Are You Using Niacinamide, Vitamin C & Retinols WRONG? ft. DECIEM/The Ordinary!

Summary

В этом эпизоде Beauty Within гости обсуждают DECIEM Week, фокусируясь на популярных ингридиентах для ухода за кожей от бренда DECIEM, известного как 'The Abnormal Beauty Company'. Специальным гостем является Nafisah Abdalla, которая работает в роли Science Communications Associate Manager. Она делится информацией о таких компонентах, как ниацинамид, витамин С и семейство ретиноидов, рассматрив их популярность, преимущества для кожи и советы по их использованию. Также обсуждается то, как правильно сочетать эти активные ингредиенты в уходе за кожей, и проводится розыгрыш для зрителей.

Takeaways

• 🌟 DECIEM Week начался на канале Beauty Within, посвященной рассмотрению продукции компании DECIEM, известной как 'The Abnormal Beauty Company'.
• 🎤 Гость программы Nafisah Abdalla представляет собой специалиста по научно-образовательным вопросам DECIEM, занимающегося коммуникацией научного аспекта продукции.
• 🧪 Одной из основных задач DECIEM является облегчение понимания научного обоснования косметических продуктов для широкой аудитории.
• 🌿 В программе обсуждаются популярные ингредиенты, такие как витамин С, ниацинамид и семейство ретиноидов, их преимущества и использование в косметике.
• 🤔 Существуют разные мнения о комбинировании ниацинамида и витамина С, и рекомендуется чередовать их использование для определения индивидуальной терпимости кожи.
• 🧴 Цинк, часто используемый вместе с ниацинамидом, усиливает его эффективность в устранении заостренности и снижении видимости расширенных поры.
• 🧪 Введение витамина С в кожу может быть индивидуализировано с использованием пудры, которую можно добавлять в крем или сыворотку гиалуроновой кислоты.
• 💧 Рекомендуется начинать с низких концентраций ретинола и постепенно увеличивать их, чтобы разработать терпимость кожи и избежать раздражения.
• 🎁 В конце видео предложена возможность участия в розыгрыше от DECIEM, включающем в себя набор The Ordinary Daily Set для 15 победителей.
• ❤️ DECIEM подчеркивает важность добрых дел, внимания к окружающим и единства, что переносится и на их подход к разработке косметики.

Q & A

Какой является основной ролью DECIEM или The Ordinary в области ухода за кожей?

Основная роль DECIEM или The Ordinary - это обеспечение доступности и понимания научно обоснованных ингридиентов для улучшения состояния кожи.

Что означает должность Nafisah Abdalla в DECIEM?

Nafisah Abdalla занимает должность 'Science Communications Associate Manager', в рамках более широкой научной команды, их основная задача - обеспечивать доступность и понимание научного аспекта продукции для широкой аудитории.

Какие три активных ингредиента были выделены для обсуждения в эпизоде?

Три выделенных ингредиента для обсуждения в эпизоде - витамин С, ниацинамид и семейство ретиноидов или ретинола.

Какие преимущества предлагает ниацинамид для кожи?

Ниацинамид помогает с острой кожей, сбалансировывая выработку сеbum и уменьшая видимость расширенных поры.

Почему некоторые ингредиенты, такие как витамин С, могут вызывать споры в индустрии косметики?

Витамин С - это активный ингредиент, который обладает многими преимуществами для кожи, но существуют различные мнения о его комбинации с другими ингредиентами, что вызывает дискуссии.

Чем может помочь зинок в сочетании с ниацинамидом?

Зинок также помогает с очищением кожи от засоров, и в сочетании с ниацинамидом усиливает эти эффекты, предоставляя более эффективный пакет для улучшения состояния кожи.

Какие советы дает Nafisah по использованию ниацинамида с витамином С?

Лучшим способом использования ниацинамида с витамином С, по мнению Nafisah, является чередование их использования, чтобы избежать возможных конфликтов и определить, как кожа реагирует на каждый ингредиент.

Что нужно знать при внедрении витамина С в уход за кожей?

При внедрении витамина С в уход за кожей важно учитывать активность ингредиентов, начинать с малых доз и постепенно увеличивать, а также учитывать толерантность кожи к данному ингредиенту.

Какие советы дает Nafisah для предотвращения нежелательных текстурных ощущений после использования кремов или сывороток?

