Top 7 Benefits Of Niacinamide For Skin, Uses, And Risks

What Is Niacinamide ?

Niacinamide is a cosmeceutical and a form of vitamin B3 or niacin (1). It is also known as nicotinamide. Vitamin B3 or niacin is an essential nutrient with multiple health benefits.

Vitamin B3 plays a major role in converting energy and maintaining the overall health of your skin, hair, and other organs. In addition, the vitamin is involved in several beneficial functions, such as:

• It ensures the smooth function of the nervous system.
• It regulates healthy cholesterol levels.
• It helps break down carbohydrates into glucose.
• It metabolizes fats and proteins in the body.

Niacin or vitamin B3 has two other forms that are widely used in cosmeceuticals – niacinamide (nicotinamide) and nicotinic acid. Both have different pharmaceutical activities, but people tend to get confused between the two.

Niacin, Niacinamide, And Nicotinic Acid: What Is The Difference?

Despite sounding the same, niacin (vitamin B3), niacinamide (nicotinamide), and nicotinic acid are different forms of vitamin B3.

Niacin is available as an oral supplement. However, your body can make niacinamide from the niacin supplements you take. Nicotinic acid and niacinamide are available as topical solutions. The skin has nicotinic acid receptors, and as a result, nicotinic acid has a drug-mediated effect on the skin (1). It causes vasodilation (dilation of blood vessels), resulting in skin flushing. It may also affect blood pressure, body temperature, and pulse rate.

Niacinamide or nicotinic acid has no side effects and is widely used and studied for its multiple skin benefits compared to nicotinic acid. Let’s take a look.

Benefits Of Topical Niacinamide

1. Anti-Aging Effects

Topical niacinamide raises the intracellular NADP 9 (niacinamide adenosine dinucleotide phosphate) levels. This cofactor works as a redox (a chemical reaction) coenzyme in over 40 cellular biochemical reactions to improve the skin texture, reduce wrinkles and fine lines, and inhibit photocarcinogenesis (biochemical events leading to UV-induced skin cancer) (1), (2).

2. Improve Skin Barrier Function

Topical niacinamide rebuilds keratin, a protein that keeps the skin firm and healthy. It also protects, maintains, and improves the skin barrier to maintain your skin health. It can improve the signs of photodamage and blotchiness and restore the compromised skin barrier. That is why niacinamide is often used in products for skin disorders like erythema (excessive dryness), rosacea, and psoriasis.

3. Promotes Ceramide Synthesis

Topical niacinamide stimulates the natural ceramide synthesis in your skin (2). Ceramides are crucial for maintaining the structural integrity of the skin and epidermal function. Improved ceramide levels reduce transepidermal water loss (TEWL) to maintain skin hydration and reduce dryness. It also improves skin resilience and resistance to other harmful environmental aggressors and topical agents (1).

4. Reduces Hyperpigmentation

Niacinamide prevents the production of melanin pigments (3). Studies have found that 5% topical niacinamide can effectively reduce hyperpigmentation and dark spots to even out your skin tone and brighten it.

5. May Reduce Excess Sebum

Applying 2% topical niacinamide may reduce excessive sebum production, thus reducing greasiness and excessive shine. A study evaluating its effect on Japanese and Caucasian individuals found that the 2% solution significantly reduced sebum production in Japanese subjects compared to Caucasian subjects (4).

6. Prevents Sallow Skin

With age, the skin may lose its natural complexion and turn yellow or brown. Niacinamide has antioxidant properties that inhibit oxidative processes like protein oxidation (protein modification caused by oxidative stress) and glycation (attachment of sugar to protein or lipids), and Maillard reaction that produce Amadori products (yellow and brown compounds) that accumulate in the skin (1).

7. Anti-Acne Effects

Several studies found topical niacinamide effective in reducing acne (5). This is due to the anti-inflammatory benefits of niacinamide. Another study evaluated and compared the effects of 4% nicotinamide and 1% clindamycin on moderate acne vulgaris. It concluded that nicotinamide (niacinamide) was more effective in oily and non-oily skin types (6).

In a study conducted with 24,056 adults, acne prevalence was found to be 0.74%, with an average age of 30.1 years. Most patients were female (81.7%), and 68.3% had persistent acne. The most common condition was inflammatory papular acne (72.8%), mainly on the cheeks (85%), which led to scarring in 62.8%. Factors contributing to acne included stress (23.9%), family history (60.6%), cosmetic use (43.5%), and a link to oily/high glycemic foods (42.8%).

Niacinamide can benefit all skin types and has no side effects.

Who Can Use Niacinamide?

You can use niacinamide if:

• You have dry skin.
• You have sensitive skin.
• You have inflammatory conditions like acne, psoriasis, and rosacea.
• You have oily and greasy skin.
• You have pigmentation issues, wrinkles, and fine lines.
• Your skin cannot tolerate retinol and vitamin C.

Niacinamide is available in various concentrations (2% to 10%) as an active ingredient or part of other skin care products. However, the doctor may also suggest niacin supplements if you have a vitamin B3 deficiency. Here is how you can get started with niacinamide.

