Niacinamide For Skin (All Types): Uses, Benefits, And How To Use With Other Skincare Ingredients

Niacinamide has slowly become the go-to ingredient in modern skincare. From potent moisturisers to high-performing serums, you can find this active in just about everything. But is the hype around this Vitamin B3 derivative justified? The answer is a resounding yes!

For the uninitiated, Niacinamide is a super multitasker. One of the safest ingredients, it combats a gamut of concerns, ranging from dehydration to dullness to discolouration. So, if you’re looking to level up your skincare, Niacinamide should definitely be on your radar.

This article delves deeper into the many benefits of Niacinamide, how to use it, and its compatibility with other ingredients—allowing you to make an informed decision.

What Does Niacinamide Do For Your Skin?

The workhorse Niacinamide extends the following benefits to your skin:

1. It cuts shine and regulates sebum production for balanced skin.
2. Topical application of Niacinamide bolsters the barrier by ramping up Ceramide — the main component of the stratum corneum.
3. If you’re tired of enlarged pores, make BFFs with Niacinamide. It helps expel excess sebum and boosts collagen production to ensure even, smooth skin.
4. Curating an anti-aging routine? Opt for Niacinamide. The ingredient enhances Collagen production to soften the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The results? Younger looking, taut skin!

Is Niacinamide Good For All Skin Types?

Another reason Niacinamide is loved by experts and skincare enthusiasts – the ingredient works exceptionally for most skin types. Having said that, if you’re new to the active, do conduct a patch test beforehand.

Is Niacinamide good for oily skin?

Absolutely. Niacinamide blots excess shine and keeps the sebaceous glands in check. Moreover, the ingredient grants a matte effect on your skin—for that dreamy base.

Is Niacinamide good for dry skin?

Niacinamide works wonders on dry skin and its related concerns. The skincare acid forms a protective barrier on the dermis, preventing TEWL or transepidermal water loss. Additionally, it strengthens the barrier to minimise flare-up episodes.

Does Niacinamide help with acne?

Niacinamide plays a pivotal role in acne prevention and control. It prevents clogged pores, keeping breakouts at bay. But that’s not all. The active ingredient’s inflammatory properties help soothe redness and swelling effectively.

How And When To Use Niacinamide Serum?

To make the most of Niacinamide in your routine, here are some pointers you should bear in mind:

1. Concentration of serum: If you’re new to Niacinamide, start with a 5% serum concentration. This allows your skin to get accustomed to the active and minimise flare ups (if any). For long-time users or folks with severe concerns, we recommend opting for a 12% Niacinamide Serum.
2. Layering: Before you whip out your Niacinamide Serum, use a gentle face wash to remove dead cells, impurities, and oils from your pores. This ensures better absorption of the active and, therefore, better efficacy.
3. Ideal frequency: Beginners should start by using Niacinamide 2-3x in their weekly skincare rotation. If your skin responds well to the treatment, you can amp up this frequency by using it once daily.
4. Patch test: While Niacinamide is mostly safe, we recommend conducting a patch test beforehand. Keep a close watch for inexplicable flare-ups or inflammation.

Can You Use Niacinamide With Other Active Ingredients?

The simple answer is yes. Niacinamide pairs exceptionally with most skincare acids. Keep reading to learn more:

1. Can I use Niacinamide with Hyaluronic Acid?

Absolutely! Hero humectant Hyaluronic Acid binds moisture molecules to the skin, improving hydration. Niacinamide doubles down on these efforts by limiting TEWL or tranepidermal water loss.

2. Can we use Niacinamide with Salicylic Acid?

Niacinamide and Salicylic Acid form a powerful duo for oily and acne-prone skin. The two actives cut shine, regulate sebum, prevent clogged pores, improve texture, flatten acne bumps, and soothe inflammation. For best results, apply a few drops of Salicylic Acid, allow it to infuse into your skin, and follow up with Niacinamide.

3. Can we use Niacinamide and Vitamin C together?

Definitely. Vitamin C and Niacinamide inhibit melanin and its distribution across skin cells, combating pigmentation. Additionally, the two actives support enhanced Collagen production for younger-looking, smooth skin. Apply Vitamin C, allow it to sit for 2 minutes, and follow up with Niacinamide to help keep flare-ups at bay.

4. Can I use Niacinamide and Retinol?

Yes. Retinol is highly reactive, often leading to potential flare-ups. Applying a layer of Niacinamide before Retinol helps offset this problem.

Does Niacinamide Help With Acne, Scars, And Brightening?

Yes, niacinamide tackles all of the above concerns in the following manner -

1. It removes excess shine, regulates sebum production, and prevents clogged pores, keeping acne at bay. Moreover, topical application of Niacinamide soothes inflammation and redness.
2. By stimulating collagen production, Niacinamide serum helps fill acne scars and depressions over time.
3. Niacinamide curbs melanin distribution across skin cells to fade dark spots and pigmentation. The results? A clearer, more radiant skin tone.

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Answering The Most Frequently Asked Questions About Niacinamide

1. Does Niacinamide purge the skin?

For the unaware, purging is your skin’s temporary reaction to new products like Retinol, AHAs, and BHAs. The phase is characterised by random breakouts, occurring due to expedited cellular renewal. While extremely common, purging can be irksome for some users. Luckily, Niacinamide rarely causes any purging episodes.

2. Is it safe for sensitive skin?

Niacinamide serum ensures sustained hydration, boosts barrier health, and alleviates inflammation, making it safe for sensitive skin.

3. Can I use Niacinamide every day?

Yes, Niacinamide is safe for everyday use.

4. Is it better to use Niacinamide in AM or PM routine?

Niacinamide works well in both your AM/PM routine. Use it in your AM routine for

1. Protection against free radicals
2. Reduced oil production
3. Refined complexion
4. Brightened, even skin
5. Long-lasting hydration

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Use Niacinamide in your PM routine for

1. Skin repair and rejuvenation
2. Age reversing
3. Barrier strengthening
4. Improved hydration

The versatility of Niacinamide is undeniable. It ensures sustained hydration, controls oil production, soothes inflammation, fades pigmentation, and much more. To make the most of
Niacinamide, introduce the active into your weekly skincare routine only after patch testing. Once your skin gets accustomed to the powerhouse, use it in your daily routine for best results.

Credits: freepik

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