Niacinamide for skin: benefits and uses

This beginner’s guide to niacinamide — a form of vitamin B3 — can help make the most of its soothing, moisturizing properties.

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Niacinamide isn’t the newest kid on the skin care block. But while it’s lacking some of the buzz surrounding other, newer active ingredients, it may be worth adding to a skin care routine. That’s because niacinamide offers many benefits for skin — and, even better, it may provide these largely without the irritation that can be associated with other competing treatments.¹

There are many options to choose from because niacinamide is available in a wide variety of over-the-counter skin care products. Here, dermatologists share useful tips about this versatile assistant to skin.

What is niacinamide?

Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3, also known as niacin. Niacin is an essential nutrient that the body relies on to turn food into energy, playing a key role in keeping the digestive and nervous systems healthy, along with the skin.² It’s found in foods such as meat, fish, dairy products and green veggies, as well as in oral supplements, says Geeta Yadav, MD, a dermatologist and founder of FACET Dermatology in Toronto, Ontario.³

How niacinamide may benefit skin

Helps reduce inflammation

Niacinamide is an exemplary multitasker. One of its most notable benefits is the ability to reduce inflammation, making it an excellent pick for those with conditions such as acne, says Dr. Yadav.⁴

Helps protect skin health

It’s also a potent antioxidant: “It can help protect against free radical damage — most commonly the result of UV exposure — that can affect skin health,” Dr. Yadav adds.⁵ (Free radicals are unstable molecules generated by external factors, such as sunlight and pollution, that actively damage the skin.)

Helps smooth skin and enhance collagen production

Another potential benefit of niacinamide is its ability to help balance oil production, reducing the visibility of pores. It may also smooth fine lines and make skin appear firmer and more supple,⁶ says Dr. Yadav. Magic? No. Credit the fact that it helps stimulate the production of collagen⁷, the fibers in skin that keep it firm and smooth.

Helps skin retain moisture

But wait, there’s more! By improving skin barrier function, niacinamide helps the skin retain moisture, says Jeremy Fenton, MD, a dermatologist and medical director at Schweiger Dermatology Group in New York, who adds that it can also reduce dark spots and hyperpigmentation⁸ (dark patches or areas of the skin).⁹

How to use niacinamide

Few products offer the same well-rounded efficacy of niacinamide without the same potential for irksome side effects. “Niacinamide can be used by all skin types,” says Dr. Yadav. “It’s an effective, nonirritating alternative to ingredients that offer similar benefits but can sensitize the skin.” In fact, since it’s an anti-inflammatory, it’s not only well tolerated by those with sensitive skin or conditions such as acne, eczema and rosacea, but it’s actually beneficial for these conditions, Dr. Fenton says. Make sure to follow the directions located on the packaging of the chosen product.

Niacinamide products

According to Dr. Fenton, niacinamide works well combined with many other skin care ingredients. One caveat: The combination of vitamin C and niacinamide can potentially be irritating for those prone to sensitivity. “They both can help reduce hyperpigmentation individually but may cause irritation when used together on sensitive skin,” notes Dr. Yadav. If someone wants to play it safe, they can apply the vitamin C first, wait a few minutes and then use the niacinamide product.¹⁰

Sunscreen with niacinamide

Niacinamide may be included in sunscreen to further help protect skin from UV damage.¹¹ The La Roche-Posay Toleriane double repair face moisturizer with SPF 30 and niacinamide relies on niacinamide precisely for that reason.

Niacinamide serum

Dr. Yadav advises looking for niacinamide in a serum form, since it will provide the most concentrated amount of the ingredient. One product to consider: Vichy LiftActiv B3 dark spot corrector.

Niacinamide cleanser

If a person is prone to breakouts, they can seek out niacinamide in a skin-clearing product. The CeraVe renewing salicylic acid face cleanser combines niacinamide and salicylic acid to help tamp down excess oil while softening and smoothing out rough skin.

Niacinamide moisturizer

Niacinamide can be used twice a day — in the morning and in the evening. Consider the La Roche-Posay Toleriane double repair matte face moisturizer, a lightweight, oil-free formula that works for oily and combination skin types.

This content is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Consult your health care provider before taking any vitamins or supplements, and prior to beginning or changing any health care practices.