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How to Use Niacinamide in Your Skincare Routine
Active skincare ingredients abound that lend themselves only to particular skin types and concerns. Consider salicylic acid, for instance, which best works in banishing blemishes and oiliness. Other active skincare is hyaluronic acid, which helps with hydration. Niacinamide, however, is one of those more versatile ingredients found in most skincare formulas.
According to board-certified dermatologist Dr. Marisa Garshick, niacinamide can reduce the appearance of redness, brighten skin, support the moisture barrier and regulate sebum production among many other benefits. Below, learn more about what niacinamide is, how to use the ingredient and our editors’ go-to niacinamide serums.
What Is Niacinamide?
Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3, says Dr. Garshick. “It can be utilized as an active on its own in some products, or in combination with other ingredients to help soothe the skin and increase tolerability.” Take the Youth To The People Retinal + Niacinamide Youth Serum. In that formula, retinaldehyde-the most potent form of retinoid you can get OTC-is paired with barrier-reinforcing ingredients like niacinamide and ceramides.
Skincare Benefits of Niacinamide
Because niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3, it acts similarly to an antioxidant to help neutralize free radical damage and protect your skin from environmental stressors. The ingredient also boasts brightening benefits, which will have your skin tone looking more even. “Niacinamide can help with hyperpigmentation by impeding the transfer of pigment molecules to the skin cells,” board-certified dermatologist Dr. Carmen Castilla previously told Skincare.com.
Niacinamide also goes a notch higher for people with oily skin. For those people who have oily skin and are prone to acne, it helps in regulating sebum production, hence reducing breakouts, Dr. Castilla added. “The regulation of sebum production can also theoretically help minimize pores.
That doesn’t mean that those with dry skin should skip out on niacinamide, though. “Compared to benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid or retinoids, topical niacinamide is less irritating,” board-certified dermatologist Dr. Hadley King told Skincare.com. “This makes niacinamide an excellent choice for sensitive or dry skin.” Not only that, but it helps to soothe redness and support the skin’s moisture barrier.
How to Use Niacinamide in Your Skincare Routine
You can most commonly find niacinamide within moisturizers and serums. Those with drier skin can seek out niacinamide products that also include more soothing, hydrating ingredients such as ceramides and hyaluronic acid. Those whose skin is on the oilier side may seek out niacinamide products that also incorporate breakout- and sebum-minimizing active ingredients, such as AHAs and BHAs. For dark spots and hyperpigmentation, look for products that combine niacinamide with other antioxidants, such as vitamin C and ferulic acid. A board-certified dermatologist can consider your individual skin and help determine the best way to incorporate the ingredient into your skin-care routine. When to Use Niacinamide in Your Skin-Care Routine
Depending on the product you choose, you can wear niacinamide in the morning or at night. Follow the packaging instructions for every skin care product, and always consult a board-certified dermatologist with questions concerning incorporating any new products into your regimen.
The Best Niacinamide Serums
Kiehl’s Ultra Pure High-Potency 5% Niacinamide Serum
This is a 5% niacinamide serum with only 10 ingredients inside the formula, and for this reason, it is very gentle yet efficient for all skin types, even sensitive skin. It works primarily on redness and oil production, leaving you with less shiny skin and even skin tone.