What does niacinamide do for skin?

Author: Theresia Anderson III  |  Last update: Wednesday, September 10, 2025

Niacinamide helps strengthen the skin's lipid barrier, which is crucial for maintaining moisture and protecting against environmental aggressors. By supporting the skin's natural content of ceramides and fatty acids, niacinamide helps to prevent transepidermal water loss, keeping the skin hydrated and resilient.

What does niacinamide do for your face?

When used as part of a daily skincare routine, niacinamide may help calm the skin, reduce transepidermal water loss (TEWL), and increase hydration in the skin's uppermost layer. This makes niacinamide a beneficial skincare ingredient for those looking to promote hydrated, smooth, and even-toned skin.

Is it okay to use niacinamide everyday?

It's an ingredient found in a number of moisturizing skin-care products as well as in 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.

What happens to your skin when you start using niacinamide?

"Niacinamide reduces sebum production, which can both help prevent acne and also diminish shine," says dermatologist Kenneth Howe, MD.

Which is better, hyaluronic acid or niacinamide?

For those struggling with acne, inflammation, or excess oil production, niacinamide may be the better option. On the other hand, if your primary concern is dryness, dehydration, or aging skin, hyaluronic acid could be the way to go.

Niacinamide Benefits for Skin | Dr Gaile Robredo-Vitas

Is it OK to mix hyaluronic acid and niacinamide together?

Both have been praised for their remarkable benefits in improving skin texture, hydration, and overall complexion. The increased popularity of these ingredients has left many with a pressing question: Can you use niacinamide and hyaluronic acid together? The short answer: Yes!

Which is better, vitamin C or niacinamide?

Niacinamide regulates sebum production, unclogs pores and upholds the lipid barrier, among many other things. On the other hand, Vitamin C in your daily routine boosts Collagen production and averts free radicals for the dreamiest skin ever.

What should you not mix with niacinamide?

DON'T MIX: AHA/BHA and niacinamide

Niacinamide is used to treat hyperpigmentation and reduce fine lines and wrinkles, while alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) are chemical exfoliants. To understand why niacinamide shouldn't be mixed with AHAs and BHAs, you need to consider pH.

Is 10% niacinamide too much?

For general skin tone correction, a niacinamide concentration between 4-5% is often effective and well-tolerated by most individuals. For those looking to tackle more pronounced hyperpigmentation, a higher concentration of 10% may be beneficial, though it's important to monitor the skin for any signs of irritation.

Can you put niacinamide under eyes?

You can use niacinamide-containing products around your eyes, too.

What are the disadvantages of niacinamide on face?

What are the side effects of Niacinamide? Topical application is completely safe and may not cause any skin problems for a healthy person. People with sensitive skin may face mild redness, itching, or a burning sensation. Stomach upset.

Do and don'ts niacinamide?

Don't use it with exfoliating ingredients: Niacinamide can increase skin sensitivity, so it's best to avoid using it with exfoliating ingredients such as salicylic acid and glycolic acid. Don't use it if you have an allergy: Niacinamide, like any other skincare ingredient, can cause allergic reactions in some people.

Does niacinamide whiten teeth?

【Niacinamide Whitening Toothpaste】Enriched with natural particles and nicotinamide essence, Bodyaccel Niacinamide Whitening Toothpaste quickly eliminates years of coffee, tea, and wine stains for a visibly whiter smile.In addition to whitening, the toothpaste helps to repair and remineralize tooth enamel using calcium ...

How to know if niacinamide is working?

Niacinamide and hyaluronic acid

While you may not see any significant results during the first few weeks, there should be a notable difference by about 4 weeks. After 8 weeks, you should notice more hydrated, smoother, and toned skin.

Should I use niacinamide or retinol?

Retinol is usually more effective than niacinamide. The adverse side effects of retinol are not present in niacinamide. From a molecular standpoint, retinol mainly penetrates the skin's outer layer. Niacinamide can permeate the skin more deeply than retinol, mainly when made with soy components.

Does niacinamide really fade dark spots?

Is 10% niacinamide good for dark spots? Yes, a 10% niacinamide serum can help with reducing cutaneous pigmentation issues. It can even out skin tone, hydrate and brighten your complexion, while improving the appearance of dark spots. It's suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin.

Which is better, 5% or 10% niacinamide?

As the percentages suggest, 10% niacinamide contains a higher concentration and strength than 5%. With twice the concentration of their 5% counterparts, 10% niacinamide products offer enhanced delivery of nutrients to skin cells.

How long does it take for niacinamide to work?

Long-term benefits: 6-12 weeks

After consistently using Niacinamide, one of the first noticeable improvements to your skin should be reduced sebum levels.

Can I use hyaluronic acid and niacinamide together?

You can use hyaluronic acid and niacinamide serums in the same routine. Fact. Hyaluronic acid and niacinamide are actually quite complementary. Hyaluronic acid helps hydrate and plump the skin, while niacinamide supports skin barrier function, reduces excess oil, and helps brighten the skin tone.

What cancels out niacinamide?

Niacinamide and vitamin C

This combination sparks a lot of debate among skincare experts. Some say that since both niacinamide and vitamin C contain antioxidants, they cancel each other out and might even lead to irritation.

What reacts badly with niacinamide?

Niacinamide works well with other skincare ingredients, including retinol and hyaluronic acid. However, some ingredients, like vitamin C, may interact negatively with niacinamide. Therefore, it's recommended to use products containing these ingredients at different times of the day or on alternate days.

What compliments niacinamide?

Check out the list of ingredients that positively combine with niacinamide to benefit your skin effectively:
  • Niacinamide and vitamin C. ...
  • Niacinamide and retinol. ...
  • Niacinamide and salicylic acid. ...
  • Niacinamide and hyaluronic acid. ...
  • Niacinamide and Centella Asiatica.

Do dermatologists recommend niacinamide?

“I typically recommend the topical form of this ingredient for three main skin concerns, including anti-aging, uneven skin tone, and oiliness and large pores.”

Which serum is best for clear and glowing skin?

To attain radiant skin, look for serums containing:
  • Vitamin C: Boosts skin's natural glow and reduces dark spots & pigmentation.
  • Niacinamide: Brightens skin and fades blemishes.
  • Hyaluronic Acid: Provides intense hydration and plumps up skin.
  • Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs): Promotes cell turnover for smoother skin texture.

Do you put vitamin C or niacinamide first?

If you're applying them together, you should apply Vitamin C first, followed by hyaluronic acid or niacinamide. Don't use it with AHAs, BHAs, and retinol at once. You can use it in low concentrations of AHA and BHA in your routine on alternate nights – Vitamin C one night and retinol the other.

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