Niacinamide: The Skincare Ingredient You’re Missing
Meet Niacinamide, The Hero of Healthy Skin
What if we told you one small vitamin-derived ingredient could hydrate, soothe, brighten, and slow aging? Introducing Niacinamide, derived from niacin or Vitamin B3, is making waves in the skincare world, and for good reason. Gentle, effective, multitasking, and well-tolerated – it’s a go-to for most skin types. Today’s blog is unpacking everything you need to know: how it works, who should use it (and take it slow), what ingredients to pair with, and how to make it part of your skincare routine. Let’s dive in
What is Niacinamide? And Why Your Skin Loves It
Before we dive into skin benefits, here’s a fun fact: It is essential for your body, too. It supports cell metabolism and energy. Check out these incredible benefits:
- Balances oil production
- Reduces inflammation (think fewer breakouts)
- Minimizes pores
- Hydrates
- Brightens dark spots and Melasma
- Strengthens the skin barrier
- Slows down aging
Benefits of Niacinamide
A building block that fuels your skin’s ability to repair and protect itself by producing a substance called NAD+ (Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide), a coenzyme essential for cell energy, repair, and defense. The result? Calmer, clearer, and healthier skin, especially helpful if you’re suffering from:
✔️Acne or breakouts
✔️Rosacea or redness
✔️Hyperpigmentation or melamsa
✔️Dehydrated skin or a compromised skin barrier
Even better, PubMed research supports its treatment for conditions such as dermatitis and psoriasis, “In terms of topical applications, niacinamide has been widely employed for the treatment of acne vulgaris, melasma, atopic dermatitis, rosacea, and psoriasis, while its oral administration for non-melanoma skin cancer prevention has also been studied.”
Can You React to Niacinamide?
Generally well tolerated, however, it increases circulation, causing a warm, flushing sensation. Many think this is a reaction, but it’s not; it’s your blood flow increasing, and this sensation usually lasts a few minutes. High doses taken orally can cause blood clots.
Who Shouldn’t Use Niacinamide?
Niacinamide is gentle; someone with sensitive skin should introduce it slowly. For best prevention, start using 2-3 times a week and slowly increase every few weeks until you get to daily use to give your skin time to adjust and minimize any irritation from the increased circulation.
What Cancels Out Niacinamide?
Common skincare mistakes are layering acids. Niacinamide works best when the skin is at a neutral pH to maintain a healthy skin barrier. Acids like glycolic, salicylic, lactic, mandelic, and even Vitamin C (in its natural form, L-Ascorbic Acid), lower the skin’s pH. Pairing together may cancel out its benefits or cause a skin reaction.
Will Niacinamide Cause Acne?
If you start to notice a breakout when introducing niacinamide, don’t panic. Skin has to adjust to the new ingredient, which means it can purge, and not a bad reaction. Here’s what’s happening: your skin’s cell turnover increases and pushes out buildup to make way for the new actives, you must give it 4-6 weeks. Most skin will adjust and show clearer, calmer results.
Safe During Pregnancy?
Absolutely. Topical niacinamide is safe during pregnancy.
Add to Your Skincare Routine
Niacinamide is most effective in serum form, used after cleansing and before moisturizing. Because it doesn’t cause sun sensitivity, it can be used both day and night.
Ingredients that Pair Well Together
Pairing niacinamide with other active ingredients can amplify your skincare routine. Here’s our list of favorites:
Hyaluronic Acid: Both are water-based, hydrating, and help repair your skin barrier.
Retinol: Niacinamide soothes and hydrates, making retinol less irritating and more effective.
Peptides: Boost skin firmness, elasticity, and overall skin health when paired together.
Tranexamic Acid: Targets dark spots and redness – made even more powerful paired together.
Want to learn more about Transexamic acid? Check out our previous blog.
Our Skincare Favorites Featuring Niacinamide
We have two favorites that we absolutely love:
Retinal Advanced: Cutting-edge retinol blend of active ingredients to promote cell turnover while keeping the skin hydrated and calm. Perfect for fine lines, dullness, and aging.
MelaClear Advanced: Powerhouse skin brightening serum blends tranexamic acid, niacinamide, and licorice root to fade dark spots, correct sun damage, and even out skin tone.
Ready to Try Niacinamide For Yourself?
Whether you’re dealing with breakouts, dullness, or just want a brighter, more even complexion – niacinamide deserves a spot in your skincare routine. Visit our website to shop our favorite niacinamide-blended products or book a personalized appointment with one of our skincare experts. We are here to help you look your absolute best!
