5 Reasons Why You Should Avoid Using Niacinamide In Your Skincare

We have heard of so many great things about niacinamide and what it can do to our skin. Niacinamide is a versatile form of vitamin B3 which is the reason it is a popular additive to cosmetics and skincare products. Aside from cosmetics, niacinamide can also be taken orally as a supplement for certain skin conditions. 

But what about its downside? Does it have harmful side effects to the skin when used? Or are there any reasons not to use niacinamide on skin? Let's break down five possible reasons why you should reconsider using niacinamide in your skincare regimen. If there are any...

1. Topical niacinamide is generally considered safe to use, however, people with preexisting allergies may need to consult a doctor first for allergic reactions. 

2. Niacinamide is an antioxidant ingredient and can go along with almost any skincare products except for vitamin C. "Both are very common antioxidants used in a variety of skincare products, but they should not be used one right after the other," says Dr. Marchbein. If you are using vitamin C concentrated products in your skincare routine, then using niacinamide may not be advisable. "Their potency is significantly diminished when used together, unless application is spaced by at least 10 minutes between each serum."

3. Do not use products with over 10% niacinamide. Using over the said amount can result in some irritation and redness, especially because niacinamide is quite easily absorbed into skin. So using that much niacinamide products is unnecessary and useless.
   

4. Niacinamide can improve your skin's health. Although most of the available research describes noticeable improvements after four weeks of use, there’s no exact timeline. If you don't see any changes or improvements within 2 months, it may be time to consult with a dermatologist to assess your skincare routine and advise you on which products to use that may improve your skin health, and more.

5. Safe but not totally for people with sensitive skin. As mentioned above, niacinamide seems to have an irritating effect when used with concentration formulas. Redness and itching are some of the common reactions. Although these are rare issues, they may still cause a great impact on someone's skin health.
   
   

Related Article: 15 Questions About Niacinamide 

The good news is that the majority of people should not have problems with niacinamide skin care products. It is generally considered to be such a soothing ingredient with less percentage of patients claiming harmful or bad side effects. 

Daily topical use may have a more positive and safe impact on your overall skin health. The ingredient can help reduce inflammation and hyperpigmentation, smooth your overall skin texture, and brighten your skin.

Remember that results may vary depending on your skin type and there’s no concrete timeline for its results, so patience and sticking to your routine is very important to achieve your desired results using niacinamide.

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