Benefits of Niacinamide in Skincare

Niacinamide is easy to trust. This well-researched, tested, gentle, and effective ingredient has been a favorite for anyone with acne and oily skin. Here’s all you need to know about niacinamide benefits for skin.

Keynotes:

• Niacinamide (vitamin B3) is a gentle and powerful skincare active that’s suited to most skin types.
• Niacinamide benefits for skin include its anti-inflammatory, oil-regulating, and skin-brightening properties. It also strengthens the skin barrier and reduces signs of aging.
• It is easily added to any routine and works well with most products when used correctly.

Niacinamide (nicotinamide) is derived from niacin or vitamin B3. Your body takes niacinamide through a diet of meat, green leafy vegetables, wheat, oats, nuts, milk, fish, and more. A deficiency of niacinamide can leave you riddled with serious concerns like pellagra.

The benefits of niacinamide are also crucial for skincare, as they get the job done without causing irritation and other after effects, unlike exfoliants and retinoids. Niacinamide is believed to maintain balance in your skin, and topical niacinamide serum benefits people who face skin aging and hyperpigmentation, due to internal or external stressors.

• Anti-acne properties

  Niacinamide is largely used to counter inflammatory acne or acne vulgaris, due to its antibacterial properties. Studies have proven it to be as effective as antibiotics like clindamycin. A 2005 study demonstrated that 4% niacinamide reduced acne lesions and inflammation as effectively as 1% clindamycin.

• Controls Oiliness

  Excessive oil or sebum usually clogs pores, leading to bacterial growth and acne. This is where 2% to 5% niacinamide serum benefits your skin. The serum can effectively reduce sebum production, notably in Asian populations. If you have oily skin with an unbalanced T-zone, niacinamide is the skin active for you. Niacinamide benefits are more prominent for those with oily skin rather than those with dry skin.

• Minimizes Pore Appearance

  By regulating oil production and improving skin elasticity, niacinamide benefits help shrink the appearance of enlarged pores over time. It also helps you achieve an even skin tone and texture.

• Fights Hyperpigmentation

  Niacinamide is clinically proven to reduce hyperpigmentation and even out skin tone. Niacinamide benefits your skin by inhibiting the transfer of melanosomes. These are pigment-containing granules that carry color to the surface of your skin. By regulating this activity, niacinamide serum benefits help you achieve an even and radiant skin. While treating acne marks, 4% niacinamide is also known to treat stubborn hormonal hyperpigmentation like melasma.

• Strengthens the Skin Barrier

  Another crucial benefit of niacinamide is that it strengthens your skin barrier. This is especially useful for those with sensitive and dry skin types. Niacinamide is known to boost the production of barrier-forming ingredients like ceramides that help you prevent moisture loss and improve your skin’s resistance to external irritants.

• Antioxidant benefits

  Niacinamide has antioxidant benefits that help you prevent pigmentation and other skin concerns. Oxidative stress, caused by UV and lifestyle factors, can damage your skin cells. This is why antioxidants in skincare are crucial to treat and prevent pigmentation and fine lines that can be brought about by this stress.

• Anti-aging benefits

  Niacinamide serum benefits are just as relevant for aging skin, too. This skin active works by stimulating collagen, which gives your skin structural support, and elastin, which adds flexibility to your skin. These naturally found compounds begin to fade from your skin as you age, and niacinamide benefits help you stimulate these to counteract signs of aging skin.

Incorporating niacinamide into your routine is both simple and flexible, thanks to its high compatibility with other active ingredients. It can be used in the form of cleansers, gels, serums, creams, and is even infused in sunscreens. Niacinamide can also be layered with other skin actives like vitamin C and Thiamidol for an anti-acne + glow routine. Here’s a simple routine that helps you add niacinamide to your regimen.

• Step 1: Cleanse

Use a gentle, pH-balanced cleansing gel to remove any buildup, makeup, and other impurities.

• Step 2: Tone

A hydrating toner with lactic acid can prep the skin for better absorption of actives.

• Step 3: Apply Niacinamide Serum

Consult your dermatologist and look for niacinamide serum concentrations that suit your skin type. Lower concentrations (2–5%) are ideal for beginners or sensitive skin, while 10% is effective for oil control and pigmentation. Apply 2–3 drops on your skin and pat it in. Allow it to get absorbed completely.

• Step 4: Moisturiser

Seal in hydration with a moisturizer rich in humectants like hyaluronic acid.

• Step 5: SPF (AM routine only)

Always apply broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) in the morning, especially when treating pigmentation.

Pro Tip: Niacinamide generally pairs well with ingredients but always consult your dermatologist before mixing it with other skin actives. Avoid using it with harsh exfoliants that may make your skin more sensitive.

Niacinamide is a skin-favorite multitasker, offering benefits that help you tackle several skincare problems at once. Its high tolerance, even for sensitive skin, makes it a reliable option for both preventative care and targeted treatment. Whether you're battling acne, trying to fade dark spots, or simply want a smooth, more resilient complexion, niacinamide serum benefits for skin have you covered. Build a dependable skin regimen with niacinamide using gentle cleansers, toners, and day creams from Eucerin.

1. Can I use niacinamide every day?

   Yes, niacinamide benefits can be a part of your daily skin regimen. You can use it in the form of cleansers, topical serums, gels, moisturizers, and even sunscreens.

2. What does niacinamide do for acne?

   Niacinamide brings down inflammation, offers antibacterial properties, and regulates oil production to tackle acne. It is an ideal ingredient for oily skin types.

3. Can I use niacinamide with vitamin C?

   While both skin actives are often paired together and complement each other, it’s best to consult your dermatologist before layering on active ingredients.

4. Does niacinamide help with redness?

   Yes. Niacinamide has anti-inflammatory properties that help it regulate redness and swelling.

• Hakozaki, T., Minwalla, L., Zhuang, J., Chhoa, M., Matsubara, A., Miyamoto, K., & Hillebrand, G. G. (2002). The effect of niacinamide on reducing cutaneous pigmentation and suppression of melanosome transfer. British Journal of Dermatology, 147(1), 20–31.
• Draelos, Z. D. (2006). The efficacy of a stabilized nicotinamide and hyaluronic acid combination for skin rejuvenation. Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Therapy, 8(2), 96–101.
• Zaidel, L., Kaushik, M., Ramasamy, K., & Narayanasamy, A. (2021). Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) as a potential antioxidant for preventing skin aging: A narrative review. Antioxidants, 10(8), 1315.
• Alsamri, H., Almaqhawi, A., Ghramh, H. A., Alshahrani, M. Y., & Alfaifi, M. Y. (2024). Niacinamide’s antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties in skin health: A review of recent literature. Antioxidants, 13(4), 42