In general, niacinamide is considered suitable for all skin types and, per the Cleveland Clinic, is rarely associated with side effects. Still, as with any skincare ingredient, it's best to introduce it to your skincare routine slowly to help minimize the potential for redness or irritation.
Can all skin types use niacinamide? Formulas with niacinamide are generally well-tolerated with a low risk of skin irritation. This means that niacinamide products are typically considered gentle, suitable options for most skin types, including those with sensitive and blemish-prone skin.
People of all skin types can use niacinamide—from dry to oily or combination skin. To be sure it's safe, though, always apply niacinamide products to a test area of skin and observe for reactions. If you experience redness, itchiness, or further irritation, stop its use and consult a professional.
The skincare active ensures long-lasting hydration for the skincare by preventing TEWL or transepidermal water loss. Niacinamide for oily skin: Niacinamide is a Godsend for folks with oily skin. It blots excess oil and prevents clogged pores, ensuring a balanced microbiome.
Niacinamide is possibly safe when taken in doses up to 900-1500 mg daily. It might cause side effects such as stomach upset, gas, dizziness, headache, and rash. When applied to the skin: Niacinamide is possibly safe. Niacinamide cream might cause mild burning, itching, or redness.
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.
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.
Safe but not totally for people with sensitive skin. As mentioned above, niacinamide seems to have an irritating effect when used with concentration formulas. Redness and itching are some of the common reactions. Although these are rare issues, they may still cause a great impact on someone's skin health.
While rare, some people may experience an allergic reaction to niacinamide, known as contact dermatitis. Symptoms can include redness, itching, swelling, and a burning sensation. Those experiencing these symptoms should discontinue use and seek medical advice.
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.
Niacinamide is a gentle compound which is a better option for sensitive skin as compared to vitamin C. Vitamin C is unstable in its active form and so is degradable in nature. It can be degraded by air and light. On the contrary, niacinamide is a stable ingredient which is easy to store.
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.
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.
Consider pairing your niacinamide face serum with hyaluronic acid for an enhanced skincare regimen. Combining niacinamide with hyaluronic acid can brighten, hydrate, and plump up your skin. Apply niacinamide serum on a cleansed skin and let it absorb. After a few seconds, follow up with hyaluronic acid face serum.
Niacin and niacinamide may make allergies worse by increasing histamine. People with low blood pressure should not take niacin or niacinamide because they may cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure.
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.
The present study also showed that nicotinamide supplementation was associated with a dose-dependent increase in oxidative tissue injury. This may account for why high doses of nicotinamide do not promote weight gain (see Fig. 7(a) and Shibata et al.
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.
Though all skin types can benefit from niacinamide, Dr. Li warns that "combining niacinamide with vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, makes niacin, and may cause skin irritation and transient flushing." For this reason, Dr.
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!
Hyaluronic acid is ideal for dry skin, while niacinamide suits sensitive or acne-prone skin due to its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties. Both benefit most skin types.
Alongside skin moisture barrier support, niacinamide is helpful for ceramide production. Essential lipids called ceramides play an important role in the skin moisture barrier, and making niacinamide part of your skincare routine for dry skin on the face can help boost these.