Для предотвращения нежелательных текстурных ощущений рекомендуется познакомиться с текстурой каждого продукта индивидуально, применять продукты от более тонкой текстуры к более густой и следить за тем, как они взаимодействуют друг с другом на коже.

Чем отличается ретиноид от ретинола, и как они влияют на кожу?

Ретиноиды и ретинол являются членами семьи витамина A и оба имеют полезные свойства для кожи, такие как улучшение текстуры и сияния кожи. Ретиноиды могут иметь разные уровни интенсивности и могут вызывать более слабые или сильные реакции у разных людей.

Какие советы дает Nafisah для начинающих пользователей ретиноидом?

Для начинающих пользователей ретиноидом Nafisah рекомендует начинать с низких концентраций и постепенно увеличивать, чтобы разработать толерантность кожи и избежать раздражения.

Outlines

00:00

🌟 Вступление в неделю DECIEM

Эпизод начинается с приветствия зрителей и объявления о начале 'Недели DECIEM', которая посвящена бренду косметики DECIEM, известному как 'Необычная Косметика'. Гость программы - Нафисах Абдалла, занимающая должность менеджера по научно-образовательным связям в команде DECIEM. Она рассказывает о своей роли в компании, которая заключается в обеспечении понятного и доступного представления научного аспекта продукции для аудитории. Также обсуждается важность понимания научных концепций и ингредиентов в косметике, что позволяет создавать более информированные и осведомленные выборы потребителей.

05:03

🧪 Инсайды о ниацинамиде и витамине С

В этом параграфе обсуждается популярный ингредиент ниацинамид (витамин Б3), его полезные свойства для кожи, такие как улучшение состояния загрязненной кожи, сбалансированное производство сеbum и уменьшение видимости расширенных поры. Также затрагивается тема сочетания ниацинамида с витамином С, а также их влияние на кожу. Эксперты делятся своими рекомендациями по использованию и сочетанию этих активных ингредиентов, учитывая возможные разногласия в мнениях среди потребителей и исследователей.

10:03

🔬 Обсуждение витамина С и его препаратов

Параграф посвящен обсуждению витамина С как мощного антиоксидативного ингредиента, который оказывает положительное воздействие на кожу, включая уменьшение признаков старения, улучшение неравномерности тональности кожи и укрепление ее. Разговор затрагивает различные формы витамина С в продукции The Ordinary, такие как масляные и водные серумы, а также пудры. Эксперты дают советы для начинающих по внедрению витамина С в повседневный уход, предлагая начать с низких концентраций и постепенно увеличивать их, в зависимости от чувствительности кожи.

15:03

🌿 Рекомендации по использованию продуктов NIOD и обсуждение витамина А

В этом разделе эксперты рекомендуют продукты NIOD, такие как Re-Pigment и Non-Acid Acid Precursor, которые предназначены для улучшения неравномерности тональности кожи без использования кислот. Также освещается тема витамина А и его производных, включая ретинолы и ретиноиды, и их использование для достижения гладкой и здоровой кожи. Обсуждается важность построения терпения кожи к этим ингредиентам и предосторожность при их внедрении в уход.

20:06

💧 Ответы на вопросы о ретиноле и советы для молодой кожи

Эксперты отвечают на вопросы о добавлении ретинола в уход за кожей и его использовании для молодежи. Обсуждается, как внедрить ретиноид в уход и рекомендуется начать с низких концентраций для построения терпения кожи. Также рассматривается подход к уходу за кожей у подростков, с акцентом на определении первичных проблем кожи и поиске альтернативных решений для более мягкой кожи.

25:06

🌈 Заключительные мысли о DECIEM и его миссии

В заключении гость и хост программы обсуждают миссию DECIEM, которая заключается в разработке продуктов, основанных на научных данных, и проявлении доброты и понимания в отношении потребителей. Подчеркивается важность честности, эмпатии и солидарности для создания более безопасного и включающего мира. Также упоминается, что DECIEM предоставляет ресурсы и обучающие материалы для помощи потребителям в выборе подходящих продуктов и понимании их применения.

Keywords

💡DECIEM

DECIEM, также известная как 'The Abnormal Beauty Company', является компанией по производству косметики, которая была основным фокусом этого видео. DECIEM известна своим ориентированием на науку и инновационные продукты. В видео упоминается, что DECIEM стремится обеспечить прозрачность и научную основу для своих продуктов, что является ключевым моментом их бренда.

