

Guide: The Lavender Niacinamide Pore Minimizer Tonique can be used by either misting directly onto skin or wiping skin with a saturated cotton pad after cleansing.

Your Path to Synergistic Skincare

Elevate your skincare game by integrating the power duo of retinol and niacinamide into your daily skincare routine. These two ingredients, renowned for their skin-enhancing properties, work synergistically to deliver transformative results. Retinol accelerates cell turnover, revealing fresher, younger-looking skin, while niacinamide calms inflammation, strengthens the skin barrier, and evens out skin tone. Together, they offer a comprehensive and synergistic solution for a variety of skin concerns, from fine lines and wrinkles to hyperpigmentation and acne.

If a timeless, anti-aging beauty staple as retinol and a skin-brightening superstar as niacinamide can help smooth over aging concerns and revitalize skin, think of the transformative effects that these powerhouse ingredients when combined can do for your skin. When paired together, they form a dynamic duo that can transform your complexion to red-carpet-ready radiance! Let’s just say the secret to youthful, radiant skin lies in the synergy of these skincare giants–retinol and niacinamide. The carpet is yours, and it’s waiting for you to start your personalized retinol and niacinamide regimen.

Start your journey to maximize skin renewal with smart ingredient synergy and radiant skin today by incorporating retinol and niacinamide products into your nightly routine integrating both ingredients into your regimen correctly, you’ll see a dynamic duo that addresses multiple skin concerns simultaneously. Shop our collection now and discover why so many have made the switch to 100% PURE for their skincare and anti-aging needs. By integrating both ingredients into your regimen correctly, you’ll unlock their full potential and enjoy the transformative results they promise.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the benefits of using retinol and niacinamide together?

Using retinol and niacinamide together offers a multitude of benefits for your skin. Retinol, a derivative of vitamin A, accelerates cell turnover, reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and improves skin texture and tone. Niacinamide, or vitamin B3, helps to reduce inflammation, minimizes pores, and enhances the skin's barrier function. When used together, these ingredients complement each other: retinol stimulates skin renewal while niacinamide soothes and protects, reducing potential irritation and enhancing overall results. This combination can lead to smoother, clearer, and more youthful-looking skin.

How should I layer retinol and niacinamide in my skincare routine?

For optimal results, follow these steps to layer retinol and niacinamide:

Cleanse: Start with a gentle cleanser to remove any dirt and impurities.

Tone (optional): Apply a toner if you use one in your routine.

Niacinamide: Apply a niacinamide serum first, as it helps to strengthen the skin barrier and prepare the skin for retinol.

Retinol: After allowing the niacinamide to absorb, apply your retinol product. Start with a lower concentration of retinol if you are new to this ingredient.

Moisturize: Finish with a hydrating moisturizer to lock in the active ingredients and provide additional moisture.

Always follow with a broad-spectrum sunscreen in the morning, as retinol can make your skin more sensitive to the sun.

Are there any side effects of combining retinol and niacinamide?

Combining retinol and niacinamide is generally safe and well-tolerated by most skin types. However, as with any active ingredients, there is a potential for side effects, especially if you are new to using retinol. Some people may experience mild irritation, redness, or dryness. Niacinamide helps to mitigate these effects by reducing inflammation and enhancing the skin barrier. Start by using these products a few times a week and gradually increase frequency as your skin builds tolerance.

Can retinol and niacinamide be used on sensitive skin?

Yes, retinol and niacinamide can be used on sensitive skin, but it’s important to proceed with caution. Start with a lower concentration of retinol and use it less frequently, such as every other night or a few times a week. Always apply niacinamide first to help strengthen the skin barrier and reduce potential irritation. Additionally, consider using a rich moisturizer to further protect and hydrate the skin. If you experience significant irritation, reduce the frequency of use or consult a dermatologist for personalized advice.

How often should I use retinol and niacinamide in my routine?

The frequency of use depends on your skin’s tolerance and your specific skin concerns. For beginners, it’s recommended to start with retinol two to three times a week and gradually increase to nightly use as your skin adapts. Niacinamide, being gentler, can typically be used daily, both morning and night. Monitor your skin’s response and adjust the frequency accordingly. If you experience any persistent irritation or discomfort, consider spacing out the applications or consulting with a skincare professional.