Niacinamide and Retinol

Published: January 31, 2022

WHY DOES OUR SKIN START TO AGE?

As the largest organ on the body, our skin performs a host of daily activities that keep our entire physical bodies safe and functioning properly. Throughout each hour of the day, our epidermis is regulating our temperature, protecting us from bacteria, and shielding us from pollutants, sunrays, and free radicals. It’s no surprise that our skin reflects our age in numerous ways. Causes of premature skin aging are directly related to: 

Lifestyle choices like smoking, drinking, and a poor diet

Many things can lead to skin irritation, including cigarette smoke and alcohol. These irritants hinder the health of the skin barrier.

Exposure to the sun's harmful UVB rays

Numerous studies show that the sun is the number one cause of aging, including photoaging, sun spots, and age spots.

Genetics

If your parents or grandparents exhibited signs of premature skin aging, you may be more likely to show fine lines, wrinkles, or age spots earlier than others in your peer group.

Stress

High-anxiety jobs or lives can directly affect the health and appearance of our skin.

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HOW TO PREVENT AGING SKIN

Even though aging is inescapable, we can set ourselves up well to age gracefully. A consistent beauty routine that changes alongside you with age is key to keeping skin youthful, vibrant, and healthy. Some personal care product companies want to produce quick, cheap tricks when in reality, using products with sustainable, organic, natural ingredients helps nourish the skin from the inside out. That way, the skin is set up better to protect, heal, and nurture itself. 

"In the morning, use just a few drops of our Hydramemory Hydra & Glow Ampoules on the most visible lines. At night, use the rest of the ampoule to fully treat your face, neck and decoletage." - Elisabeth Nehme,  Board Certified Esthetician and [ comfort zone ] Master Educator

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WHAT IS RETINOL?

Retinol is a natural form of vitamin A that is sold over-the-counter in products such as skin creams, nightly moisturizers, and boosters. It has long been a popular ingredient used to combat the signs of aging and is known for its efficacy, affordability, and availability. It is just one of the many types of retinoids and has long been a popular ingredient in skincare products, like moisturizers, boosters, and serums. Retinol is a natural form of vitamin A that can be sold over the counter. It can be used in a variety of dosage strengths depending on the product or purpose. In the morning, it’s best to pair retinol with vitamin C for optimal results.


When applied topically, retinol activates the skin’s enzymes which then work to convert the ingredient into retinoic acid. Retinol reduces wrinkles, fine lines, and age spots while also promoting a bright, even skin tone.


WHAT IS NIACINAMIDE?

Niacinamide is a naturally occurring derivative of vitamin B3 and is frequently used as an anti-aging product. When applied topically, it prevents excess transepidermal water loss by sealing in moisture, can heal atopic dermatitis, or provide relief for autoimmune blistering disorders.


When added to skincare products like moisturizers and serums, this potent, natural ingredient combats the signs of aging. It can prevent deeper wrinkles from forming while reducing the appearance of existent fine lines.


CAN I USE NIACINAMIDE AND RETINOL TOGETHER?

Some skincare ingredients are not ok to use together, however, niacinamide and retinol actually work quite well when paired in a skincare routine. 

In fact, each of these ingredients work to bolster each other’s effectiveness and, when used in tandem, cut down on the time it takes to see results. 


Some key considerations when using niacinamide or retinol are as follows:

Wear sunscreen

These ingredients can cause sun sensitivities so limit exposure to UVA and UVB rays. If you do spend time in the sun, apply a strong SPF.

Sensitive skin

Other side effects of using retinol and niacinamide can be sensitive skin in general. Even those who haven’t normally experienced sensitive skin may have increased irritability when starting to use either of these ingredients.

Go slow

Start by introducing products with niacinamide and retinol in smaller amounts, infrequently. Find a formulation with a lower percentage of these ingredients and see how your skin reacts. Over time, tolerability will increase. Once you feel like the niacinamide and retinol work well with your skin type, increase the frequency of use to really reap the benefits of niacinamide and retinol.

Pair with high quality topical products

Introducing any new ingredient to your skincare line up can take some adjustment. When using products with these ingredients, make sure your other products, like cleansers, toners, and moisturizers, complement this new routine. You don’t want to hinder the positive effects of retinol by using a subpar night cream or not providing skin with enough antioxidants to remain radiant and healthy.

HERE ARE SOME OF THE BENEFITS OF USING THESE INGREDIENTS TOGETHER:

Improved skin tone

Retinol prompts the skin cells to turn over more quickly while niacinamide can brighten and provide healthy hydration. Those looking to improve an uneven skin tone due to age spots, dark spots, or pigmentation should consider introducing retinol and niacinamide to their skincare routine.

Because acne is caused by a buildup of dead skin cells that get trapped with sebum in the pores of the skin, these ingredients are powerful tools in fighting this stubborn skin disorder. Retinol and niacinamide act as gentle chemical exfoliators, helping the skin shed its dead layer.

Reduction of fine lines and wrinkles

Both ingredients have numerous properties that aid in fine line and wrinkle reduction. Since retinol’s main benefit is an increase in cell turnover, your skin begins to appear tighter while niacinamide helps seal in moisture. Dehydrated skin can appear more wrinkly and tired, therefore, introducing these ingredients can reduce the appearance of fine lines.

Improved skin texture

Retinol boosts collagen production, which helps the skin plump up and remain firmer. This can aid in future wrinkle prevention while making the skin appear taut. For those who struggle with hyperpigmentation, retinol can improve the evenness in skin tone.

Reduced inflammation

The soothing nature of niacinamide can help fight inflammation which then lets skin better respond to external elements naturally. These ingredients’ anti-inflammatory nature really shines when paired with gentle moisturizers.

WHERE CAN I FIND NIACINAMIDE AND RETINOL PRODUCTS?

Niacinamide and retinol can be found in a number of products, including over-the-counter moisturizers, boosters, and serums. You’ll want to pair the use of these products with a hydrating, high-quality moisturizer to prevent dryness.

This powerful retinol-containing booster fights fine lines and wrinkles while still remaining gentle enough to incorporate into your skincare routine.

After cleansing, apply this alcohol-free toner to further remove impurities and rebalance the skin’s natural pH. Niacinamide actively works to restore the skin’s radiance, leaving you with a glowing complexion. 

Treat your skin to the hydrating action of these ampoules and enjoy plump, hydrated-looking and feeling skin. 

SKIN HEALTH AND WELLNESS IS KEY

Using high quality products in your daily skin care routine is essential to fostering a healthy, glowing complexion. Consult with a trusted dermatologist or esthetician, whom you can find with our spa locator, to find out if products with niacinamide or retinol are right for you. 


Health and wellbeing remain our top priorities, your’s and the planet’s. Our high quality skin care products use sustainably-sourced, natural and organic ingredients that are derived from nature to help keep your skin, and the world in which we live, looking and feeling healthy and beautiful.


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