Raise your hand if you can rattle off the names of popular skincare actives and what they do for your skin. Wow! Welcome to the club of people who are serious about skincare. Our official motto is “We Trust Retinol.” So it may come as no surprise at all that certain ingredients work synergistically and work even better when combined in certain formulations and skincare routines. (Retinol and Vitamin C, Vitamin C and Niacinamide, Hyaluronic Acid and Retinol, you know what we mean.) The newest powerhouse combination to hit store shelves is Niacinamide and Retinol. Two vitamins (Vitamin B3 and Vitamin A) can enhance the benefits of both on your skin.
Even better, the combination of niacinamide and retinol everyone Not only are they a great combination for treating breakouts and managing acne scars (we’ll explain why in a moment), they’re also great for those with sensitive skin, those new to retinol, or those who want to avoid the redness and irritation that can come with using retinol. Here’s all the information you need to know.
What is Retinol?
Haven’t come across this product yet? Meet this do-it-all MVP: A derivative of vitamin A, “retinol promotes cell turnover, helping to remove dead skin cells and reveal new, sensitive skin underneath,” says Lauren Penzey, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City.
It also boosts collagen production, “which makes it particularly effective for fine lines, wrinkles, skin texture, and firming,” she says. But that’s not all: “It also helps remove dead skin cells and clear pores, making it a powerful acne-fighting ingredient,” says Dr. Penzi.
However, the ability to speed up skin cell turnover is *Also* It causes inflammation, resulting in redness, dryness, itching, and stinging. It also increases your sensitivity to the sun, as new skin cells are more exposed to UV rays and more susceptible to irritation, says Dr. Penge.
What is Niacinamide?
Now, let’s talk about niacinamide. Dr. Penzi calls it a panacea because it “reduces inflammation, strengthens and improves the skin barrier, helps retain moisture, and regulates oil production.” It also boosts collagen production, although not as effectively as retinol.
Plus, niacinamide helps even out skin tone and fade dark spots: Unlike vitamin C, which interferes with the pigmentation process, niacinamide prevents fully formed chunks of pigment (technically called melanosomes) from reaching the skin’s surface, which is why it’s great for melasma, as well as the post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation that follows those pesky breakouts.
Even better, almost anyone can use it: Because it can act as a soothing agent and brighten skin, “even the most sensitive skin can tolerate niacinamide well,” says Amy Freeman, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist in Millburn, New Jersey.
Can I use niacinamide with retinol?
Yes, you probably should! “Niacinamide also reduces sebum production, making it an effective acne-fighting product when combined with retinol, which speeds up cell turnover,” says Dr. Freeman.
Not only do the two ingredients complement each other, “they also help balance each other out,” says Dr. Penzi. “Retinol can be a powerful skin care ingredient because it promotes cell turnover, which can sometimes cause inflammation.” Niacinamide’s anti-inflammatory properties reduce inflammation, soothing and comforting the skin. Plus, while retinol can dry out skin, she says, niacinamide strengthens the skin’s barrier and helps retain moisture. So if you’ve been struggling with the side effects of retinol before, adding niacinamide may make them much more tolerable.
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Although they’ve proven beneficial for acne-prone or sensitive skin, niacinamide and retinol can also help fight signs of aging. This combination offers anti-aging benefits like “reduction of fine lines and wrinkles, improving pigmentation, and improving overall smoothness and brightness,” says Dr. Freeman.
Niacinamide + Retinol for Below the Neck
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Thanks to niacinamide’s “gentle” properties, it’s hard to mix up the two ingredients (and, by the way, there are now products that combine them in one formula – see above). But “if you use them separately, consider applying niacinamide before retinol to prep the skin and reduce irritation,” says Dr. Penzi. “Let it dry for a few minutes, then apply retinol and your moisturizer last.”
FYI: Retinol can cause sun sensitivity, so use it only in your nighttime routine. After washing your face before bed, layer on a niacinamide serum, then apply a retinol cream, and finally a moisturizer to wake up with clearer, smoother, and brighter skin.
Meet Our Experts
- Lauren Penzi, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist with MDCS Dermatology, with multiple practices in Long Island, N.Y. She specializes in both medical and cosmetic dermatology.
- Amy Freeman, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group in Millburn, NJ. She specializes in adult and pediatric general dermatology, skin cancer, and cosmetic dermatology.
Reasons to trust Cosmopolitan
Deanna Pai ‘s interim deputy beauty editor. cosmopolitan With over 12 years of experience covering skincare, makeup, and more, she’s an authority on all skincare categories, but an expert when it comes to active ingredients, because she’s used most of them herself (unfortunately). When she’s not testing skincare formulas, she’s talking to top dermatologists to learn about new and innovative stuff.
Deanna Pai is a New York-based freelance beauty writer and editor with over 10 years of experience writing about beauty and wellness.
