Niacinamide, also known as nicotinamide, is a form of vitamin B3, coming from a large family of infinitely beneficial B vitamins. B3 is a nutrient that plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy skin and is water-soluble. You can get your daily dose at the kitchen table by enjoying meat, fish, milk, eggs, green vegetables, and cereals, or you can get it topically, as niacinamide is widely used in skincare products.

If you've started to see skin issues like inflammation, dryness, a dull blotchy complexion, imperfections popping up left and right, and ever-more-prominent signs of aging, maybe you'd like to go the intense route of providing your skin with B3 on the plate and through topical application. Whether you're an experienced skincare know-it-all or just starting out, niacinamide has a lot to offer and is worth a try. 

What is Niacinamide?

Niacinamide has become a superstar in modern skin care, praised for its ability to address a wide range of skin concerns. It effortlessly strengthens the skin barrier, improves elasticity, evens out skin tone, and eases inflammation, making it one of the dermatologists’ favorite puzzle pieces when helping clients achieve healthier, younger, balanced, and fresher-looking skin. The anti-inflammatory properties can reduce redness and irritation, making niacinamide equally suitable for all skin types, including even the most sensitive skin. A property of oil production regulation also makes it an excellent choice for those who are trying to keep unruly, oily, or acne-prone skin under control. 

Regardless of our skin type, we’ve all stalked the skincare aisles with naive, starry eyes, hoping the next thing we pick up will do the job and that it will not end up a sad reminder of yet another failure sitting in our bathroom cupboard. Some were just empty promises, some had marginal effects, some worked, and others caused new problems. We are all different, what fits one person might cause trouble for someone else or do nothing at all. The fact that a skincare item didn’t work does not necessarily mean it is defective or that the producer is lying. It just means it didn’t work for you, perhaps due to unsuitable active doses, maybe it is too heavy for your oily skin or too light to keep that moisture locked in at night.

Niacinamide is a universal helper, and a good topical niacinamide will save you a lot of time and let-me-try-just-one-more skincare expenses. That is why we are here to talk about this skin saver and discuss how it can help relieve your specific skin issue. 

What Does Niacinamide Do for Your Skin?

Acne Reduction

Far from being limited to the awkward teenage years, Acne vulgaris (common acne by its medical name) results from a clogged hair follicle. The root of each hair has the oil-producing sebaceous glands which help soften and protect the skin and cause no trouble when doing their job. But, glands can overproduce oil and seal the follicle at or beneath the pores. All dressed up and with nowhere to go, the sebum builds up and starts harboring bacteria and inflammation. One of the most notable benefits of niacinamide is its ability to combat acne by regulating oil production, which is crucial in preventing clogged pores that can lead to these breakouts. In addition, niacinamides anti-inflammatory properties help to reduce the redness and swelling associated with acne, promoting clearer skin over time, making it an excellent, gentle, yet effective choice for all of us with acne-prone skin.

Reduces Redness and Blotchiness

Are you the owner of mimosa skin that gets red and blotchy at the first sign of anything that’s not air?  If you struggle with redness and irritation, you are not alone. Very sensitive skin is one of the most difficult to find proper skincare ingredients for as it reacts so volatility to new introductions. Yet, niacinamide offers soothing relief. Its anti-inflammatory properties also help to calm the skin, making it beneficial for sensitive skin types. By reducing inflammation, niacinamide helps to achieve a more even tone and a more resilient skin able to deal with its surrroundings.

Improves Skin Texture

Regular niacinamide use can lead to smoother and even skin texture by helping the body's natural protection system - the skin barrier. Niacinamide enhances the skin’s barrier function a mechanism essential when we talk about protecting the skin from environmental stressors and moisture retention. The barrier is literally this - preventing the toxins and stressors from entering the skin while forming a layer designed to keep the essential moisture inside the skin. This improvement in the skin barrier greatly helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, resulting in a smoother, more youthful-looking skin texture and the effect compounds the more diligent you are with niacinamide use.

