10 Benefits of Niacinamide for Skin: What It Does and Who Should Use It

The benefits of niacinamide for skin care are genuinely irresistible. In fact, one of the most famous skincare ingredients right now is niacinamide. And because we can use it in many ways, it has become a staple in many skincare practices.

Niacinamide is a water-soluble form of vitamin B3 that has gained popularity due to its numerous benefits for the skin. From reducing inflammation to minimizing pores and improving texture, niacinamide can address a wide range of skin concerns.

Niacinamide stands out from other great skincare ingredients like retinol and vitamin C because it can be used for almost any skincare problem and skin type.

Not to worry, Cosmedica Skincare provides the perfect combination of products that offer all the amazing benefits of niacinamide for your skin, so we have you covered.

In this article, we will explore the benefits of niacinamide for skin health, learn how to use this versatile ingredient and discover the skin concerns it can address, who should use it, and what to expect.

Niacinamide also lessens the effects of environmental damage because it can strengthen the skin's barrier, which is its first line of defense. It also helps the skin fix damage from the past. If this kind of daily damage isn't stopped, it makes skin look older, duller, and less bright.

When it comes to skincare, niacinamide has been found to have numerous benefits, is stable and non-irritating, and has a neutral pH making it one of the most effective and popular skincare actives today.

What Does Niacinamide Do For Your Skin?

Niacinamide's versatility as a bio-active component allows it to perform its many useful functions. But this powerful form of vitamin B has to go through a few steps before it can help our skin and the cells on its surface.

When niacinamide is put on the face, it breaks down into nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, a form of vitamin that our cells can use. This coenzyme is believed to be responsible for niacinamide's skin benefits.

Benefits of Niacinamide for Skin

Niacinamide has been found to have several benefits for the skin, so everyone can use it, no matter what their skin type is or what their skin concerns are. Some people's skin may have more problems that niacinamide can help with, but this B vitamin will help everyone's skin in some way. In that case, let's talk about the specific problems that niacinamide can help fix.

1. CLEARS BREAKOUTS

Since too much oil is a big cause of pimples, it makes sense that niacinamide helps with acne and there is research to back this up. In a study done in 2008, people who used a 4% niacinamide gel for eight weeks saw a statistically significant drop in the amount of pustules, comedones, and papules on their skin. Researchers came to the conclusion that niacinamide is a safe and effective way to treat mild to heavy breakouts.

In addition to its whitening effects, niacinamide helps fade hyperpigmentation, such as that caused by melasma and acne scars. In a 2002 study, people with hyperpigmentation who used a lotion with 2-5% niacinamide for four weeks saw a significant lightening of their skin. Researchers came to the conclusion that this star ingredient works by "blocking the transfer of melanosomes from melanocytes to keratinocytes," which makes dark spots go away.

3. BRIGHTENS SKIN

If you want bright skin, you should immediately add this all-star ingredient to your skincare routine. At amounts of 5% or more, niacinamide works in several ways to keep new spots from showing up. At the same time, it makes existing spots look less noticeable, so your skin looks more even. As mentioned above, it can also be used with other discoloration-reducing ingredients like all types of vitamin C, licorice, retinol, and bakuchiol.

4. REDUCES INFLAMMATION

Niacinamide has anti-inflammatory properties that can help calm redness and irritation, making it an excellent ingredient for those with sensitive or acne-prone skin.

 

5. IMPROVES SIGNS OF AGING

If signs of aging are your main worry, niacinamide can give your skin the boost it needs to look younger. It helps to stop protein glycation of collagen, which is a natural process in the body that happens with age and makes collagen fibers stiffer. Niacinamide can help improve fine lines, wrinkles, skin laxity, and bounce by stopping this from happening.

Then, if signs of aging are your main worry, niacinamide can give your skin the boost it needs to look younger. It helps to stop protein glycation of collagen, which is a natural process in the body that happens with age and makes collagen fibers stiffer.

6. IMPROVES TEXTURE + EVENS TONE

Have a lot of bumps and odd skin color? Niacinamide can, as you probably guessed, help. Niacinamide can help regulate sebum production, which can lead to smaller-looking pores. In a study done in 2010, Indian women ages 30 to 60 who used niacinamide lotion had better skin structure and a more even skin tone in as little as six weeks. (They also benefited from reduced hyperpigmentation, which is a major concern particularly for people with darker skin tones.)