💡Niacinamide

Ниацинамид, или витамин Б3, упоминается в видео как популярный ингридиент в уходе за кожей. Он известен своими свойствами по улучшению конGESTии кожи, сбалансированию себума и уменьшению видимости расширенных поры. В видео обсуждается его использование в продуктах DECIEM и его популярность среди потребителей.

💡Vitamin C

Вitamin C упоминается как мощный антиоксидант, который обеспечивает многочисленные пользы для кожи, такие как уменьшение признаков старения и неравномерности тональности кожи. В видео обсуждается использование витамина С в различных формах и концентрациях, включая порошок и серу, и его важность в косметике.

💡Retinoids

Ретиноиды, или семейство витамина A, обсуждаются в контексте их потенциальных польз для улучшения текстуры кожи и снятия признаков старения. Однако, они также могут вызывать такие побочные эффекты, как сухость и раздражение кожи. В видео упоминается использование Granactive Retinoid в продуктах DECIEM как более толерантный вариант.

💡Сombinations of ingredients

В видео обсуждается важность правильной комбинации активных ингредиентов для оптимизации их эффективности и минимизации побочных эффектов. Например, обсуждается сочетание ниацинамида и витамина С, а также ретиноидов с другими продуктами для ухода за кожей.

💡Skin tolerance

Термин 'skin tolerance' упоминается в связи с необходимостью постепенного введения сильных активных ингредиентов, таких как ретиноиды, в уход за кожей для предотвращения раздражения. В видео подчеркивается важность построения терпимости кожи к новым продуктам.

💡The Ordinary

The Ordinary является подразделением DECIEM и известна своим доступным ценам и концентрированными формулами. В видео упоминается ряд продуктов The Ordinary, включая серу с ниацинамидом, витамин С и ретиноиды, которые обсуждаются в контексте их полезных свойств для кожи.

💡NIOD

NIOD - это еще одна марка DECIEM, которая также упоминается в видео. Она известна своим фокусом на долгосрочной эффективности и инновационные продукты, такие как Re-Pigment и Non-Acid Acid Precursor, предназначенные для улучшения тональности и яркости кожи.

💡Kindness

В конце видео подчеркивается важность доброты как ценности, которую компания DECIEM хочет продвигать не только в отношении ухода за кожей, но и в общей жизни. В видео говорится о том, что дружелюбие, понимание и солидарность являются основными ценностями, которые должны служить основой для общения и действий.

💡Science Communications

На-video упоминается должность 'Science Communications Associate Manager', которая связана с работой Nafisah Abdalla. Это роль, включающая общение научного основания продукции DECIEM и ее превращение в понятный и доступный для широкой аудитории формат.

Highlights

DECIEM Week kicks off with an exciting episode focusing on 'The Abnormal Beauty Company'.

Introduction to Nafisah Abdalla, the Science Communications Associate Manager at DECIEM.

The role of the scientific team at DECIEM is to make complex skincare science understandable.

The importance of recognizing DECIEM's values, especially during challenging times.

Discussion on the top 3 skincare ingredients: vitamin C, niacinamide, and the retinoid family.

Niacinamide's benefits for oily skin and its role in balancing sebum production.

The controversy and advice on combining niacinamide with vitamin C.

The role of zinc in skincare and its combination with niacinamide.

Advice on layering skincare products, including niacinamide and glycolic acid.

Tips for using vitamin C powder and preventing textural issues in skincare routines.

The significance of percentages in niacinamide products and the minimum efficacy concentration.

The diversity and benefits of vitamin C in skincare.

Recommendations for beginners starting with vitamin C in their skincare routine.

NIOD's focus on long-term skincare health and their unique product offerings.

Alternatives to vitamin C for addressing uneven skin tone, such as alpha arbutin.

An overview of vitamin A's benefits and potential side effects on the skin.

The combination of Granactive Retinoid and squalane in DECIEM products for skin hydration and tolerance.

Advice for introducing retinoids into a skincare routine, especially for teenagers.

The importance of developing skin tolerance when using potent ingredients like retinol.

DECIEM's commitment to science and their resources for customers seeking assistance.

The significance of kindness and empathy in DECIEM's values and their call for action and change.

Transcripts

Hi guys! Welcome back to Beauty Within!

