Niacinamide 101: Everything You Need To Know
Let's face it, Niacinamide is the skincare buzzword on everyone's lips right now. It's touted as a must-have ingredient for almost every skin concern, from aging to acne. But what's actually behind the hype? As a Derm PA and of course, a #skinthusiast, I'm here to give you my honest thoughts on Niacinamide. Before you consider going out and purchasing a separate Niacinamide serum (spoiler alert: I wouldn’t suggest doing this), let's break down exactly what Niacinamide is, who it's for, where you'll find it, and most importantly, if it’s worth the hype.
Understanding Niacinamide
I am sure a lot of you reading already have some understanding on what Niacinamide is, but I do want to go over the basics of Niacinamide briefly (just so there is no confusion). At its core, Niacinamide aids in repairing and restoring the skin. It improves the skin's barrier function, enhances texture, diminishes fine lines, and regulates oil production. Its role also extends to boosting collagen production and reducing hyperpigmentation. Basically, it’s a powerhouse, that is a multifaceted ingredient suitable for so many skin concerns (which is why I think people are absolutely loving it).
The Science Behind Niacinamide & The Benefits
Ok you probably already saw this section coming, but I just love adding a sprinkle of science into our skincare discussions. It's one thing to list off the benefits of a product or ingredient, but quite another to peel back the curtain and truly understand its inner workings.
Niacinamide, also seen as vitamin B3, wields its power by synergizing with the natural substances in your skin (essentially, Niacinamide boosts what your skin is already doing, making it more efficient at staying healthy). This interaction leads to a cascade of benefits: it bolsters skin elasticity, soothes redness, evens out skin tone by managing melanin production, and even minimizes the appearance of pores. Particularly for those battling oily or acne-prone skin, Niacinamide's ability to regulate oil production is a game-changer.
Who Should Consider Niacinamide
Virtually everyone can benefit from products that include niacinamide in their skincare regimen. Its gentle nature makes it suitable for pretty much all skin types, including sensitive skin (music to my ears). I will say though, I find that it's particularly beneficial for addressing concerns like environmental damage, skin aging, and moisture barrier repair.
With this, it is important to mention that while niacinamide is generally well-tolerated, a small percentage of people may experience sensitivity or allergic reactions. This could truly be due to a multitude of reasons (the dosage, how often you are using it, the type of niacinamide in the product you are using, etc.). I will go over this in the next section a little bit more, but one of the reasons I see patients experiencing irritation the most is they don’t realize how many of their products already contain Niacinamide. So it might be ok for them in small bits, but the overload is causing issues.
Incorporating Niacinamide into Your Routine
In honor of my last blog on How To Order Your Skincare, I think it’s worth mentioning how to incorporate Niacinamide into your skincare routine. I teased this early on, but there is a reason I love Niacinamide, but don’t necessarily suggest adding a Niacinamide serum into your regimen. It’s such a versatile and widely compatible ingredient, so it finds its way into an array of skincare products including serums, cleansers, moisturizers, and masks. I really want to emphasize this point, because too much of any good thing can still be too much. As you build out your skincare regimen, I highly consider you taking a peek at the ingredient list of your products. More than likely, you will see Niacinamide mentioned (at least once). This is why I often don’t think it’s necessary to add in a separate Niacinamide serum to your regimen. More is not always better, and especially not when it comes to skincare. I actually go over this point in a little more detail in my recent TikTok!
Synergistic Combinations
Let’s get back to why we love Niacinamide! I honestly believe one of its biggest strengths is its ability to play well with others. Contrary to popular myths, Niacinamide can be combined with vitamin C, HA, retinol, and AHAs/BHAs. These combinations can amplify benefits, especially in tackling signs of aging, pigmentation, and skin texture issues.
Is it Worth The Hype?
I think I probably gave away my answer to this by paragraph 2, but I think Niacinamide is absolutely worth the hype! I really do think there is a reason why so many brands are including Niacinamide in a number of their products. It’s incredibly beneficial to so many skin types and I love seeing it as an ingredient in my moisturizers and serums! I’m just cautious when choosing my regimen, that it’s only present in 1 (at most 2) of the products I’m using that day!
I am going to break down some of the products I love with Niacinamide in next week’s blog post, but for now, here are a few of my favorites!
Ok I hope this gave you an inside scoop into the world of Niacinamide and why it’s seemingly everywhere recently! I love giving you these deep dives on skincare ingredients so you know exactly how to tailor them to your regimen! DM me which product or ingredient I should cover next!
Hungry for more? Check out my Comprehensive Skincare Guide in the Skinthusiast Shop!
**Disclaimer: This post does not constitute medical device. Please speak to your Dermatology provider before adding any at home procedures or products into your routine!