7. MAKES PORES LESS VISIBLE

Niacinamide is best known for its ability to make pores look smaller. Niacinamide has a normalizing effect on the lining of pores. This helps keep oil and dirt from building up, which can cause clogged pores and rough, bumpy skin.

As the clog forms and gets worse, the pores stretch to make up for it, which makes the skin bigger. Niacinamide, when used regularly, helps pores get back to their normal size.

8. HELP FIGHTS DRYNESS

Niacinamide has other benefits, such as helping to keep the skin's surface from drying out and losing wetness .When ceramides, which are important fatty acids in the skin's barrier, are slowly used up, the skin is left open to all kinds of problems, such as chronic patches of dry, flaky skin and becoming more and more sensitive.

9. STRENGTHENS THE SKIN’S BARRIER 

Next, niacinamide can help improve and strengthen the skin barrier, which can lead to better moisture retention and overall hydration.

This is especially true if you have dry, sensitive, or inflammatory skin. In 2005, researchers looked at how niacinamide moisturizer helped people with these diseases. After being used twice a day for four weeks, the dermatologist in charge of the study saw changes in both the function of the stratum corneum barrier and the amount of water in the skin.

10. PROTECTS AGAINST UV DAMAGE

Lastly, niacinamide can finish off your sun-safe skincare routine. Niacinamide has antioxidant properties that can help protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals.

A study from 2012 says that this active ingredient may help stop UV light from damaging the skin by stopping "UV-induced cell death and cell apoptosis." All the while, it helps fix DNA and makes progress with all of the other niacinamide benefits for skin listed above.

Niacinamide and Skin Concerns

 

Niacinamide has been found to be effective in addressing a variety of skin concerns, including:

Acne
Niacinamide's anti-inflammatory and sebum-regulating properties make it an excellent ingredient for those with acne-prone skin. Studies have found that niacinamide can help reduce the severity and frequency of acne breakouts.

Aging
Niacinamide has been found to have anti-aging benefits, including reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and improving skin elasticity.

Hyperpigmentation
Niacinamide can help reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation, including dark spots and uneven skin tone, by inhibiting the transfer of melanin to the skin's surface.

Rosacea
Niacinamide's anti-inflammatory properties can help calm redness and irritation associated with rosacea.

Who Should Use Niacinamide?

Niacinamide is suitable for most skin types, including sensitive skin. However, those with a known allergy to niacin should avoid using products containing niacinamide.

If you are unsure if niacinamide is right for you, it is always best to consult with a dermatologist or skincare professional.

Niacinamide can be especially beneficial for those with oily or acne-prone skin, as it can help regulate sebum production and reduce inflammation. It can also be beneficial for those with hyperpigmentation or uneven skin tone, as it can help inhibit the transfer of melanin to the skin's surface.

Is Niacinamide Good For Dry Skin?

When applied to dry skin, niacinamide helps the skin retain moisture, resulting in softer, less wrinkled skin. If your skin is dry, niacinamide may be the answer. You can apply it topically or take it orally to improve the appearance of dull skin by boosting cell turnover and restoring moisture. Additionally, niacinamide helps calm redness and irritation brought on by dry skin.

Is Niacinamide Good For Oily Skin?

Oily skin can be treated successfully with niacinamide. By controlling the ratio of sebum to moisture on the skin's surface, it can help curb oil production. Niacinamide helps treat acne and prevents new breakouts in part because it decreases sebum production. Acne scars, redness, pore size, hyperpigmentation, and inflammation are all improved by this substance.

Is Niacinamide Good For Sensitive Skin?

Niacinamide's anti-inflammatory properties make it an excellent choice for those with sensitive skin. It helps tremendously with pustular acne, eczema, and rosacea. It's useful in cases where sun damage has been inflicted upon the skin. Niacinamide is helpful for accelerating skin cell regeneration and keeping your skin's protective barrier in good shape. This is due to the fact that an increase in collagen helps to firm the skin and diminishes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles associated with aging.

