From Dull to Radiant: My Skincare Routine with Niacinamide and Retinol That Transformed My Skin

Let me take you back a couple of years. Picture this: 36 years old, battling acne, pimples, scars, and skin that seemed to have permanently waved goodbye to the concept of glow. I tried everything—DIY masks, store-bought products, and visits to dermatologists that left me with a lighter wallet and no results. Nothing seemed to work, and I was at my wit’s end. Then came 2021, and everything changed.

The Turning Point: Discovering Niacinamide, Salicylic Acid, and Retinol

In 2021, I stumbled upon salicylic acid, niacinamide and retinol—three ingredients that quite literally changed my life. But hold on, I didn’t dive straight in. First, I had to figure out my skin type (spoiler: oily, and not the fun, dewy kind). Identifying this was a game-changer because it helped me stop using products that were making things worse.

Salicylic Acid: The Acne Assassin

Let’s start with salicylic acid. It’s like the Marie Kondo of skincare—clearing out clogged pores and saying goodbye to the gunk that doesn’t “spark joy.” I use it three times a week in the morning, and it works wonders for controlling oil and acne. The best part? It exfoliates deep within the pores, which is exactly what oily skin needs. Think of it as the ultimate declutterer for your face.

Niacinamide: The Multitasker

Ah, niacinamide, my skincare MVP. This vitamin B3 derivative is a jack-of-all-trades—it evens out skin tone, minimizes pores, and reduces oil production. I use a few drops twice a day, morning and night, and it’s like my skin hit the reset button. Within weeks of using niacinamide, my acne scars started fading, and my skin looked smoother and more balanced. Trust me, this one’s a keeper.

Tretinoin: The Miracle Worker (With a Learning Curve)

Now, let’s talk tretinoin, a form of retinol that’s basically skincare royalty. The first time I used it, my skin freaked out—redness, peeling, and breakouts galore. I wanted to give up but was told to push through the “purging” phase. And I’m so glad I did! Over time, tretinoin helped generate new skin cells, leaving my skin looking youthful and radiant. Pro tip: Always pair this at night with a good moisturizer to avoid dryness.

My Skincare Routine: Morning and Night

Morning Routine

1. Wash your face with a gentle cleanser.
2. Pat dry completely (no damp skin when applying serums!).
3. Apply a few drops of niacinamide and let it sink in for a minute. (Begin your niacinamide journey with a gentle 2-5% concentration to let your skin adjust, then gradually increase as needed for optimal results.)
4. Follow with the Matrixyl and Argireline solutions for hydration and anti-ageing benefits.
5. Slather on an oil-free moisturizer (I swear by The Face Shop).
6. Apply sunscreen generously—currently loving Dot & Key’s sunscreen, which feels light and non-greasy.

Night Routine

1. Cleanse thoroughly to remove the day’s grime.
2. Use salicylic acid three times a week (skip on tretinoin nights).
3. Apply tretinoin and wait a couple of minutes before layering a moisturizer. Kick off your Tretinoin journey by applying it twice a week, then gradually increase to four days a week after a few weeks. Remember, a pea-sized amount is all you need—no more, no less!
4. End with a lightweight, oil-free moisturizer to lock in hydration.

Why Sunscreen is Non-Negotiable

If I had to give one piece of skincare advice, it would be this: Never skip sunscreen! It’s your best defence against premature ageing, hyperpigmentation, and sun damage. Plus, it ensures all the hard work your serums and actives are doing doesn’t go to waste.

FAQs

What is the best skincare routine for oily skin?

A simple routine works best:

• Cleanser
• Niacinamide
• Moisturizer
• Sunscreen (morning)
• Salicylic acid and tretinoin (night)

How long does niacinamide take to show results?

Results can appear in 2–4 weeks, but consistent use is key for lasting improvement.

Can I use salicylic acid and tretinoin together?

Nope! Use salicylic acid in the morning and tretinoin at night to avoid irritation.

Is Matrixyl safe for all skin types?

Yes, Matrixyl is gentle and works well for hydration and anti-ageing across all skin types.

Why does tretinoin cause peeling?

Peeling is part of the purging phase, where dead skin is shed to make way for new, healthy cells. Stick with it—it’s worth it!

What’s the difference between retinol and tretinoin?

Retinol is an over-the-counter option, while tretinoin is a prescription-strength retinoid. Tretinoin works faster but requires more caution.

Wrapping It Up

My skincare journey has been a rollercoaster, but the results have been worth every twist and turn. From battling acne and scars to achieving smooth, radiant skin, it’s been a transformation I never thought possible. If you’re struggling with your skin, don’t lose hope. Find what works for you, stay consistent, and always wear sunscreen!

Want to dive deeper into skincare? Subscribe to my blog for more tips and product recommendations. Your glow-up is just a routine away!