Although retinol and vitamin C may receive more attention than ingredients like niacinamide, the unsung hero of skincare is deserving of equal praise. It is the epitome of a multitasker, providing a long list of advantages that make it a fantastic choice for a wide range of skin types and complexion issues. It’s not easy to incorporate it into your current skincare regimen, though. It is compatible with retinol and/or vitamin C. Is hyaluronic acid a factor? We asked experts to weigh in on the most important information about using niacinamide and to recommend their favorite products.
What is Niacinamide?
The most prevalent places to get niacinamide, a kind of vitamin B3, are in serums and moisturizers. By increasing ceramide formation, it helps to bolster the skin barrier and maintain moisture levels. This ingredient’s anti-inflammatory qualities also aid in calming skin conditions including rosacea and acne.
What Skin Benefits Does Niacinamide Have?
Be prepared to sit down because this is a long list. The best option for people with acne-prone skin is niacinamide. It lessens the production of sebum, which can help prevent acne and lessen shine. The vitamin is also well-known for its anti-inflammatory properties, which are helpful for treating eczema as well as conditions like acne.
According to both experts, niacinamide strengthens the skin barrier, which is a huge benefit for people with sensitive skin and eczema. It is also a good brightening ingredient that fights hyperpigmentation by preventing the transfer of pigment from the cells that produce pigment (melanocytes) to the skin cells that are visible for discoloration on the skin’s surface.
Not only that, but some evidence suggests that niacinamide can help prevent wrinkles and photoaging by ensuring cells function properly and assisting in the repair of DNA damage. It is a versatile ingredient that can accomplish a wide range of tasks.
When and How to Use?
You may take niacinamide both day and night.
It blends nicely with other compounds used in skincare, so it will go well with whatever else you use.
Niacinamide and acids are a skincare combination made in heaven. It improves the effects of other acids including glycolic, salicylic, and azelaic on skin issues like big pores, dark spots, and post-acne blemishes. In only a few days, results may be seen.
Niacinamide use throughout the day may also aid in preventing skin damage from the sun; intriguing data suggests that with SPF can make a great combination. Using a niacinamide booster beneath your sunscreen is an excellent approach to protect and restore your skin since studies have shown that niacinamide may stop the awful inflammation that UV radiation creates in the skin.
Can Niacinamide Be Used With Retinol?
Yes! In fact, dermatologists advise combining retinol and niacinamide to see results more quickly. The calming effects of niacinamide can also counteract the unpleasant side effects and irritability that frequently accompany retinol’s miraculous ability to reduce wrinkles.
What other ingredients does it mix well with?
In general, yes, which is why it’s present in a lot of skincare products and is relatively simple to incorporate into your current routine. Niacinamide is frequently combined with salicylic acid, a beta-hydroxy acid that is a mainstay in acne products, because of its benefits in combating acne. Niacinamide’s ability to absorb excess oil and salicylic acid’s capacity to dissolve it are combined to great effect to help keep pores clear and acne at bay.
It is a good choice to combine with alpha-hydroxy acids, chemical exfoliants that have the potential to irritate the skin, due to its anti-inflammatory and skin barrier-strengthening properties. Since the AHAs exfoliate the dead skin cells that might otherwise make it more difficult for the niacinamide to effectively penetrate, combining these also increases the effectiveness of the niacinamide. Finally, because both substances can help with dryness, niacinamide and hyaluronic acid are frequently combined.
The one component on which there is disagreement? C vitamin. Our experts disagreed on this issue. Niacinamide may become inactive due to vitamin C, so it is advised to wait 15 minutes before applying. There is disagreement on the subject, but according to her, for the two to interact negatively, they would need to be heated, and more and more products are combining the two in skin-brightening formulations. The bottom line: If you’re using a product that contains both niacinamide and vitamin C, it was probably made specifically to work with each other. Wait 15 minutes between applications if you’re using two different products with these ingredients, or save one for the morning and the other for the evening.
Should I Use Niacinamide?
Simply said, absolutely. It offers a long list of advantages, but it’s also one of the best because it’s generally well tolerated, even by people with sensitive skin. This makes it a good alternative for people whose skin might not be able to tolerate more common acne-fighting or skin-brightening ingredients, like retinoids or benzoyl peroxide.
Uncertain about where to begin? Here are six products that dermatologists recommend using.
Our 5 Favorite Niacinamide Products
1) The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
fighting off breakouts? Take advantage of this potent remedy. This potent formulation aids in reducing pores and controlling oiliness by concentrating on sebum production. If you have dark marks from previous pimples, it also has the added benefit of aiding in discoloration fading.
2) La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Moisturizer
This is an excellent moisturizer all-around that uses niacinamide to hydrate, fortify, and repair the skin. Given that it’s free of potentially irritating ingredients like synthetic fragrances and preservatives, it’s a particularly good choice for people with sensitive skin.
3) Paula’s Choice 10% Niacinamide Booster
The ideal way to incorporate niacinamide into your current skincare regimen is through this mix-in. The name says it all: This light booster also boasts a few other important ingredients in addition to a potent 10% concentration of niacinamide. Allantoin and licorice root, as well as vitamin C, are skin-soothing ingredients. Although you can also add a few drops to your preferred serum or moisturizer, the formula is extremely sheer and works great on its own.
Zinc and niacinamide in a 5 percent concentration make this a fantastic serum to help fight bacteria and acne. However, it’s a great option even if you don’t frequently get breakouts because it balances, smoothes, and hydrates the skin. Gonzalez adds that those who enjoy mixing and matching will appreciate its almost water-like texture, quick absorption without ever feeling tacky or sticky, and ability to layer well with other serums and moisturizers.
