3 Reasons You Should Be Using Niacinamide for Skin

Everyone seems to be talking about niacinamide — and for good reason. It’s a powerful ingredient derived from vitamin B3 (a necessary antioxidant for the body) with amazing benefits in reducing visible signs of skin aging, hyperpigmentation, and other skin concerns, according to the National Center for Biotechnology Information. If you’re still questioning whether or not using niacinamide for skin is a good idea, allow this to serve as the final confirmation you’ll need to add the skin-loving ingredient. 

Here, get the full scoop on topical niacinamide for skin with research-backed benefits and insight from Michelle Henry, MD FAAD, board-certified dermatologist and L’Oréal Paris consultant. Also, discover the affordable drugstore favorites (aka niacinamide serum and niacinamide moisturizer) that you'll want to add to your routine.  

What Are the Benefits of Using Niacinamide for Skin

“[Niacinamide] has so many benefits that you really can incorporate it at any time,” says Dr. Henry, who personally uses the ingredient via topical skin care products. Some of the most common beauty concerns are the appearance of hyperpigmentation, acne or acne scars and visible signs of aging. Below, learn more about how niacinamide benefits your skin by targeting these skin care concerns.

Niacinamide Helps Reduce the Appearance of Hyperpigmentation 

Over-the-counter products that include vitamin B3 have been proven effective — per the NCBI — when it comes to repairing skin as well as skin brightening and reducing the appearance of hyperpigmentation on the face. This is because niacinamide has anti-inflammatory properties that can contribute to this benefit. 

Dark spots can happen to anyone and are described as any patch of darkened skin that may occur from too much sun exposure (aka sun spots) or from picking at pimples (post-acne marks and hyperpigmentation) along with other causes. Niacinamide has been studied by the NCBI as a proven ingredient in minimizing hyperpigmentation and reducing dark spots. 

Dr. Henry recommends using a concentrated niacinamide serum to target dark spots and pigmentation concerns. Our pick is the L’Oréal Paris Bright Reveal 12% [Niacinamide + Amino Sulfonic + Ferulic Acid] Dark Spot Serum, which is formulated to visibly fade all types of dark spots, including the ones mentioned above. This serum is gentle enough for all skin types and can be used twice a day — in both your morning and nighttime skin care routines.

Niacinamide Helps to Reduce the Appearance of Wrinkles

Niacinamide is a useful ingredient that, when used topically, helps reduce the appearance of wrinkles by encapsulating water inside the skin. According to the NCBI, using niacinamide consistently helps smooth out tiny fine lines and creases on the face. In general, skin care ingredients are only as useful as how often they are used, so make sure you’re keeping up with your routine for the best skin possible. 

Target signs of aging with a nighttime face cream like the L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Pressed Night Moisturizer with Retinol + Niacinamide which offers a precise formulation of derm-recommended ingredients to soothe and lightly exfoliate skin. Retinol and niacinamide work together to reduce wrinkles, even skin tone and texture and brighten the complexion. 

This moisturizer is ideal for all skin types, especially those with sensitive skin that may be easily irritated by retinol with the inclusion of a soothing complex of ingredients that helps balance the potentially drying effect of retinol. Continue your anti-aging skin care routine by applying broad-spectrum sunscreen as the last step in your morning routine. Use the lightweight L’Oréal Paris Bright Reveal Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Daily UV Lotion, which protects your skin from the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays, without clogging pores. 

Niacinamide Helps to Prevent Acne

Acne is a skin concern that annually affects around 50 million people in the United States, according to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD). While exfoliating ingredients like salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide are popular to combat acne, niacinamide is another derm-backed ingredient that can help target blemishes with a gentle formulation. “If you have acneic skin, [niacinamide] may help with that. It may be a little bit mattifying,” confirms Dr. Henry

According to a study by the NCBI, niacinamide can help regulate the natural oil (sebum) that the skin produces, in turn reducing breakouts caused by excess oil. Its anti-inflammatory properties work to reduce the swelling associated with acne and, when applied topically, can also reduce the appearance of acne scars. 

Who Can Use Niacinamide for Skin?

Niacinamide is safe for those with sensitive or dry skin because it’s less irritating than other popular skin care ingredients — like salicylic acid and glycolic acid which offer similar benefits as niacinamide. However, some people have reported experiencing skin redness and discomfort when niacinamide is combined with other skin care ingredients. Dr. Henry says, that Some people can get a little bit of flushing with it, too But confirms this has less to do with the ingredients and more to do with formulation. 

That’s why you should leave the actual “skin care mixing” to the professionals and pick up a pre-balanced product like the ones mentioned above in order to limit irritation. As with any skin care ingredient, ease into using niacinamide as your skin gets acclimated to get the most benefits.

Next: What Is Niacinamide?

Photo Courtesy of L'Oréal Paris