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If you are wondering what Niacinamide uses and side effects are, then you are in luck!
The benefits of niacinamide for the skin are plenty, which makes me wonder why it doesn’t get as hyped as retinol and vitamin c. Regardless, niacinamide is wonderful with promising anti-aging ingredients that everyone should be using.
You can get niacin (vitamin B3) from diets such as fish, meat, eggs, green vegetables, milk, and nuts. The nutritional benefits of vitamin B3 have long been established but the skincare benefits are a recent discovery.
Niacin has two forms which are niacinamide and nicotinic acid. The use of nicotinic acid for the skin is limited because it makes the skin flush which is an unpleasant side effect. Unlike nicotinic acid, niacinamide does not cause skin flushing and it is very well tolerated in all skin types.
This post will give what niacinamide is, the uses of niacinamide for the skin, the side effects of Niacinamide, and the best niacinamide serums for your skin.
What Is Niacinamide?
Niacinamide is a form of niacin (Vitamin B3) that has been scientifically proven to have skincare benefits. It is water-soluble with a PH of 6.0-7.5. This neutral PH makes niacinamide very well tolerated and safe when applied topically.
Niacinamide is a precursor to important cofactors niacinamide adenosine dinucleotide and its phosphate derivative (NAD) and (NADP). These cofactors and their reduced form play an important role in the benefits of niacinamide for the skin.
Niacinamide Uses/Benefits On Skin
1. Treatment For Acne
Concerning the treatment of acne, there was a double-blinded study that compared the use of niacinamide to clindamycin. Clindamycin is a known standard treatment for mild to severe acne.
The result of the study showed that individuals who used 4% niacinamide gel had an equal amount of improvement in their acne to people who used 1% clindamycin for 8 weeks. This study was really interesting because clindamycin is a known standard antibiotic to treat acne.
On the plus side, one of the benefits of niacinamide is that it is non-irritating and is safe to apply topically.
2. Fades Hyperpigmentation
Niacinamide has been shown to inhibit the transfer from the pigment-producing cells (melanocytes) to skin cells (keratinocytes). This process helps to fade away hyperpigmentation caused by acne scars or melasma resulting in skin brightening.
There was a study from the dermatology research and practice where 27 patients with melasma applied 4% niacinamide on one side of their face and 4% hydroquinone on the other for 8 weeks. The result of the study showed improvement on both sides of the face.
The good thing about this study was that the side of the face with niacinamide was less irritated compared to the side with hydroquinone.
3. Reduce Excess Oil Production
Niacinamide has been shown to reduce facial sebum production that makes the skin greasy and oily.
A study was carried out where a group of people with oily skin applied 2% niacinamide moisturizer on the face while the other group used just any moisturizer without niacinamide for 4 weeks. The niacinamide group showed a significantly lower amount of facial sebum after 4 weeks of application.
4. Reduce Pore Size
The ability of niacinamide to reduce facial sebum production also contributes to the reduction of pore size and improved skin texture.
5. Improves Dry Skin
If you read my previous post about dry skin, you will know dry skin is mostly caused by increased transepidermal water loss leading to a decrease in ceramides and other moisturizing factors found in the skin.
It has been shown that moisturizers containing niacinamide when applied twice a daily significantly improve the skin’s hydration and also decrease water loss resulting in an improved skin barrier.
6. Reduce The Appearance Of Fine Lines And Wrinkles
The application of niacinamide has been shown to increase collagen synthesis in the skin. Its ability to penetrate the skin stimulates collagen and epidermal proteins to reverse the signs of aging.
This study examined 50 females with clinical signs of aging. They were told to apply 5% niacinamide on one half of the face and the other half with any moisturizer without niacinamide. The results showed that the side with niacinamide significantly improved the signs of aging while the other side of the face showed no improvement.
7. Improves Rosacea Redness
Rosacea is a very sensitive skin condition that even the most benign ingredient may cause flare-ups. But with niacinamide, there is good news.
Studies have shown that niacinamide applied topically to rosacea patients can significantly improve the persistent redness of rosacea as well as reduce flare-ups. Niacinamide is well-tolerated and gentle that can be used for people with rosacea.
8. UV Protection
Niacinamide also decreases UV radiation damage to the skin. It has been shown that topically applied niacinamide decreases the number of free radicals generated when the skin is exposed to ultraviolet radiation. These free radicals generate inflammatory reactive oxygen species that damage collagen in the skin.
Niacinamide moisturizers, however, should not be used as a substitute for sun protection but they can help boost your sunscreens and protect you further.
9. Yellow Skin
Yellowing of the skin usually occurs as aging progresses. It is caused by the reaction between sugar and proteins in the skin which ends up breaking down collagen.
The antioxidant effect of niacinamide inhibits oxidation caused sugar glycation to improve skin appearance.