We have a super, super exciting episode

because we want to kick off what we're going to name [as] the DECIEM Week!

DECIEM [is] otherwise known as "The Abnormal Beauty Company,"

and this is a skincare brand that you guys all love,

you rave about [and] you guys ask us endless questions about!

And we actually had the special opportunity to meet their team members,

and really learn more about what they stand for,

and everything especially during these times,

I think it's more than important to recognize these values!

So we have the special and honorary guest Nafisah Abdalla who is the...

*Fel laughs*

I'm just going to throw it over to you to introduce yourself

because I tried so many times to remember the title!

But could you please share with us what you do for DECIEM or The Ordinary's brands

and just tell us a little bit about it!

My official title is: "Science Communications Associate Manager"

We're a part of a bigger team called the "scientific team"

and essentially our primary role is to try to

communicate the science behind our products,

the technologies or the concepts

in a much more digestible format for our audience to understand

and also to learn alongside with us.

Fel: As you guys have realized, there's a lot of chemical sounding ingredients,

names and products [and] it can get a little bit confusing, right?

Nafisah: Absolutely! Absolutely!

And it's all part of science! There's always something new to learn,

there's always going to be a new concept or a new phrase or a new term!

One of them being my title! *laughs*

So pivoting off that, I think DECIEM and what Beauty Within does

is try to just offer you guys as much information as possible in the most simple [and] fun way!

So today, we gathered the...

top 3 ingredients, I guess you would say:

vitamin C, niacinamide, and the retinoid family or retinol family!

And you guys have a bunch of products in these categories which I think,

we would love to pick your brain, get into the nitty-gritty details, and just...

ask the questions [that] our community has asked us!

And we think, what better person than to...

you know, share with us her knowledge than you!

(*Fel and Nafisah laughs*)

Fel: And we will do a giveaway at the end of this video

so Nafisah can share with you guys what you'll be getting there :)

So let's just get into it!

Alrighties! Going in and kicking it off with probably one of the favorited ingredient right now!

And it's niacinamide or vitamin B3!

So I'm gonna let Nafisah share a little bit about why it might be so popular,

how it really benefits the skin,

and where we can see it in the products!

Absolutely! So as you said Fel, I mean,

niacinamide is one of the most beloved ingredients within skincare right now!

And as it should be!

Probably the most primary benefit that people are in love with

is the fact that it helps with congested skin.

So, for people who currently experience a lot of...oily skin or visible shine,

niacinamide is absolutely perfect for that because

it helps to clear your congestion, it helps to balance your sebum production,

and it also sort of helps to minimize the visibility of enlarged pores.

It's like a superstar ingredient that can...

that kind of does it all!

It's one of those ingredients that has been heavily researched for a long time.

And it's just not in the aspect of just congested skin,

but also it's other benefits in terms of addressing signs of age,

addressing texture irregularities that may arise due to other skin conditions,

For example, a common one would be any texture irregularities as a result from suffering from acne,

a lot of people will tend to use niacinamide cause it's not invasive,

and it is one of those ingredients that where it's sort of takes its time to create the results,

but in a way where it wouldn't induce any sort of like

very fast skin resurfacing or anything like that!

So it is very well tolerated by a wide majority of people

and I think that also contributes to its popularity as well.

Because there are a lot of questions about how to properly use the product,

and I think the top one is...

How would you say to people that they can approach using niacinamide with vitamin C?

Vitamin C again, it's one of those very well studied ingredients within [the] cosmetic industry.

Nafisah: It's been heavily researched in terms of its benefits for addressing signs of aging,

for uneven skin tone,

and also building up the density of the skin in terms of increasing its strength,

[and] smoothing out the surface...

so there's a lot of goodness when it comes to vitamin C.

However, there is controversy in terms of combining niacinamide and vitamin C.

And you'll find that there's a lot of differing opinions within the industry.

And also within users as well!

So we do take that into consideration alongside

the research that is out there in terms of the combination of the two together.

So,

my best advice for people who want to reap the benefits of both ingredients [is]

even if you are not a first time user of both,

I believe the best practice would be to alternate between the two.

And then see how your skin reacts? (Nafisah: Yes!)

So I want to ask you maybe a little bit about formulation.

Like, what does the zinc help with in this niacinamide concoction of serum?

That's a great question actually! We get that question all the time!

So...

