My Honest Take On Niacinamide And Retinol Serum: A Beginner's Skincare Routine

retinol & niacinamide serum from beminimalist

Back in my teenage years, my skin was an acne battlefield. Imagine waking up to a new pimple every other day and having no clue how to deal with it. Thankfully, as I grew older, the acne itself cleared up. But the scars? They’ve stuck around, like reminders of those chaotic teenage years. Fast forward to May 2024, I decided to take matters into my own hands and finally try niacinamide and retinol. Here’s how it’s been going.

My skincare journey: from Ayurveda to Actives

In 2022-23, while writing for a sustainable lifestyle blog, I explored the world of clean beauty. This experience not only broadened my understanding of skincare ingredients but also influenced my preference for natural and effective products. That’s when I started learning about skincare ingredients. As an Indian, my first stop was Ayurvedic products.

After moving to Muscat, Oman, Ayurvedic products became harder to get. Honestly, I have no clue where to buy them from. Ordering them through friends from India was inconvenient. This shift motivated me to explore easily available actives I'd researched—enter niacinamide and retinol.

• Niacinamide: Is a form of vitamin B3. Packed with protective and hydrating qualities, this gem became my go-to for tackling scars. It benefits reducing environmental damage, tighten and brighten skin, and minimize large pores. I picked up Minimalist Niacinamide Serum with high hopes (but you can choose any brand depending on your preference and budget)
  

• Retinol: It is a form of vitamin A, the powerhouse of skin renewal. It has antiaging effects, helps in fighting acne, and make skin look smoother. I started with Minimalist Retinol Serum, easing into it to avoid irritation.

How to use Niacinamide & Retinol: A beginner-friendly skincare routine

Here’s how I incorporated these two serums into my skincare routine:

AM skincare routine: 1. Cleanse, 2. Tone, 3. Niacinamide serum, 4. Moisturizer, 5. Sunscreen (never skip it!)

PM skincare routine: 1. Remove makeup, 2. Cleanse, 3. Tone, 4. Niacinamide serume (optional, I sometimes use niacinamide at night too), 5. Retinol, 6. Moisturizer (after letting retinol soak in for a few minutes)..

If you’re wondering whether you can layer niacinamide with retinol, the answer is yes! Niacinamide pairs well with most skincare ingredients. I often layer them but always allow retinol a moment to absorb before sealing it all in with moisturizer. Also, retinol is strictly a nighttime affair—it loses potency in sunlight. And if you’re using retinol, sunscreen during the day is non-negotiable.

My journey so far

1. Teen acne: My skin during my teenage years was a mess. Pimples everywhere, no solution in sight. By my twenties, the acne vanished, but the scars remained.

my skin with visible acne scars

2. Starting slowly: In May 2024, I began incorporating niacinamide in the mornings and retinol at night. Sandwiched retinol with moisturizer because I was terrified of irritation.

3. Results: Seven months in, my skin feels smoother and less dry. While the scars haven’t disappeared entirely, they’re definitely lighter. My overall complexion looks healthier.

my skin with visibly less scars

Lessons learned

• It takes time: Real change doesn’t happen overnight. Months of patience are key.

• Be gentle: Retinol isn’t something to slather on like moisturizer. Less is more.

• Hydration saves the day: Moisturizer is a must when you’re working with actives.

• Always wear SPF: Retinol and the sun don’t mix. Sunscreen is your skin’s BFF.

  
  

Final Thoughts

Do I have perfectly clear skin yet? Nope. But I’m getting there, and I’ve learned to love the process. If you’re thinking about starting niacinamide or retinol, my advice is: go slow, stay consistent, and trust the journey.

This glow-up is a work in progress—and honestly? I’m here for it.