What to Expect When Using Niacinamide

Niacinamide is generally well-tolerated by most people and can be used daily as part of a skincare routine. It is best applied after cleansing and toning, but before moisturizing. You may start to see results from using niacinamide within a few weeks, but it can take up to 12 weeks to see significant improvements in skin texture and tone.

What Do Niacinamide And Zinc Do For Your Skin?

Both niacinamide and zinc have been utilized for decades individually in skincare products due to their effectiveness. However, they have just recently emerged as a formidable multi-tasking skincare duo.

All skin types can benefit from its extraordinary synergistic effect, which targets everything from hyperpigmentation to acne and beyond.

Because of the chemical reaction they produce in the body, niacinamide and zinc are effective when combined to treat various skin conditions. They both protect against free radical damage, which can lead to accelerated aging, and they both have anti-inflammatory properties.

Benefits of Niacinamide and Zinc

Oily, acne-prone skin might also benefit from treatments that include zinc and niacinamide. Because they reduce oil production while calming inflammation or irritation, they are highly prized.

Try to find a serum with both components if you have skin problems like acne. It treats enlarged, and congested pores, and skin will feel better after using this.

How to Incorporate Niacinamide into Your Skincare Routine

Niacinamide can be found in a variety of skincare products, including niacinmide serums, moisturizers, and toners. When incorporating niacinamide into your skincare routine, it is important to start slowly and patch-test the product on a small area of skin before applying it all over your face. It is also important to avoid using niacinamide in conjunction with products containing vitamin C, as they can cancel each other out.

To use niacinamide for your skin, all you have to do is choose products that contain this amazing ingredient, like Cosmedica's 10% Niacinamide + Zinc Treatment. It's in everything from cleansers to moisturizers to serums to leave-on treatments to boosters and even under-eye creams. Formulations' concentrations might vary, but typically range from 5% to 10%.

Here are some more ways to achieve the best results with niacinamide: 

1. Always start your skincare routine with a facial cleanser!

2. Use your preferred toner. Either a moisturizing rose water toner or one with niacinamide would be a good choice. Our Hydrate & Tone Rosewater Witch Hazel Face Toner perfectly combines both leaving you with a brightened and balanced complexion.

3. Time for serum. You can use a moisturizing serum like the 10% Niacinimide + Zinc Treatment Serum that contains all the amazing benefits of niacinamide and zinc.

4. Treat the sensitive skin around your eyes with Cosmedica's Brightening Eye Treatment Gel which contains powerful Hyaluronic Acid to prevent wrinkles and correct dark circles.

5. Slather on some moisturizer and rub it into your face and neck until it's completely absorbed. Select a face cream like the Cosmedica’s Super Nutrient Facial Balm which contains organic rosehip seed, aloe, and green tea extract to maximize its moisturizing and healing properties.

6. Always finish everything off with sunscreen during the day.

Potential Side Effects of Niacinamide

Niacinamide is generally considered safe for most people to use, but some individuals may experience mild side effects, such as redness or skin irritation. If you experience any adverse reactions to niacinamide, it is best to discontinue use and consult with a dermatologist.

Still Need Answers About What To Put On Your Skin?

Feel free to contact us if you're unsure if a combination of skincare components is safe or effective. If you want to make sure that the skincare products you're using are giving you the greatest possible results, our skincare specialists will be pleased to help you out.

At Cosmedica Skincare, we have a team of skincare professionals who will tailor a skincare regimen to your individual needs. 

FAQs about Niacinamide for Skin

Is niacinamide safe for sensitive skin?

Yes, niacinamide is generally well-tolerated by those with sensitive skin, as it is non-irritating and non-sensitizing.

Can niacinamide be used with other skincare ingredients?

Yes, niacinamide can be used with other skincare ingredients, but it is important to avoid using it in conjunction with products containing vitamin C, as they can cancel each other out.

Can niacinamide be used during pregnancy?

While there is no evidence to suggest that niacinamide is harmful during pregnancy, it is always best to consult with a healthcare provider before using any new skincare products.

Can niacinamide help with eczema?

Niacinamide may be beneficial for those with eczema, as it can help strengthen the skin barrier and reduce inflammation. However, it is always best to consult with a dermatologist before using any new skincare products.

How long does it take to see results from using niacinamide?

You may start to see results from using niacinamide within a few weeks, but it can take up to 12 weeks to see significant improvements in skin texture and tone.