How To Use Niacinamide For The Skin

If you are new to topical niacinamide, you can:

• Buy the lowest concentration of niacinamide serum and use it as directed.
• Buy products (creams, gels, and lotions) that contain niacinamide.

Pro Tip

You can use niacinamide twice a day as it is gentle on the skin. Use it after a toner and before applying any moisturizer or facial oils.

If you have a vitamin B3 deficiency, the doctor may suggest niacin supplements. Your body can convert vitamin B3 into niacinamide, which can benefit your skin and improve its overall health.

A skin care blogger, who tried using niacinamide rose water toner, shares saying, “After some time, I noticed my skin would produce less oil. There was slight improvement to my skin though it did not stop breakouts entirely. My existing pimples appear less inflammed and I also did notice my skin seem a little brighter (i).”

Niacinamide is frequently used with other active ingredients and in combination with topical medicines.

What To Pair With Niacinamide For The Maximum Benefits

Niacinamide is a wonderful skin care ingredient and can go with almost all other ingredients. It works best with:

• Retinol
• AHAs and BHAs
• Alpha arbutin
• Peptides
• Ceramides
• Hyaluronic acid
• Camellia sinensis
• Catechins
• Quercetin
• Tocopherol or Vitamin E

Pro Tip

If you have dry skin, pair niacinamide with hyaluronic acid to keep your skin plump and hydrated.

Avoid mixing niacinamide and vitamin C if you are using the ingredients separately. Both are potent antioxidants, and applying them one after the other can reduce their potency. You can use them or layer them at a gap of 10-15 minutes. Niacinamide is a safe ingredient. However, first time users may experience some minor side effects.

Are There Any Risks Of Using Niacinamide?

No. Niacinamide is one of the safest ingredients in the skin care industry. However, if you are using it for the first time, you may experience mild redness, itching, and burning sensations. However, that goes away once your skin gets used to it. Most of the users have never experienced any side effects.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better – niacinamide or vitamin C?

Both niacinamide and vitamin C strengthen the skin barrier and hydrate the skin. However, niacinamide is a better option if you have sensitive skin.

Which is better – niacinamide or hyaluronic acid?

Hyaluronic acid and niacinamide are used for different functions. If you are looking for hydration, then hyaluronic acid is better than niacinamide. Use niacinamide if you have other skin concerns, like acne issues, hyperpigmentation, etc.

Can niacinamide cause pimples?

Niacinamide is unlikely to cause pimples. However, do a patch test if you are using it for the first time.

Which is better – retinol or niacinamide?

Retinol and niacinamide have similar benefits. However, retinol is stronger than niacinamide. Therefore, it is best to use niacinamide if you have sensitive skin. You can also mix them both and use them.

How do you know if niacinamide is working?

You begin to see results within 8 to 12 weeks of starting using niacinamide. Any burning sensation, irritation, and itching are signs that it is not working for your skin.

Can I put niacinamide on a popped pimple?

Yes, you can put niacinamide on a popped pimple.

Can you put niacinamide under makeup?

One can use niacinamide under the makeup it can help to regulate sebum production and control shine. However, make sure to apply the niacinamide-based product after cleansing and toning either in the form of a serum or a niacinamide-based moisturizer before putting on the makeup.

Can niacinamide left overnight?

Niacinamide can be used left overnight on the skin. However, if you are using it as serum make sure to apply it on freshly cleansed skin and before using the moisturizer.

Can you use retinol and niacinamide together?

Niacinamide can be used in combination with retinol. The former helps to lower the skin irritation and dryness caused by retinol. Combining both retinol and niacinamide can help to improve skin tone, reduce signs of aging, and combat acne (5), (7).

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Dr. Priya GillMBBCH, MRCP

 

Dr. Priya Gill is a consultant dermatologist in Klang, Malaysia, with over 16 years of experience. She specializes in the management of all medical and surgical dermatology issues and has a special interest in laser therapy and phototherapy. She has more than 25 publications in local and international journals to her name. She is passionate about public and patient education...more

Ramona SinhaEditor

 

Ramona is an editor at StyleCraze with 11 years of experience in writing and editing. She has authored over 200 articles on skin and hair care. She graduated from the University of Calcutta, West Bengal, and did her post-graduation from the University of Kalyani, West Bengal. She also did a certificate course in dermatology offered by the Novosibirsk State University...more

Eshna DasAssociate Editor

Eshna is an associate editor and a certified skin care coach. She has over three years of experience, a triple main bachelor’s degree in psychology, English, and journalism from Mount Carmel College, Bengaluru, and a master’s degree in psychology from Sampurna Montfort College, Bengaluru. Her passion for writing and editing and her background in psychology help her create content that...more

Monomita ChakrabortyBeauty & Lifestyle Writer

Monomita has a graduate degree in mass communication and video production from St. Anthony's College, Shillong, and a master’s degree in journalism and mass communication from the Royal Global University, Guwahati. She is also a certified skincare coach with a keen interest in skin, hair, tattoos, nail art, and lifestyle trends. Her passion for and understanding of all things related...more