How Nice Is Niacinamide For Your Skin? | Lesser Known Skin Benefits of Niacinamide

Nicotinamide is another name for Niacinamide, which is a very happening nutrient and a form of vitamin B-3 that has numerous benefits to its claim. Deficiency of vitamin B-3 causes problems with brain, kidneys and skin and using niacinamide helps in prevention of B-3 deficiency.

When it comes to general skin health, niacinamide is an unsung hero; however, there are more studies required regarding the benefits of topical niacinamide for skin conditions, such as eczema and acne.⁽⁵⁾

In this article we will discuss about some popular skin benefits about Niacinamide

The confusion between these two could be largely because of the similarities in their names; however, niacinamide and niacin are two different forms of B-3 vitamin.⁽²⁾ However, when someone takes niacin supplements, the human body can make niacinamide from it.⁽²⁾ This can occur if there is an excessive quantity of niacin present in the body. The body can also convert tryptophan into niacinamide.

Niacinamide benefits the skin by helping in building the proteins in the skin and also traps the moisture within the skin, which helps in preventing environmental damage to the skin. Other skin benefits of niacinamide are:

Niacinamide Strengthens the Lipid Barrier:⁽²⁾ Niacinamide helps the skin in production of a lipid (ceramide) barrier, which helps in retaining moisture in the skin and makes it healthy. This particular characteristic of niacinamide benefits all skin types, but more so mature skin or eczematous skin.

Niacinamide Builds the Skin’s Immunity: Another benefit of niacinamide pertaining to the skin is manufacturing of keratin, which is a form of protein which helps in keeping the skin healthy as well as firm.⁽²⁾

Benefits of Niacinamide in Alleviating Skin Blotchiness and Redness:^{(2, 3)} Another benefit of niacinamide is relieving inflammation, which in turn will cut down on the redness resulting from acne, eczema and many such inflammatory skin problems.

Minimize Pore Appearance with Niacinamide:⁽³⁾ Niacinamide helps in keeping the skin moisturized and smooth and this in turn leads to a reduction in pore size over a period of time.

Protects Your Skin from Sun Damage: Niacinamide not only help in production of healthy skin cells, but also protects the skin damage from the ultraviolet rays of the sun.

Helps with Oil Regulation: Niacinamide helps manage and regulate the oil production from the sebaceous glands and also prevents in excessive production from these glands.

Reduce Hyperpigmentation with Niacinamide:^{(2, 3, 4)} According to some studies, niacinamide used in 5% concentrations is beneficial in reduction of hyperpigmentation and dark spots. The results of this benefit of niacinamide were observed after about four weeks and this is thought to occur from increase in collagen production from this nutrient.

Reduction in Wrinkles and Fine Lines:^{(2, 3)} According to studies, 5% niacinamide also helps in minimizing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.

Banish Acne with Niacinamide: This nutrient is also beneficial in treating inflammatory acne, such as pustules and papules. With consistent use, your skin will break out less and the texture of the skin will also improve.

Niacinamide Protects the Skin from Oxidative Stress:^{(6, 7)} As mentioned before, niacinamide helps in production of new skin cells and also protects the skin from environmental stressors that include pollution, sunlight and toxins.

It is important to consume a balanced diet, not only for healthy skin, but also for overall health. Supplements should only be taken in case of any deficiency and only under doctor’s advice.

The benefits of the niacinamide can also be obtained from certain foods that contain vitamin B-3, such as: Milk, fish, beans, green veggies, cereals and eggs.^{(8, 9)}

However, the only way you can be assured of that your skin is getting all the benefits of niacinamide is when you use it topically.

Niacinamide is commonly available in the form of serums. Other than the regular cleansers, toners, and moisturizers; serums are like extra treatment in concentrated form to treat various skin problems. Ideally, niacinamide serum or any serum for that matter should be used on the skin after toning and before moisturizing.

There are some creams, face masks and cleansers that have niacinamide in them. Always read and follow the instructions on the product before using them.

The concentration of Niacinamide varies and should be used according to the skin concern. According to experts niacinamide in 5% concentration is effective in treating many skin concerns. People with sensitive skin should do a patch test and start with a lesser concentration of niacinamide.

Niacinamide can be used with some of the active ingredients for better results; however, caution should be exercised. Some studies have shown that supplemental niacinamide works well with zinc, folic acid and copper for treating acne.

Niacinamide serum when paired with hyaluronic acid also gives more benefit to the skin, as the latter ingredient helps with hydration and product absorption.^{(10, 11)}

Barring for some, topical niacinamide for the most part is safe to use. Individuals suffering from preexisting allergies or sensitive skin are more susceptible to suffer from any side effect, such as an allergic reaction. The reason for this is niacinamide can cause the release of histamine in the body and cause a reaction to occur. This can be easily avoided by doing a patch test before using niacinamide.⁽¹²⁾

Take a dime-sized product, in this case niacinamide, and apply it on your forearm. Wait for 24 hours and see if you experience any swelling, itching, redness or any such allergic reaction.⁽¹²⁾ If this occurs, then wash the area immediately and do not use that product. If after 24 hours, the area of the patch test is fine, then it is safe to use niacinamide topically.

It will take some weeks (4 to 6) to see significant results, not only from niacinamide, but from any other skin care ingredient as well. There is no concrete timeline for results of niacinamide to be seen on the skin. With consistent use, improvement in the skin can be observed and you will see your skin getting and feeling hydrated, smoother and more even toned.

If there is absolutely no change, even after using for a couple of months, then it may be time to seek professional help with your skin concern. Your dermatologist will assess your skin type, your skin care routine and recommend/prescribe the needed products for your skin and any dietary changes required to improve the health of your skin.

Niacinamide when used topically and consistently can give you great results and improvement in your skin health. As mentioned in this article, Niacinamide is like protein shake for building your skin’s health and it does this by brightening and smoothening your skin, treating hyperpigmentation and reducing any inflammation.

It is important to stick with your skin care routine and be patient, as it can take many weeks to see any noticeable benefits in the skin. Niacinamide supplements should only be taken upon your doctor’s advice, such as in case of any problem with deficiency of vitamin B-3.

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