The way I like to explain it is:

think of Batman and Robin!

A lot of people will question: "well..."

"What is the point of Robin if you already have Batman?"

And the alternative to that is:

"Well, what's the bad thing about having both?"

Both have their individual benefits.

I mean, zinc also helps with clearing out skin congestion as well.

So, the combination of both is only simply to amplify that effect within the skin as well.

Nafisah: It's not to say that the effects of niacinamide is dependent on zinc or vice versa,

it's just that by combining the two together, you do get a really great package!

So Batman and Robin can help save the world!

Zinc and Niacinamide save congested skin! :)

Yes! Oh my god! I love that analogy!

I think it always makes it easier to understand when you paint a mental picture of it!

Absolutely! I'm all for simplicity, you know?

We don't need complications! (Fel: Yes!)

Oh my gosh! So speaking of simplicity...

So there's another question in terms of layering:

"Is it okay to use the Niacinamide 10% + Zinc [1%] together together at the same time

with The Ordinary 7% Glycolic Acid Toner?"

That is a great example of...

taking into consideration the activity of the ingredients

or the powerful "hero" ingredients together.

Similar to the niacinamide and the vitamin C, there's also

a little bit of conspicuous-y between...

"what is the actual answer?"

"Is there a conflict? Is there not a conflict?"

But our primary concern is to take into consideration the skin tolerance of the user.

So if you're a person who's already using the glycolic acid toner,

and you're already probably using it in the evening,

So we'd recommend to you the niacinamide in the morning,

and then ultimately change with the glycolic acid serum in the evening.

And what are some things that if people were to dabble into the [vitamin C] powder,

[that] maybe they should be aware of?

Because I think... it might seem a little intimidating at first.

It's like, "Is this too little? Is it too much?"

"How do I know how to kind of formulate it?"

Because you are essentially acting as your own chemist at that point!

Absolutely! Absolutely!

And you know what? Let's be honest.

Sometimes one can get carried away within that experience.

If you're anything like me, you're like:

"Ugh!" The whole thing!

So it is a great point that you make!

To be honest, it's very much down to what is currently within your skincare routine.

So for example:

if you are in love with a moisturizer you're using,

it's as simple as just incorporating within the moisturizers.

So you can just put a little dab on the palm of your hand and then,

dip your finger [and] get a little bit of the powder and mix it in.

And then once it's dissolved, you can apply it on.

If you are a serum type of person,

a hyaluronic acid serum is great!

In terms of getting that consistency, it's actually really great due to the fact that it's clear,

so you can actually tell when the powder has dissolved right away in comparison to a cream.

In terms of the texture that you're looking to get,

the powder should dissolve within your chosen base very quickly.

If it is taking time, then maybe you should choose a different suitable base

that could get you that texture that you want.

I want to know your tips to prevent any sort of textural feeling.

Cause you know, serums aren't supposed to leave a super sticky feeling,

but some people have said, you know, that has happened.

So I'm just wondering what they might be doing something wrong,

or how they can avoid overdoing it and leading to things like pilling and all that stuff.

So the way that I personally do it and I recommend for people to do whenever they ask me is:

pretend that whenever you're introducing a product or putting a regimen together

that you're getting to know new friends.

You want to get to know what they like [and] what they don't like,

what are your similarities and differences?

[It's] the exact same thing with your skincare products.

So for example, if you have picked out:

three or four serums,

let's say three serums for argument's sake.

And you are trying to see which ones to layer.

How about you try them on individually?

Familiarize yourself with the textures so that you know

what kind of feeling you ultimately want at the end once you've layered all three.

The next thing is we generally tend to

recommend to apply from thinnest to thickest texture.

So let's say if you have a water based serum,

and then you have an emulsion or a cream,

I would personally recommend to apply the water based serum first,

due to its thin consistency.

And then applying and topping it off with your cream or moisturizer or emulsion.

So just, spacing it out [and] taking the time to observe,

[and] to be mindful of what you're actually putting on

and then see how it goes from there for future steps?

Absolutely. I mean, don't get me wrong.

It can also be complicated because...

depending on the formulation type as well,

So let's say for example,

if the cream that you're applying is in oil-in-water or water-in-oil,

that would actually make a difference in terms of the overall effect after you've layered on all the products.

Because depending on the type of emulsion,

that could also ultimately affect how the serum,

whether it's an oil based serum or water based serum would layer on on top.

