What Does Niacinamide Do: The Holy Grail Skin Care Ingredient

Niacinamide benefits our skin in so many ways. It has many great attributes for your face that make niacinamide a popular ingredient used in hundreds of cosmetics items today. It can be found in moisturizers, serums, sunscreens, etc. These are only some of the common products you will find this beauty nutrient being added into their ingredients list. 

Niacinamide is an important skin care ingredient. It helps with hydration, texture, and elasticity for all skin types. Niacinamide also has many benefits for our skin including reducing pore size, evening complexion, and promoting collagen production.

Why is my skin care routine important?

Why is skin care important? Simply put, healthy skin looks and feels better. For instance, according to the American Academy of Dermatology, approximately 50 million Americans suffer from acne each year, underscoring the necessity of an effective skin care routine. Your skin care routine is essential for maintaining skin health, protecting your body from external elements, and enhancing your mental well-being. Studies indicate that better skin can boost confidence and reduce anxiety, making skincare not just a physical necessity but an emotional one as well.

Being mindful of what we apply on our skin is crucial. Look for high-quality ingredients that promote skin health, such as:

• Shea Butter - Provides intense hydration and possesses anti-inflammatory properties that soothe irritated skin.
• Beeswax - Acts as a natural barrier, locking in moisture and protecting against environmental stressors.
• Vitamin E - An antioxidant that protects against oxidative stress and promotes healing.
• Lavender Oil - Known for its calming effects, it can help alleviate stress-induced skin issues.

Additionally, understanding how to read skincare product labels and identifying potential irritants can help you make informed choices for your skin.

Niacinamide is an exceptional ingredient that should be part of your routine. It can tackle issues such as acne, oily skin, aging, and more. This powerhouse ingredient boasts benefits like boosting collagen production, evening out skin tone, and soothing irritation or redness. If you haven't yet incorporated niacinamide into your daily routine, it's time to discover this transformative element that can greatly improve your skin health.

Everything I’ll share next is not only beneficial but essential for optimizing your skincare regimen.

What is Niacinamide?

Niacinamide, or vitamin B3 (nicotinamide), is a naturally occurring substance in the body that helps maintain healthy-looking skin. Its versatility allows it to reduce the appearance of aging and numerous skin concerns. Niacinamide has been thoroughly studied and proven to offer multiple benefits, making it a must-have in contemporary skincare.

For optimal skin health, remember to adopt a holistic approach: maintain a balanced diet, hydrate properly, manage stress, and prioritize adequate sleep. Daily application of a broad-spectrum sunscreen is crucial, as it can reduce the risk of skin cancer by up to 50%. Ultimately, customize your skincare routine according to your skin type—whether oily, dry, or sensitive—for the best results.

Is Niacinamide and Niacin the same?

No, niacinamide and niacin are different. Niacin is a water-soluble vitamin B that is found in many foods such as chicken, beef, fish, legumes, nuts, and fortified cereals. Niacin works on multiple levels: it improves the barrier function of your skin; reduces inflammation; helps with hyperpigmentation (brown spots) and rosacea. Niacin has many benefits for the skin but it can cause discomfort like flushing (warmth/redness) of the face which lasts around 15 - 30 minutes. Niacinamide is the biologically active form of niacin and is mainly used for skin care purposes. It doesn't cause flushing side effects and is a great ingredient for all skin types.

How to use Niacinamide in my skincare routine?

Now that you know all about the benefits of adding this powerhouse ingredient into your daily routine, it's time for you to decide what niacinamide-containing products you will use. If you're not sure where to start, here's a basic niacinamide containing skincare routine:

Morning Routine:

- Makeup remover/cleanser 

- Niacinamide serum (get one with at least 2-3% niacinamide) (Glow Serum with Propolis and Niacinamide, CH-Nest 97 B-jo Serum)

- Moisturizer with SPF 20 or higher if staying out in the sun for long periods of time

Evening Routine:

- Face wash

-Toner (Some By Mi - Yuja Niacin Brightening Toner 150ml)

-Sheet Mask ( Snail Bee High Content Mask, Intensive Black Cotton Mask, La Rose De Versailles Face Mask, RiRe Real Nature Pearl Extract Mask Pack)

- Night moisturizer with niacinamide and hyaluronic acid before bedtime (one that has niacin around 5% or less).

