Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3 that can be taken as a supplement or applied topically to the skin. When used topically, niacinamide can have a positive impact on overall skin health. Some benefits of niacinamide for the skin include:
Positive:
- Helps build keratin, a type of protein that keeps skin firm and healthy.
- Helps retain moisture by growing a ceramide (lipid) barrier, which is beneficial for all skin types, especially if you have eczema or mature skin.
- Reduces inflammation, which may help ease redness from eczema, acne, and other inflammatory skin conditions.
- Minimizes pore appearance by keeping skin smooth and reducing inflammation.
- Can help brighten and smooth skin, and reverse and prevent signs of skin aging.
Negative:
- There are no known negative side effects of using niacinamide topically.
Niacinamide can be found in many skin care products, including serums, cleansers, moisturizers, and face masks. The concentration of niacinamide can vary across products, though most formulations are 5% or less. It is recommended to start slowly with a low concentration if you have sensitive skin. When using a niacinamide serum, it should be applied after toning but before moisturizing. To ensure that niacinamide is targeting your skin care concerns, it is important to use it topically.