So some people may then experience the pilling because of the formulation type itself,

as opposed to them applying too much or too little.

And I just want to comment a little bit about the 10% [niacinamide].

I think people can easily get caught up in numbers.

They think the higher, the better,

So what would you say about like,

you know, 2%, 5% niacinamide...10% and anything above?

That is a great question and I think it's the topic that is forever going to take precedence in because

there's always that notion that "the more, the better," right?

But that isn't necessarily the case.

I think what we need to remind ourselves is

number one: research is there for a reason, right?

So the important question is to know that

whatever percentage it's [the product] at,

it is actually going to bring the intended benefits that we are looking for.

So...

in terms of niacinamide specifically,

according to all the scientific literature that's out there that we've personally looked into,

the recorded minimum efficacy showed concentration is somewhere around 2.5%.

It's where they've recorded in the clinical trials seeing any benefits within the volunteers that took place.

In terms of answering the question as to why 10% [niacinamide],

is because we feel that that percentage is going to bring about efficacious results

in a suitable period of time.

But then at the same time, given the format that we offer it in,

we also have that option for people to dilute it with other serums that they would want to combine it with

given that they don't conflict.

So it always comes down to how well you know your skin

and then pinpointing what it is that you actually need,

because it's not about, you know,

like layering so many things on all the time!

Absolutely! Absolutely!

And I think what I love about skincare in general

is that there's no right or wrong in terms of trying to get it right.

You know? It's always going to be an evolving journey for you,

and it's always going to be a journey of where you're going to find out new things

and learning new things about your skincare.

And the skin changes, right?

We as human beings, we grow not in terms of age,

but also in terms of our organs and skin being one of them.

So it is absolutely fine for you to switch up your skincare routine.

It's absolutely fine for you to continue using the same products if it's been working for you

and you're really happy with the results, why not?

And we just wanna let you know that DECIEM is working very hard

to concoct many more formulations with niacinamide!

Fel: Alrighties!

So jumping into another cult favorite: vitamin C!

So vitamin C is another one of those really well researched

potent antioxidants that offer the skin so many benefits

like from brightening to anti-aging,

So could you tell us how it works on the skin,

why it's so good, why The Ordinary and other brands also have a bunch of different formulations

from water based ones to oil based ones?

Go for it, Nafisah!

Alright!

So vitamin C is one of my favorite, favorite products

because of how diverse it is in terms of its benefits

and the way that it works within the skin.

So not to get too technical,

[but] I think the best way for me to describe how it works is that,

once it's applied on the skin, there are multiple pathways that utilize it for various reasons.

In terms of what are the outcomes of those multiple pathways being there and being utilized,

that's where the multiple benefits come about.

So you have your antioxidant support,

you have your uneven skin tone being addressed,

you have your signs of aging being addressed.

[By] combining that altogether and attributing that to vitamin C, I believe it's amazing!

And then to your note about the different formats and the different types of formulations

that it can be included in,

That is also one of the main reasons why I love it!

For example, within The Ordinary portfolio of vitamin C serums,

we do have our oil based serum, we do have our water based serum

that both utilize Vitamin C derivatives.

We have vitamin C powder where you just get the full goodness of the powder itself:

raw and right to you.

And then you'll also have the suspension!

So i think just having that vitamin C portfolio within The Ordinary

is just a testament to just how diverse the ingredient is.

What would you suggest is best for like a beginner's entry into Vitamin C

if they haven't ever used it before?

What's the best entryway in the portfolio of vitamin C?

I would say the best way is to go into it with an open mind

and to try and just have fun with it!

So if you're looking for a DIY experience,

the powder is great because you could physically adjust the concentrations that you want.

So if you are a new beginner,

it's a little tiny amount than what's recommended within the directions.

If you want an all rounder overall,

ready serum [that's] good to use,

then you have the Ascorbic Acid 8% + Alpha Arbutin 2%.

And that also combines the additional ingredient of Alpha Arbutin to help

address the uneven skin tone aspect more.

If you are already a familiar user of vitamin C,

then you can actually build up to higher concentrations.

So for example, the Vitamin C 23% Suspension or the 30% Suspension.

For someone who's a new user, they might find the tingling experience a little too much,

so I would either recommend starting off with the powder where you're able to adjust the amount,

or starting with the Ascorbic Acid 8% serum.