10. Improves Skin Elasticity
Niacinamide’s ability to increase collagen production and inhibits glycation helps increase the skin’s elasticity and improves the skin’s structure.
Side Effects Of Niacinamide
Niacinamide is safe, stable and has a neutral PH so it is well tolerated and there have been no records of side effects. But I have seen lots of complaints about how niacinamide causes people’s skin to burn, sting, or even break out.
This is interesting because the studies carried out with melasma patients showed some stinging which was mild. According to the study, the patients continued to use niacinamide and their skin got used to it.
So in my opinion, if you are using niacinamide for the first time, I suggest you start slowly. Apply one drop of niacinamide or mix with your favourite moisturizer and allow your skin to get used to it.
Best niacinamide serums to try
1. Paula’s Choice Niacinamide serum 10% Booster
Paula’s Choice Niacinamide contains a high dose of niacinamide. It is technically a booster which means you can add this to your moisturizer or use it alone. Its watery weightless consistency makes it even better for those with oily skin. It also contains Vitamin C to brighten the skin.
2. The Ordinary 10% Niacinamide serum
The Ordinary contains a high amount of niacinamide and it is still affordable. It also contains zinc which makes it perfect for those with acne or oily skin. Zinc has anti-inflammatory properties to reduce redness and calm the skin.
3. InstaNatural Niacinamide 5% Serum
InstaNatural contains hyaluronic acid and niacinamide making it a great anti-wrinkle agent. It is lightweight and also contains vitamin E to boost collagen and improve skin elasticity.
4. Skinceuticals Discoloration Defense
This product is called discolouration defence for a reason. It contains 5% Niacinamide, 3% tranexamic acid; a precursor to hydroquinone, and 1% kojic acid. This trio helps in combating hyperpigmentation and even out skin tone.
5. PCA skin vitamin b3 Niacinamide serum
PCA contains 6% niacinamide and it helps improve the skin’s barrier to prevent trans epidermal water loss. It also contains peptides and green tea extract to fight dark spots and even out skin tone.
6. Murad Revitalixir Recovery Serum
This serum is perfect to reduce any stress-related look. From the bottle, you would notice the spheres it comes in. This means the active ingredient is separated until you apply it which makes the serum very potent. It contains niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, caffeine, and cannabis to help rejuvenate and relax the skin.
7. CosRx BHA blackhead power liquid
This K-beauty product is unique and one of a kind. It contains niacinamide and natural BHA to even out skin tone. Although it says blackheads, this product can treat acne, dullness, hyperpigmentation, and even out skin tone.
8. CeraVe facial moisturizing lotion
This moisturizer is just amazing!. It is lightweight and includes ceramides, and niacinamide to hydrate the skin. If you have dry and dull skin, this is a moisturizer to go for.
9. La Roche-Posay double repair moisturizer
This product is great if you have sensitive skin. It contains a high amount of niacinamide and ceramides to improve the skin barrier and make your skin resistant to environmental toxins. It helps soothe and hydrate the skin.
10. Obagi Daily hydro drops facial serum
Obagi is formulated with innovative moisture formula to deliver niacinamide into the skin in its purest form. This helps to increase ceramides and other skin moisturizing factors to keep the skin hydrated and soften fine lines and wrinkles.
Conclusion
Niacinamide is a wonderful active ingredient that is safe for all skin types. I hope you enjoyed what niacinamide is, the uses of niacinamide for the skin, side effects of niacinamide, and the best niacinamide serums from this post.
Thank you so much for reading and please share with your family and friends. Have you started using Niacinamide yet? Let me down in the comment below
Spa photo created by freepik – www.freepik.com
Good post and very informative. I learned a lot about niacinamide by reading this post. Thank you for sharing.
That’s great, thanks for reading 💜
I have been using The Ordinary’s niacinamide serum for the past few months and I instantly noticed such a huge difference in my skin – and now I won’t ever go without it!!
Roni | myelevatedexistence.com
The Ordinary Niacinamide is amazing, I love the fact that it is affordable too.
I’ve never heard of this before! Since it is supposed to help with rosacea then I might go ahead and try it. Some of them do seem pretty affordable! Thank you for this post. :]
I could have included it in my post about Rosacea but I learn as the days goes by. It’s amazing how this ingredient is gentle even for rosacea. And yeah, it’s worth the try
Hey you’re fine! I would rather you learn about it then talk about it 🙂
This was very informative! I didn’t know most of this stuff, but now I’m wondering how I went this long without knowing. It seems like something important to know about my skin. Thanks so much for sharing this!
I haven’t ever heard of Nicinamide before so I learned so much from reading this post. Thanks for sharing it!
It’s a wonderful ingredient isn’t it? Thank you so much for reading
Such a well researched I haven’t heard of Nicinamide before but this was really informative. Thanks for sharing!
