Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3 that is found in many foods, supplements, and skincare products. It has several benefits for the skin, including treating conditions like acne and eczema. Here are some details about niacinamide for eczema:
Positive:
- Niacinamide can help your skin grow a ceramide (lipid) barrier, which can help retain moisture. This is beneficial for all skin types, especially if you have eczema or mature skin.
- Niacinamide reduces inflammation, which may help ease redness from eczema, acne, and other inflammatory skin conditions.
- Applying cream containing 2% niacinamide decreases water loss and improves hydration, and reduces redness and scaling, in people with eczema.
Negative:
- There are no known negative effects of using niacinamide for eczema.
Ingredients or materials:
- Niacinamide is the main ingredient in products that contain it.
- Some products may also contain other active ingredients, such as copper, folic acid, glycolic acid, hyaluronic acid, or retinol, which can be paired with niacinamide for optimal results.
Its important to note that niacinamide concentration can vary across products, though most formulations are 5 percent or less. Some reports suggest 5 percent formulas are effective in treating hyperpigmentation and damage related to sun exposure. If you have sensitive skin, you may want to start with a lower concentration. Formulas with 2 percent niacinamide may help ease symptoms of eczema and similar conditions. Its always a good idea to read each product label carefully and follow all instructions for use.