Okay, so that's The Ordinary alternatives,

but NIOD also offers so many other great products,

and it's got like long term health of skincare in focus.

So can you suggest us some products NIOD because we're so excited about that brand as well?

Yeah! Absolutely!

I personally love NIOD as well

not only because of the amount of technology they have,

but also the product concepts as well!

I would personally recommend checking out the Re-Pigment,

and also checking out [the] Non-Acid Acid Precursor.

They are formulated in such an incredible way to address uneven skin tone in multiple different pathways

and in multiple different technologies.

So if you are already someone who has tried or come to a conclusion that

Vitamin C is a bit too much for your skin,

the Non-Acid Acid Precursor is a really great alternative,

even for people who are acid users [and] who are looking for an alternative,

to address any uneven skin tone and overall skin radiance,

this is your guy!

Even with Re:Pigment, specific to uneven skin tone,

it's a fabulous, fabulous product.

Fel: If they realized they tried Vitamin C [and] their skin doesn't react well to it,

what's a similar ingredient they can use that offers very similar benefits?

I would recommend exploring alpha arbutin.

Because alpha arbutin is really great at addressing uneven skin tone.

It is not an ingredient that is commonly associated with experiencing tingling effects

or anything like that on the skin.

So, let's move it along to our last and final ingredient!

It's retinols and retinoids and the Vitamin A family.

I think retinol as a topic is very confusing because there's also a lot of different discussions about it

You know, it's known for its drying kind of effects if used

maybe not in the best way.

So can you tell us a little bit about Vitamin A

and how it helps the skin and why it gives those side effects potentially?

I love vitamin A! I mean, similarly to the reasons why I love vitamin C,

it's the exact same thing with vitamin A.

It's a huge diverse family of different types and derivatives

and they also vary in terms of their effects on the skin.

So you have the type of vitamin A that is prescription only,

And then you have the type of vitamin A that you can actually order online and you can utilize.

But in terms of overall effect, the intended effects are all the same.

Which is to try to achieve a more smoother skin texture and more radiant skin.

If you're addressing signs of aging, it's a great great cosmetic ingredient to utilize.

For people who generally tend tohave sensitive skin

in addition to people who have compromised or broken skin,

we definitely do not recommend to you guys to utilize retinol in any way

due to its potency.

So on the Ordinary's products, we see you guys have the Granactive Retinoid 2% in Squalane.

So could you tell us a little bit about the Granactive component,

because that's something that we don't usually see,

and then is Retinol 2%...what does that mean for the skin and why is it formulated with squalane?

The reason for having those two combined is not only to reap the benefits of the granactive retinoid,

but squalane in itself is a great great ingredient overall in terms of supporting skin hydration,

giving the skin a more moisturized and comfortable feeling.

The granactive retinoid is a great retinoid in terms of the efficacy that it brings within the skin,

but also in terms of how it is tolerated within the skin.

A lot of people generally tend to complain about the fact that utilizing retinol...

their skin tends to suffer a little bit of redness,

so granactive retinoid is a great alternative.

And I think one really important note to make is

if you're like me [and] you just want to jump ship and get right to the end

of where you have this beautiful radiant skin,

But when it comes to... (Fel: Which you do, by the way!)

Let's just be real! (Nafisah: Thank you! So do you!)

(*Fel + Nafisah laughs*)

But I think it's really important to take into consideration the importance of developing skin tolerance.

The reason for that is because

by allowing your skin to adjust in its own time,

it will help avoid the chances of you developing any skin irritation

or sensitivities to the ingredient or the formula itself.

So if you're a first time user, start from low [concentrations] and work your way up.

Yeah, because I have been [one of] those people who was like,

"1% retinol! It doesn't sound like that much!"

And then I was like, "Oh my god! This is painful! What happened?!"

(*Fel laughs*)

So let's just go into some questions about retinol because there are a few.

This question has to do with what retinols work well together with,

which is, you know, a HUGE subject matter!

Let's just go: "How do I add a retinol 0.5% into my PM routine?"

Nafisah: In order to know how it would fit,

we need to take into consideration what you currently are using in your PM routine.

So let's say your PM routine consists of:

using a cleanser to wash your face,

and then utilizing a hydrating serum,

and then the retinol...the retinoid would come after that.

