Niacinamide, often found in your favorite facial serums or creams, is a skincare marvel that many people swear by. So what does niacinamide do for your skin? Some people have a love hate relationship with Niacinamide. They’ve experienced its benefits, and at times, its side effects. Others are a bit confused about how they can this vitamin B3 derivative, known for its skin brightening and anti-aging properties, into their daily routine without causing any skin issues? This confusion is pretty common, so we are showing the importance of understanding what it is and how to use niacinamide in your skin care routines accurately.
Contents
What is Niacinamide?
Niacinamide, also known as nicotinamide, is a form of vitamin B3 that has gained significant prominence in skincare due to its extensive range of benefits for the skin. This water-soluble vitamin works harmoniously with the natural substances present in your skin, contributing to visibly improving various skin concerns. It effectively targets and helps reduce the appearance of enlarged pores, uneven skin tone, fine lines and wrinkles, dullness, and a weakened surface, resulting in a healthier and more radiant complexion.
Because of it’s skin health benefits, incorporating it into your skincare routine can be a game-changer. It’s the perfect ingredient for achieving a smoother skin texture, improving hydration, and minimizing the signs of skin aging.
How it Benefits Your Skin
Niacinamide aids in the repair of the skin’s lipid barrier, which enhances its resiliency and can help curb the damage environmental assault can cause. This is significant because a healthy barrier is crucial for keeping skin looking and feeling its best. A robust barrier also helps to keep skin hydrated, another key factor in maintaining skin’s youthful appearance and feel.
One of the most notable benefits is its anti-inflammatory properties, which can help ease redness from eczema, acne, and other inflammatory skin conditions. It also regulates oil production, which can be particularly beneficial for those with acne-prone skin. Additionally, it can minimize pore appearance, protect against sun damage, treat hyperpigmentation, and minimize fine lines and wrinkles.
Niacinamide FAQs
What does niacinamide do for the skin?
Niacinamide helps to visibly tighten pores, improve uneven skin tone, and strengthens a weakened skin barrier function. Studies have also shown that topical niacinamide is an effective at significantly decreasing hyperpigmentation.
Is it ok to use Niacinamide everyday?
Yes, you can use niacinamide daily, even twice a day with both your morning skin care routine and at night. It helps retain skin hydration. It can regulate the production of sebum, while clearing congestions that leads to clogged pores. It’s antibacterial effects treats acne with a gentler effect than salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide. Depending on the concentration, it’s a very tolerable ingredient. If you have sensitive or combination skin, it’s recommended that you start with 5%.
What not to mix with niacinamide?
Niacinamide can mix or layer with most ingredients. There is some outdated research that suggests that you cannot mix vitamin C and niacinamide. But that has been refuted over the years and both target various signs of aging from different angles. It also works well with hyaluronic acid, retinol, and peptides.
There can be some irritation when using niacinamide with AHAs/BHAs. This can be combated by layering them at different times of the days (niacinamide in the morning / acids at night). Or layering them 30 min a part AHAs/BHAs first then niacinamide.
Side Effects Of Using Niacinamide
While niacinamide is generally well-tolerated, side effects can occur, particularly if used in high concentrations. These may include mild itching, redness, or irritation. The most tolerated concentration is 5-10%, though some can handle concentrations as high as 20%. It is always recommended to conduct a patch test 24-48 hrs before using a new product containing the ingredient, especially for those with sensitive skin.
How to Include Niacinamide Into Your Skincare Routine
Incorporating niacinamide into your skincare routine is straightforward. It is available in various forms, including serums, creams, and face masks. A typical approach is to apply a niacinamide serum after cleansing and before moisturizing. This allows the skin to absorb the benefits of the serum fully.
Morning Skin Care Routine
Cleanser
Toner (Optional)
Vitamin C
Niacinamide
Peptides (optional)
Moisturizer
Sunscreen SPF 30 (minimum)
Night Skin Care Routine
Double Cleanse
Toner
Retinol (3-4x a week) / Exfoliant (1-2x a week – wait 30 min before applying Niacinamide)
Niacinamide
Eye Cream
Night Cream
Face Oil (Optional)
Final Thoughts
Overall, niacinamide is a versatile and beneficial ingredient that can address multiple skin concerns, making it a valuable addition to many skincare routines. However, as with any skincare product, it’s essential to use it as directed and pay attention to how your skin responds to determine if it’s the right ingredient for you.
