What Does Niacinamide Do for Your Skin?

Niacinamide, also known as nicotinamide, is a form of vitamin B3 that is becoming more popular in skincare products because of its many benefits across different skin types.

For example, this vitamin has anti-inflammatory properties, helping reduce redness, blotchiness, and acne.

In this article, we will discuss niacinamide in-depth, from its definition to its benefits and even potential side effects.

What is Niacinamide?

Niacinamide is a water-soluble vitamin that helps build proteins and lock in moisture to maintain healthy skin. It is important to remember that niacinamide differs from niacin, another type of vitamin B3.

Vitamin B3 is found in foods like eggs, green vegetables, fish, and milk. However, eating these does not guarantee that they will impact skin health.

As such, you can give your skin niacinamide by using skin care products that contain it as an ingredient.

Benefits of Niacinamide for the Skin

Niacinamide is good even for sensitive skin, offering various benefits without a significant risk of irritation. Below are some of those benefits.

Reduces Inflammation - Niacinamide has anti-inflammatory properties that help soothe and calm irritated skin, making it great for conditions like acne and rosacea.
Minimizes Pores - It helps regulate sebum production and improve skin texture, reducing the appearance of enlarged pores.
Evens Skin Tone- Niacinamide can help fade hyperpigmentation and dark spots, resulting in a more even and brighter skin tone.
Improves Skin Barrier Function - Niacinamide helps the skin retain moisture by enhancing the lipid barrier. This also helps reduce dryness and sensitivity.
Reduces Fine Lines and Wrinkles - It boosts collagen production and improves skin elasticity, minimizing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Protects Against Environmental Damage - Niacinamide has antioxidant properties, which help it protect the skin from free radicals and environmental stressors like UV radiation and pollution.
Balances Oil Production - Niacinamide helps regulate oil production, which can prevent excessive oiliness and acne.
Enhances Skin Immunity - It supports the skin’s immune response, helping to defend against pathogens.
Decreases Redness and Blotchiness - Niacinamide helps decrease redness and blotchiness by improving the skin barrier and reducing inflammation. This contributes to a more even complexion.
Hydrates the Skin - It keeps the skin hydrated and plump by helping retain moisture.

How to Incorporate Niacinamide Into Your Skincare Routine

There are many ways to incorporate niacinamide into your skincare routine, thanks to the different products that contain it.

Serums: Serums are highly concentrated and lightweight, allowing you to deliver a potent dose of niacinamide directly to the skin. Kinship’s Dreamwave 2% Bio-Retinoid Complex Overnight Serum contains niacinamide to help balance oil and minimize the appearance of pores while you sleep.
Creams: Creams are thicker than serums and usually include additional moisturizing ingredients.
Toners: Niacinamide toners are lightweight and typically water-based. They are used after cleansing to prepare the skin for other products.
Moisturizers: These combine niacinamide with other hydrating and nourishing ingredients to provide all-day moisture.
Cleansers: Cleansers with niacinamide gently cleanse the skin while delivering the other benefits of the ingredient. Our Naked Apple Gel Cleanser is an example of this, giving you deep pore cleansing without stripping your skin.
Face Masks: These are treatments that typically contain higher concentrations of niacinamide and should only be used periodically.
Spot Treatments: Sunscreens with niacinamide offer both UV protection and the additional skin benefits of niacinamide.
Essences: Essences are used to enhance hydration and deliver active ingredients.

These are lighter than serums but more concentrated than toners.

Niacinamide is a generally gentle ingredient, so it is okay if most of your skincare products contain it.

In fact, below is a quick look at how niacinamide works for all skin types.

Oily Skin: Serums and lightweight moisturizers are ideal for this skin type, as Niacinamide in these products helps regulate oil production and reduce pore size.
Dry Skin: Niacinamide-infused creams and moisturizers can provide hydration and strengthen the skin barrier.
Sensitive Skin: To avoid irritation, it is ideal to start with lower concentrations of niacinamide (around 2-5%) and look for formulations designed for sensitive skin.
Combination Skin: Use niacinamide serums or lightweight creams to balance oil production in oily areas and provide moisture to dry areas.
Acne-Prone Skin: Niacinamide’s anti-inflammatory and oil-regulating properties make it great for reducing acne and redness. Serums and lightweight formulations are recommended in this case.

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Niacinamide vs. Other Skincare Ingredients

You can use Niacinamide with vitamin C and other popular skincare ingredients to help your skin achieve a healthier glow.

Below is a closer look at the benefits of using niacinamide with other ingredients.

Niacinamide + Retinol

Both ingredients stimulate collagen production and improve skin texture, resulting in a more effective anti-aging regimen.

Niacinamide can also help even out skin tone and reduce redness, complementing retinol’s ability to fade dark spots and hyperpigmentation.

While retinol might irritate the skin, niacinamide can soothe and reduce the irritation.