I’ve never heard of this before. Sounds like it could be really good for some sun issues that I have.
You should try it out.
I am loving the sound of these serums! I have skin that could use some pore tightening and a little help getting old scars to fade, so Nicinamide is something I wish I had heard of sooner. I think I would give the Power Liquid a whirl. 🙂
Yeah you should really give it a go, it’s an amazing ingredient
Ooooh! I didn’t know niacin is also referred to as vitamin B3. It is great that we can get it from everyday foods, big plus that it is so good for us too!! I need to give this serum a try. Thanks for sharing!
Nancy ✨ exquisitely.me
I’ve never heard of this, very interesting, looks like it has some really beneficial uses!
This is such an informative and helpful post. Thank you for sharing some suggestions also. I will have to research more about this. Thank you for sharing.
Lauren | http://www.bournemouthgirl.com
I’ve never heard of this, so I’ll have to look into it more. Interesting! I’ve been eating more nuts and leafy greens, but maybe I need to be doing more.
It is an interesting ingredient… I’m glad you know about it now 💜
Oh wow, I’ll be honest – I have never heard of niacinamide serums before and was totally unaware that it would carry so many great benefits. I wouldn’t be surprised to see this start to gain attention and notoriety as people like you are talking about it more and highlighting this valuable information. Thank you!
The funny thing is this ingredient has been around for a while, it’s just not as popular as retinol and vitamin c so I guess that’s why lots of people don’t know about it. I’m glad you learnt about it today. Thank you so much for reading 💜
This sounds like a great ingredient to serums. I have never heard of it before, but it sounds like it has lots of benefits. I will have to check out some skin care with it in.
Thanks for sharing…I always learn something new on your blog!
Aimsy oxox
Aimsy’s Antics
I’ve never heard of niacinamide serums. But this sounds awesome. Looks like I should give it a try!
Oh wow, this sounds like it works wonders. I’ll be honest, I’ve never heard of it until now, which is surprising since it seems to have a lot of benefits. I know you said it’s not as popular as retinol and vitamin c but maybe that will change now – always love learning new things on your blog! It’s amazing, thanks!
Great, informative post. I definitely need to check some of these products out.
Very informative and well written post. I learned a lot from reading this. I never knew what niacinamide was, thanks for sharing! 😊
I’ve honestly never heard about niacinamide but from what youve said it sounds dreamy! I’ve been looking for something that would reduce some of my hyperpigmentation and this looks perfect!! My flatmate swears by the cerave moisturizer and maybe this is why! Thanks for the info and making me aware of this.
A great read! Your posts are always so informative!
Amber – The Unpredicted page
Thank you 💜
I love niacinamide in products, and I actually have it in both a serum and my cleanser! It really does help to clear my skin.
Love, Amie ❤
The Curvaceous Vegan
Ooh I really want to try this! Great post, very informative:)
You should 💜. Thank you for reading
I totally want to try a niacinamide serum and see how my skin likes it, I haven’t heard of it before! Thanks for sharing the list of the best ones to buy 🙂
Anika | chaptersofmay.com
I don’t think I’ve ever tried a niacinamide serum before – tbh I had no idea there were so many benefits! I use a Vitamin C serum with hyaluronic acid, which I love, but when that runs out I might give The Ordinary one a try, especially as it has zinc which would be good for my slightly sensitive cheeks. Such an interesting article, thank you for sharing this 🙂 Lisa
I’m not sure if I can pronounce these serums properly, but their benefits sound amazing! Thanks for sharing!
Such a great post ! Niacinamide and other face oils and serums have been all the rage right now & I love that people are hopping on ! It’s so beneficial to the skin !
Great post. You always teach me something I didn’t know before, thank you🥰🥰🥰
I’ve only ever tried the Niacinamide from The Ordinary and my skin reacted horribly to it but I’ve since learnt that my skin reacts badly to all products from The Ordinary so maybe I should try another version, it has so many great properties. I’d like to be able to find one that my skin likes! x
Sophie
I learned a lot from this article. Thanks for sharing it!
I did not expect the UV protection part! I will definitely have to check it out. I’ve let my skin care routine slide in quarantine and really need to get back on it.
That The Ordinary Niacinamide is a great product. I ran out and need to order a new one. I always applied in the morning. Is that the right way?
Yes, it’s perfectly okay to apply it in the morning
I didn’t know anything about niacinamide before reading this article, but it sounds like a great serum. Going to buy it from The Ordinary as I already love their products. Thanks for all this information!
Great… it’s an amazing ingredient. Thanks for reading 💜
Great post! Thank you for sharing! I had no idea about the benefits of niacinamide but I’m definitely going to get a serum of it now!
This is such an interesting and informative post. I’d never heard of niacinamide before.