Niacinamide, Peptides, Hyaluronic Acid, and Retinol — Do They Work, How Do They Work, and When Should They Be Used?

A YARÁ Spa & Skin Care Insight

Many skincare products highlight ingredients like Niacinamide (Vitamin B3), Peptides, Hyaluronic Acid, and Retinol. Each plays a different role, and understanding how they work can help you choose products in a way that feels intentional and supportive for your skin.

At YARÁ, we focus on gentle, knowledge-driven skincare — avoiding extremes and helping the skin remain comfortable, resilient, and balanced.

Hyaluronic Acid — Hydration Support

What it is

A naturally occurring water-binding molecule that helps the skin retain moisture.

How it works

Acts like a surface hydration magnet, increasing softness and comfort.

Best for

• Dry, tight, or dehydrated-feeling skin

• Winter or dry climates

• Daily comfort support

Good to know

Works best when followed with a moisturizer to seal hydration in.

Hyaluronic Acid supports hydration and comfort, not resurfacing or correction.

Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) — Balance & Barrier Support

What it is

A versatile vitamin-based ingredient often used to support skin balance and resilience.

How it works

• Helps improve barrier comfort

• Supports a more even-looking tone

• Can reduce the appearance of excess oil or visible pores

Best for

• Unbalanced or reactive-feeling skin

• Combination or oily-prone skin

• Long-term, gentle maintenance

Good to know

Moderate strengths are often more comfortable than very high percentages.

Niacinamide is a steady, supportive ingredient rather than a fast-acting one.

Peptides — Conditioning & Supportive Care

What they are

Short chains of amino acids, used to condition and support the feel of the skin.

How they work

• Complement moisturizers

• Help the skin feel smoother and more supported

• Provide a soft, nurturing effect over time

Best for

• Mature or tired-looking skin

• Dry or delicate-feeling skin

• Nighttime or nourishment-focused routines

Good to know

Peptides offer gentle enhancement, not dramatic transformation.

Peptides are most helpful in comfort-focused, barrier-respecting routines.

Retinol — Renewal & Skin-Activity Support (Use Thoughtfully)

What it is

Retinol is a vitamin A derivative commonly used in “renewal” or anti-aging skincare.

How it works

• Encourages cell-turnover activity at the surface layers

• Can improve the appearance of texture, fine lines, and uneven tone over time

• Often considered one of the more active ingredients in skincare

Best for

• Skin that is comfortable with active ingredients

• Evening routines

• Gradual, long-term improvement goals

Use with care

• Can cause dryness or sensitivity if overused

• Works best when paired with moisturizers and barrier-supporting ingredients

• Not ideal for already fragile, irritated, or barrier-stressed skin

At YARÁ, we view Retinol as a tool to be used thoughtfully, not aggressively.

Which Ingredient Is Right for My Skin?

Think in terms of what your skin needs right now:

Skin Need	Ingredient Match
Feels tight, dry, or dehydrated	Hyaluronic Acid
Feels unbalanced, oily-prone, or reactive	Niacinamide
Feels fragile, tired, or in need of comfort	Peptides
Seeking gentle renewal or texture refinement (and tolerates activity)	Retinol

Many routines may combine more than one of these ingredients — especially when the focus is gentle, supportive care.

A Philosophy of Care Over Aggression

At YARÁ Spa & Skin Care, we believe effective skincare should feel:

• calming

• consistent

• respectful of the skin’s natural rhythm

Rather than chasing harsh or rapid change, we support the skin in building strength, comfort, and resilience over time.

If you’re unsure which ingredients align with your skin’s needs, we offer personalized consultations to help guide your choices in a way that feels safe, supportive, and intentional.

Book a consultation or message us — we’re here to help you care for your skin with understanding and purpose.