If you are not using a hydrating serum or you incorporated a cream afterwards,

then I would recommend to apply the cream at the end to seal all that goodness in,

and just follow the guidelines of thinnest to thickest consistency in terms of texture.

"Can a teenager introduce a retinoid into their routine for small acne and such?"

"And if so, which do you recommend?"

I think this is a very popular realm of questions as well.

Like kind of, when is [it] too early to start with retinol?

I think it is a great topic to bring about because

skincare has become really popular with [the] younger demographic.

But one thing that I see commonly done is neglecting the fact that...

you know, if you're a teenager, your skin is currently going through a lot of changes.

So what my work for a twenty-something year old

might not necessarily be the same experience for you as a teenager.

What I'd highly recommend is to take a step back and really define what your primary skin concerns are.

If it is the case of texture irregularities, there are alternatives that are really great

and really efficacious just the same,

but you don't have that high strength aspect to it.

And we know you guys have a ton of more questions,

but I think these were the ones that just stood out the most as to the repetition that we kept seeing.

So we hope we answered your questions!

And we really wanted to give back to you guys!

So we decided [that] The Ordinary Daily Set is probably one of the greatest starter packs!

That you guys have been able to offer because it includes three awesome products!

It's got the Squalane Cleanser, the Hyaluronic Acid [serum],

and the Moisturizing Factors!

Nafisah: I love this set because of its simplicity.

So this set is particularly suitable for someone who is very new to the world of skincare routines.

It's also really suitable for someone who's looking for a really simple yet effective routine

in terms of just addressing your primary skin concern of hydration.

Yes! Love it! So we're so excited to offer that to you 15 lucky winners!

So just check in our description box what you can do to enter that!

With skincare [and] with anything personal, there are a lot of questions naturally.

So Nafisah, could you just share with us your online resources that DECIEM is offering

for people who need a little bit more help and assistance?

Yeah, absolutely!

So we pride ourselves in making sure that we stand by our commitment to science first.

You know, in order for us to be as transparent as possible,

we also need to be really real.

So in terms of resources and reaching out,

we have our 24/7 system within Instagram [so] you can reach out to us there!

Drop in comments in our posts with your questions!

But we also have the DECIEM At Home Program that we currently have,

so if you were to log onto the website,

you can have a chat with our ambassadors who are really really lovely in terms of

getting to know what your concerns are and walking you through,

to make sure that whatever recommendations that we are to give you,

it is the best one that is suited to your particular skin concerns.

And just [as] a last parting note,

I think what DECIEM really stands for

is something that's so rooted in what we all need to focus on, which is kindness.

Kindness to ourselves, to those around us...

So is there anything that you want to share with our audience?

Because it's just the best time to be able to, you know, that everyone is here together.

And I think that unity...

Even though we do typically just talk about skincare, it's so much more than that.

It symbolizes many different things that we can tie together.

Yeah! Absolutely. And...

I feel really grateful for being part of a company that recognizes that

and that actually has developed...

We develop action steps in order to go about trying to make a change,

and hopefully a life-long change that would stick.

The one thing that will always always prevail is kindness,

understanding, empathy, and more than anything, just standing by your words with action.

And it's all about making sure that the actions you take is done with the right intent.

And it is done so in a way that hopefully the world becomes safer for everyone,

and not just for a specific group of people.

And one thing that I really want to mention is:

everyone makes mistakes.

If you're a person who had a particular belief and you're coming to the realization that

actually maybe this is not right,

Or maybe I have never thought about it in this way,

it is absolutely fine to come to the realization that you had it wrong,

or it's fine to come to the realization that you didn't know it all.

The important part is: what are you going to do about it?

So have the difficult conversations.

Get comfortable with the uncomfortable.

And stand in solidarity in order to make the world a better place for everyone.

So thank you so much, Nafisah, for being on our episode!

We are truly humbled that you were able to give us your time with everyone else at DECIEM!

Thank you so much for having me!

I really really enjoyed this! And I hope that whatever information I shared

will help any and all of you!

And like you said, if there's any questions or concerns that you have in terms of our products

or in terms of skincare in general, we love a good conversation anyways!

So pop'em [and] reach out to us and we can't wait to respond back!

We will be seeing more DECIEM in the next episode!

And until then...see you guys later!

Bye!

Bye!

(Special thanks to Nafisah Abdalla from DECIEM for joining us! <3)