Niacinamide + Vitamin C

Vitamin C’s powerful antioxidant properties are complemented by niacinamide’s ability to repair and protect the skin barrier, offering excellent protection against environmental damage.

Both ingredients work together to even out skin tone and fade hyperpigmentation, providing a brighter and more radiant complexion.

Combined use can also result in smoother, firmer skin by promoting collagen synthesis and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

NOTE: Using niacinamide with our Brightwave Face Serum helps further brighten and fade dark spots.

Niacinamide + Hyaluronic Acid

Hyaluronic acid attracts moisture to the skin, while niacinamide helps strengthen the skin barrier to retain this moisture, resulting in long-lasting hydration. This combination of hydration and barrier support leads to plumper, more supple skin.

Niacinamide’s anti-inflammatory properties can also help soothe and calm the skin, reducing sensitivity that other hydrating treatments can sometimes worsen.

Niacinamide + Peptides

Peptides help to rebuild and repair damaged skin, while niacinamide supports the skin barrier and boosts overall skin health.

Both ingredients promote collagen production, enhancing skin firmness and elasticity. This also helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles more effectively than when each ingredient is used by itself.

Niacinamide + AHAs/BHA

AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids) and BHA (beta hydroxy acid) exfoliate the skin, while niacinamide soothes and reduces potential irritation from the exfoliation process.

AHAs/BHA help to unclog pores and remove dead skin cells, and niacinamide helps regulate oil production, reducing the occurrence of acne.

Exfoliation paired with niacinamide’s ability to fade dark spots leads to a more even and radiant complexion.

Niacinamide + Ceramides

Ceramides help to restore the skin barrier, while niacinamide supports this process, leading to improved skin resilience and protection.

Both ingredients help retain moisture in the skin, preventing dryness and dehydration.

The combination can help soothe and calm sensitive skin, reducing redness and irritation.

Potential Side Effects of Using Niacinamide

Despite the many benefits of niacinamide, there are still potential side effects you should be aware of.

Mild Redness or Irritation: Some users may experience mild redness, irritation, or a stinging sensation, particularly when first incorporating niacinamide into their skincare routine. This reaction is usually temporary.

Itching: Mild itching can occur, especially in individuals with very sensitive skin or when using high concentrations of niacinamide.

Dryness: In some cases, niacinamide may cause slight dryness, especially if used with other drying agents or in a formulation that does not give enough hydration.

Allergic Reactions: Some individuals may have an allergic reaction to niacinamide, resulting in symptoms such as severe redness, swelling, itching, or rash. However, this is a rare side effect.

Breakouts: For some individuals, niacinamide can cause breakouts or purging, especially when first introduced to the skincare routine. This is usually temporary as the skin adjusts to new products.
Tingling Sensation: A mild tingling sensation can occur upon application, especially if the skin barrier is compromised or if the niacinamide concentration is high.

If you have severe allergies, highly sensitive skin, or existing skin conditions, it might be safest to avoid niacinamide. If you are unsure, you can perform a patch test to test for allergies and sensitivities.

You can also try gradually introducing niacinamide into your skincare routine. Monitor your skin’s reaction and discontinue use if any severe irritation or allergic reactions develop.

You can consult a dermatologist if you do not want to risk an allergic reaction.

Tips for Minimizing Side Effects

You can follow the tips listed below to reduce the risk of side effects from niacinamide use.

Use Lower Concentrations: Start with products with a lower concentration of niacinamide (around 2-5%) to reduce the risk of irritation and allow your skin to acclimate to it.
Avoid Combining with Strong Actives Initially: When first using niacinamide, avoid combining it with other strong actives like retinol, AHAs, or BHA. Introduce one active ingredient at a time to monitor your skin’s response.
Moisturize: Pairing niacinamide with a gentle, hydrating moisturizer can help soothe the skin and minimize potential irritation. Our 5-Piece Set for Blemish-Prone Skin helps reduce breakouts and balance oil to help your skin recover from or get used to niacinamide.
Follow Manufacturer’s Instructions: Adhere to the usage guidelines provided by the product manufacturer to ensure you’re using the product correctly and safely.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Below are a few frequently asked questions about using niacinamide.

How Long Does Niacinamide Take to Work?

You can generally start seeing results after 2 to 4 weeks of using niacinamide every day — although this will depend on the severity of your skin concern and the concentration of the niacinamide formula you are using.

Who Should Avoid Niacinamide?

People with gallbladder disease, stomach or intestinal ulcers, and those undergoing kidney dialysis should avoid niacinamide.

Key Takeaways on What Does Niacinamide Do For Your Skin?

Niacinamide can have many benefits for your skin — such as reducing inflammation, hydrating the skin, and improving skin immunity.

You can use it alongside other common skincare ingredients like vitamin C and retinol to bring out the best in your skin.

However, be aware that niacinamide may cause some side effects if you are not used to it or if your skin is too sensitive for it.

As such, do patch tests, gradually introduce it into your routine, and consult a dermatologist to help you integrate it into your skincare routine.