Hyperpigmentation

Melanin is not the enemy when functioning normally. It gives the skin pigmentation, but sometimes, due to the normal aging process, certain skin conditions, or sun overexposure, some patches of skin start hyperproducing melanin like there is no tomorrow, resulting in unsightly dark spots and making us look older than necessary. Niacinamide is effective in reducing dark spots and hyperpigmentation and works by inhibiting the transfer of melanin (pigment) within the skin. This function significantly helps to lighten dark spots and even out skin tone making the entire treated skin section look more uniform, younger, and fresher.

Minimizes Pores

We can run, but we can’t hide from pores. They have a job to do on the skin and we’re grateful for it. When functioning optimally they remain minuscule and skin-level formations, but once clogged they start to protrude and disturb the skin texture and look. Niacinamide swoops onto the scene and helps to minimize the appearance of enlarged pores by it’s well-known effect of sebum secretion regulation. Excessive and prolonged sebum overproduction can cause pores to stretch and become more noticeable over time so by keeping oil production in check, niacinamide helps to keep pores smaller and less visible, adding to a smoother overall skin appearance, not only now but as your skin ages as well.

Hydration

Last but not least from the Parthenon of skincare gods - hydration. Niacinamide supports the skin’s ability to retain moisture by the already mentioned mechanism of protecting the barrier function, ensuring that skin stays hydrated and healthy. A strong skin barrier is crucial for maintaining overall skin health long-term. It prevents moisture loss and thinning and protects against external irritants by keeping the skin well-hydrated and resilient for a plump and healthy look.

Is it safe to use Niacinamide with Vitamin C?

Absolutely! Combining niacinamide and vitamin C is not only safe but also highly beneficial. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that brightens the skin, reduces hyperpigmentation, and contributes to collagen production. Together, niacinamide and vitamin C form a dynamic duo that can tackle various skin issues simultaneously.

Tips and Tricks for Using Niacinamide

1. Frequency: Many people wonder when and how often to use niacinamide. Preferably, niacinamide should be used twice a day in the form of a serum or moisturizer that may absorb into the skin rather than in the form of cleansers that wash off, as they don’t have enough time on the skin for any meaningful effects.

2. Layering: After cleansing and toning, apply hyaluronic acid to hydrate your skin, and finish with niacinamide.

3. Moisturize: For very dry and dehydrated skin, freely use a moisturizer after applying niacinamide.

4. Sun Protection: Niacinamide itself does not provide you with any form of sun protection, therefore, always apply a broad-spectrum  SPF during the day

Common Questions About Niacinamide

Does Niacinamide Help with Acne?

Yes, niacinamide is excellent for acne-prone skin due to its anti-inflammatory properties, which help reduce redness and swelling. Additionally, it regulates sebum production, which means it helps control the amount of oil your skin produces. By keeping oil levels balanced, it can prevent the pores from becoming clogged, thereby reducing the production of acne.

Is Niacinamide Good for Dry Skin?

Indeed, niacinamide helps to improve the skin's barrier function, which is crucial for keeping moisture in and irritants out. By strengthening this barrier, niacinamide helps your skin retain moisture more effectively, preventing dryness and keeping your skin hydrated. It is the perfect product for dry skin.

Can Niacinamide Cause Acne?

While niacinamide is generally well-tolerated by most skin types and is unlikely to cause acne, it is always a good idea to patch-test new skincare products. Applying a small amount of the product to a discreet area of skin can help you ensure that you do not experience any adverse reactions, such as irritation or breakouts, before using it on your entire face.

Niacinamide is a versatile and powerful ingredient that you can add to your skincare routine. From reducing acne and hyperpigmentation to improving skin texture and hydration, niacinamide addresses a wide range of skin concerns. Remember, skincare should be enjoyable and stress-free. Experiment with niacinamide and vitamin C to find the perfect combination for your skin, and always protect your skin with SPF. We hope you’ve found some useful information and that you’ll find the right fit for you. Be adventurous, stay curious, and enjoy living in this skin.