What Does Niacinamide Do?

As a form of vitamin B3, niacinamide offers various health benefits. This can include everything from ageing skin to oily and spot-prone skin, and helping in the management of skin conditions, such as acne and eczema.

Here, we’ll take you through what niacinamide is, what it does and what it’s good for. Plus, we’ll advise how you can incorporate products that contain niacinamide into your skincare routine.

In this guide:

• What is niacinamide?
• Niacinamide benefits: What is niacinamide good for?
• How to use niacinamide in your skincare routine
• Niacinamide FAQs

What is niacinamide?

Niacinamide, also known as nicotinamide, is a form of vitamin B3. This is an essential nutrient for the function of the skin.

It naturally occurs in certain foods, such as meat, fish, milk, eggs, cereals, and green vegetables. A synthetic form of it can also be found in various skincare products, including moisturisers and serums.

Niacinamide benefits: What is niacinamide good for?

Niacinamide can offer many benefits for the skin. Here’s a breakdown of some of the main niacinamide benefits:

Has hydrating and soothing properties

Niacinamide can enhance the lipid barrier’s function in the skin to lock in moisture and keep skin hydrated. Keeping skin hydrated helps keep the skin looking smooth and can promote a healthy-looking complexion. It can even help in the management of dry skin conditions, such as eczema, by locking in skin-moisture.

This B3 vitamin also has soothing properties that can help reduce skin irritation and redness. This makes it suitable for soothing irritation caused by exfoliants like retinol and glycolic acid.

Improves the appearance of dark spots

Niacinamide can help brighten skin tone and lighten dark spots.

Reduces fine lines and wrinkles

Due to its antioxidant and hydrating properties, niacinamide can help protect the skin and aid in its recovery from stressors, such as sun damage. Therefore, its topical application could help to improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Helps with oily, spot-prone skin

Excess sebum or oil can lead to blocked pores, breakouts and blemishes. Through its actions in the skin, niacinamide may help reduce the production of sebum, and can offer a way of helping manage oily, spot-prone skin for those with more sensitive skin.

Helps protect against premature ageing

Niacinamide can help to combat internal and external stressors that contribute to premature ageing of the skin. This includes the effects of the sun’s UV rays.

How to use niacinamide in your skincare routine

If you want to introduce niacinamide into your skincare routine, there are a few things you’ll need to know:

When to use niacinamide

Skincare products containing niacinamide can be a good option for those who want to even or smooth their skin texture and reduce the signs of ageing such as dark spots, fine lines and wrinkles. They can also be used to help manage oily, spot-prone skin.

How to apply niacinamide

If you have sensitive skin, start with low concentrations of niacinamide and introduce it slowly into your skincare routine.

Other solutions, like hyaluronic acid products, can be used alongside niacinamide to help increase its absorption into the skin. You can also safely apply niacinamide while using retinol products. This can help to protect the skin’s barrier and decrease retinol’s side effects of irritation and dryness.

How often to use niacinamide

You can apply niacinamide once or twice daily after gentle cleansing as part of your regular skincare routine.

How long does niacinamide take to work?

Depending on the formulation of the skincare products used, it can take a few weeks before you start to see any significant results.

Niacinamide FAQs

Is niacinamide good for acne-prone skin?

Yes, since niacinamide can hydrate the skin and reduce the amount of sebum on the skin it is useful for spot and acne-prone skin. It can be especially effective if combined with other ingredients such as glycolic acid or retinol.

Can I use niacinamide with retinol?

Yes, retinol and niacinamide can be used together. Retinol can irritate some people’s skin, but the protective properties of niacinamide can help reduce the side effects of dryness and irritation by protecting the skin barrier.

Can you use niacinamide when pregnant?

Niacinamide is safe for those who are pregnant or breastfeeding when applied to the skin. It’s recommended that you don’t exceed the recommended amount, so be sure to check the product’s label for directions of use.