Niacinamide (also known as vitamin B3 or nicotinamide) is quickly becoming one of the most recommended product ingredients and deservedly so. Are you asking yourself: What is niacinamide, and what does it do for my skin? You’ll be grateful to know that it boasts a number of benefits, including acne management and anti-aging support, among others. Whether you are seeking out the best niacinamide serum, curious to know the differences between niacin and niacinamide, or if you’re figuring out how to use with vitamin C or hyaluronic acid, in this niacinamide guide, we’ll provide everything you need to know.
But first, let’s talk about what niacinamide is, its benefits, possible side effects, why you want to use it and the types of products to use, as well as the best way to add niacinamide to your routine.
What Is Niacinamide and What Does It Do?
Niacinamide is a water-soluble form of vitamin B3, which is an essential nutrient that helps regulate the health of our skin, brain, and entire body. Niacinamide is among the most used active skincare ingredients because of its soothing, restorative, and protective properties.
So, what does niacinamide do? It strengthens the skin’s natural barrier, improves elasticity, reduces inflammation, regulates oil production, and improves uneven skin tone. Regardless of the formulation (serum or cream), niacinamide’s extraordinary uses make it an essential part of any skincare routine.
Niacinamide Skin Benefits: Why Should You Use It?
The advantages of having niacinamide in your regimen are certainly more than just hydration. Here is a quick list of what it can offer:
- Enhance skin tone and texture
- Reduce hyperpigmentation and dark spots
- Reduce pore appearance and soften fine lines
- Reduce redness, sensitivity, and irritation
- Repair skin barrier function and maintain moisture
- Help reduce inflammation due to acne
These advantages make niacinamide beneficial for almost all skin types, especially sensitive and acne-prone skin, as well as mature skin.
Is Niacinamide Good for Acne-Prone or Oily Skin?
Yes it is! A common inquiry is does niacinamide help acne and research and user experience suggest that it can.
Niacinamide helps with acne generally by regulating sebum (oil) production, reducing inflammation, and creating clearer skin without dryness. Niacinamide is fantastic for oily skin types too, controlling excess shine and keeping pores from blocking.
If you are looking for a gentle but effective means of dealing with breakouts and post-acne spots, niacinamide serum is a great option.
Niacin vs Niacinamide: Are They the Same?
Niacin and niacinamide are different compounds, although they are related! Confusion between niacin and niacinamide is ubiquitous. Both are a form of vitamin B3, but niacinamide is the only widely used form of vitamin B3 in skincare.
Niacin (nicotinic acid) when taken orally, induces a flushing effect. Niacinamide does not. Niacinamide would therefore be the preferable and safer option.
Should You Take Niacinamide Supplements or Apply It Topically?
Although niacinamide or vitamin B3 supplements may help support general wellness, they do not always provide the best support for particular skin concerns. If what you want to support is the appearance and texture of your skin, topical niacinamide products are theoretically better suited for this purpose.
However, if you do have a vitamin B3 deficiency, you will need to talk to a healthcare provider and explore the possibility of a vitamin B3 supplement to boost your body’s level.
Which Foods Are High in Niacinamide (Vitamin B3)?
Curious about the benefits of vitamin B3 beyond skin care? It helps support energy production, brain function, and nervous system health. You can increase your daily intake of vitamin B3 through:
- Chicken, turkey and tuna
- Eggs and dairy products
- Whole grains and brown rice
- Legumes and mushrooms
However, some dietary sources cannot guarantee the same level of targeted skin care results even when consumed. For obvious improvements in acne, hyperpigmentation, or fine lines, niacinamide serum is the most effective method of topical application.
Types of Niacinamide Skincare Products
There’s a multitude of niacinamide products available:
- Niacinamide cream: Most suitable for dry skin types as it will seal in moisture
- Niacinamide serum: Lightweight and concentrated, classrooms can be used on all skin types
- Cleansers and toners: Typically contain lower concentrations for daily use
If you’re wondering how to use niacinamide serum, serums are often used after cleansing and before moisturizing. The best niacinamide products will generally also have a percentage of niacinamide between 5 and 10%, which is enough to see results without aggravating sensitive skin.
How to Use Niacinamide Serum the Right Way
Here is a simple regimen if you are not sure how to use a niacinamide serum:
- Clean your face well;
- Apply a few drops of niacinamide serum;
- Once a minute has passed, apply your moisturizer;
- Finish with sunscreen during the day.
Excellent combination is using a hyaluronic acid and niacinamide together, since hyaluronic acid is hydrating and niacinamide is barrier strengthening.
Niacinamide and Vitamin C: Can You Use Them Together?
One common misconception is that niacinamide and vitamin C should never be combined. However, when applied correctly, niacinamide and vitamin C can work harmoniously together. Vitamin C will brighten your skin, provide protection against free radical damage, whereas niacinamide will offer soothing and strengthening benefits.
You can use vitamin C in the morning and niacinamide in the evening, or layer the two products by applying vitamin C first, followed by niacinamide serum after a few minutes.
Can Niacinamide Cause Acne? Side Effects to Know
You may be asking whether niacinamide can contribute to acne. In most cases, no—it is actually one of the most soothing ingredients available for those with acne-prone skin. That said, side effects can occur with niacinamide, generally due to overuse or confusion when paired with too many different and strong active ingredients, as with any active ingredient in skin care routines.
Some of the possible side effects of niacinamide can be mild redness and/or irritation (especially for those with extremely sensitive skin). You should always patch test before using it on your face.
How Long Does Niacinamide Take to Work?
Results are dependent on consistency and skin type. Typically, you may see some changes within 4 to 8 weeks of consistent use.
Benefits, e.g. better texture, fewer breakouts, and less pigmentation may develop quickly or gradually.
Be patient and consistent with your niacinamide products.
Is Niacinamide Good for Dry or Oily Skin?
For sure. Niacinamide is great for dry skin because it boosts moisture retention & repairs the lipid barrier. It’s also great for oily skin because it regulates oil production and minimizes shine.
Its versatility lends it to nearly all skin types, which is why dermatologists frequently recommend it.
Final Thoughts: The Advantages of Vitamin B3 in Skincare
The benefits of vitamin B3 via niacinamide are pretty much unbeatable; it helps treat acne, fine lines, dull skin, pigmentation and much more without being overly harsh on the skin. Whether you’re using a niacinamide cream, serum, or contemplating niacinamide supplements, I think you should consider niacinamide.
If you’ve ever wondered, what does niacinamide do? The answer is simple; it can make your skin clear, healthy, and resilient. With the right product and correct usage, niacinamide benefits are only a few weeks away.