Any skin type and age can benefit from using niacinamide in their skincare routine. Ideally you should use it twice a day, both morning and evening. For the most beneficial results, opt for formulas (like serums and moisturisers) that can be left on the skin for maximum absorption.
Niacinamide is an ingredient that is gentle enough to be used twice a day, seven days a week, Dr. Gonzalez and Dr. Rabach say. To apply niacinamide, first wash your face and, if you use one, apply a toner.
Niacinamide is possibly safe when taken in doses up to 900 mg daily. It might cause side effects such as stomach upset, gas, dizziness, headache, and rash.
We recommend applying it twice per day, once in the morning and once at night.
Any skin type and age can benefit from using niacinamide in their skincare routine. Ideally you should use it twice a day, both morning and evening. For the most beneficial results, opt for formulas (like serums and moisturisers) that can be left on the skin for maximum absorption.
You can use multiple niacinamide-containing products in your routine, and it will still be non-sensitising as this ingenious B vitamin is well tolerated by all skin types.
When selecting niacinamide products, Dr Ho advises that “a concentration of 4-5% niacinamide is ideal—enough to improve acne and fine wrinkles”. Higher concentrations, like The Ordinary 10% Niacinamide + 1% Zinc, have not yet been proven to exhibit a higher rate of efficacy.
What percentage of niacinamide should you be using? Most dermatologists and cosmetic chemists recommend staying within the 2–5% range. Neostrata's Illuminating Serum, for instance, features 4% niacinamide, which will be well-tolerated by most skin types.
You can apply 2–3 drops morning and/or evening to your face (including around the eyes) and neck after cleansing, toning, and exfoliating, and follow with your serum and moisturizer. Alternatively, you can add a few drops to your moisturizer or any other Paula's Choice targeted solution or booster you're using.
Niacinamide can be used morning and night. Because it plays well with other skincare ingredients (even potentially tricky actives such as exfoliating acids and vitamin C) it will sit happily alongside anything else you're using.
It's an ingredient found in a number of moisturizing skin-care products, as well as certain foods and supplements like multivitamins. Can you use niacinamide every day? Yes. In fact, you can use niacinamide-containing topical products in the morning and night because it's generally a gentle ingredient.
The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
Ideal for oily skin, apply it twice daily and you'll soon notice you skin balancing out. Plus, it has the added bonus of zinc, which helps with healing blemishes.
Niacinamide Serum – As most niacinamide serums are water-based, it's best to apply them after cleansing and toning and before oil-based serums or moisturizers. This way, you ensure the highest possible absorption and effectiveness.
While some niacinamide-containing products start to show initial benefits in two weeks, most results will show in four weeks or more. "You have to remember that it doesn't take two days for spots to form so you can't expect them to be removed in two days either," explains Engelman.
Niacinamide helps build cells in the skin while also protecting them from environmental stresses, such as sunlight, pollution, and toxins. Treats acne. Niacinamide may be helpful for severe acne, especially inflammatory forms like papules and pustules. Over time, you may see fewer lesions and improved skin texture.
“Purging” is another term for breakouts, though there are some differences. Though some people do report experiencing irritation and breakouts after using the ingredient, niacinamide is unlikely to cause purging. That's because it doesn't affect the skin in a way that usually triggers purging.
"An effective product should have between 2 and 10 percent niacinamide," she explains. Dr. Allenby adds that products with niacinamide concentrations under 5 percent are especially well-tolerated.
You may experience some redness and irritation when you start using niacinamide products. Some of this may be normal and lessen over time, but lasting irritation may be a sign you're using too much or a product with too high of a concentration of niacinamide for your skin type.
Skin purging typically looks like tiny red bumps on the skin that are painful to touch. They are often accompanied by whiteheads or blackheads. It can also cause your skin to become flaky. The flare ups caused by purging have a shorter lifespan than a breakout.
4 tips for when niacinamide fails
Why it might not be working: If the product is pilling, that means it's not properly absorbing into the skin and, because it's not absorbing, it's not delivering results. If you experience redness or burning, your skin is likely sensitive to the ingredient.
Don't Mix: Niacinamide and vitamin C. Although they're both antioxidants, vitamin C is one ingredient that's not compatible with niacinamide. "Both are very common antioxidants used in a variety of skincare products, but they should not be used one right after the other," says Dr. Marchbein.
2 Best skincare ingredient for your 20s: Niacinamide
To start incorporating niacinamide into your routine, Dr. Jaliman recommends InstaNatural 5% Niacinamide Serum, telling us it's "a good one to use at any age," but especially in your 20s when it can prevent early signs of aging from worsening.
Apply Niacinamide 10% Zinc 1% both morning and night.
You can use this product as often as you'd like to because it's so mild. You don't need to worry about alternating it, and you can use it whenever you do your normal skin care routine.
How To Use? Niacinamide is one of the most versatile skincare ingredients and is super easy to incorporate into your routine. Suitable for all skin types and all ages (from teens to mature skin) it can be used both morning and evening but remember consistency is key if you want to see results.