Side effects of Niacinamide on skin

Although niacinamide is generally considered safe and well-tolerated, it can cause some mild side effects when applied topically on the skin.

The most common side effects with topical nicotinamide are mild and include skin redness, itching, and skin irritation.

Related article: 5 Reasons Why You Should Avoid Using Niacinamide In Your Skincare

Myths about Niacinamide

1. Niacinamide is not safe for pregnant women

There is no evidence that niacinamide is bad for pregnant women. In fact, niacinamide is sometimes recommended for pregnant women to help improve the skin's appearance. Pregnant women should always consult with their doctor before starting any new skincare regimen, though.

Related article: Top 8 Skincare Ingredients To Avoid While Pregnant 

2. Niacinamide is not safe for breastfeeding women

Again, there is no evidence that niacinamide is bad for breastfeeding women. In fact, niacinamide can help improve the appearance of skin while breastfeeding. Like with pregnant women, though, it's always best to consult with a doctor before starting any new skincare routine.

3. Niacinamide is not safe to use with Vitamin C

There is no evidence that niacinamide and vitamin C cannot be used together. Many people find that using niacinamide and vitamin C together provides better results than using either ingredient alone. However, it's always best to do a patch test before starting any new skincare routine to see how your skin reacts.

4. Niacinamide is not safe to use with retinol

There is no evidence that niacinamide and retinol cannot be used together. Many people find that niacinamide makes a good additive to their skincare routine with vitamin C, niacinamide, and retinol which can improve the appearance of skin further. However, it's always best to do a patch test before starting any new skincare routine as everyone's skin reacts differently.

5. Niacinamide bad for oily skin

In general, niacinamide is not considered an oil-controlling ingredient so those with oily skin may think this could worsen their problem – however, because niacinamide helps decrease sebum production over time it should help balance out the amount of oil.

What are the benefits of Niacinamide?

Niacinamide has a number of benefits for the skin, including:

• Has powerful antioxidants that help stimulate collagen production, minimize fine lines and wrinkles, and improve the overall skin texture.
• When used daily, this ingredient can help reduce inflammation, treat hyperpigmentation, smooth your skin texture, and brighten your complexion, improve uneven skin tone and texture.
• Its anti-inflammatory properties make it ideal for those with sensitive skin.
• It strengthens the skin barrier and overall skin texture which reduces acne
• Minimizes pore appearance - visibly minimize enlarged pores- regulate oil production.
• Diminish dullness, flaky skin, and moisture loss because of its hydrating ability

Related article: What is Niacinamide: What It Can and Can't Do To Your Skin

For which skin concerns is Niacinamide best used?

Niacinamide is a great ingredient for all skin types. It is especially good for those with oily or acne-prone skin, as it helps to control oil production and clears up blemishes. It can also be used on dry skin to help boost moisture levels and improve the overall appearance of the complexion.

Niacinamide soothes and rejuvenates skin, while being gentle enough for even the most sensitive complexions. There are a lot of products which have Niacinamide as their main ingredient but we still have to be cautious about what we apply to our skin.

If you have questions about using topical niacinamide, niacinamide supplements, or any supplement form, it's best to consult a Board Certified Dermatologist who can provide medical advice regarding all of your skin care concerns. 

So is Niacinamide indeed your ultimate skin care Ingredient?

Niacinamide is a powerful ingredient that can help improve the appearance of your skin. It’s an effective antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, which means it helps to reduce redness and soothe irritation. This vitamin B3 derivative also has cell turnover benefits for aging skin by helping to produce collagen over time. If you are looking for even more tips to care of your skin with niacinamide, check out Asian Beauty Essentials blog post about 15 questions about Niacinamide.