Niacinamide — all you need to know about vitamin B3 and its effects on skincare

Preventing B-3 deficiency is important because it can lead to disorders of the skin, kidneys, and brain. But, there’s much more to niacinamide, especially when it comes to general skin health.

Read on to learn more about its benefits, what to look for in products, and more.

What benefits does niacinamide offer?

Overall, niacinamide can help build proteins in the skin and lock in moisture to prevent environmental damage.

Individual benefits include:

• Immunity. Niacinamide helps build keratin, a type of protein that keeps your skin firm and healthy.
• Lipid barrier. Niacinamide can help your skin grow a ceramide (lipid) barrier which can, in turn, help retain moisture. This is beneficial for all skin types, especially if you have eczema or mature skin.
• Minimizes redness and blotchiness. Niacinamide reduces inflammation which may help ease redness from eczema, acne, and other inflammatory skin conditions.
• Minimizes pore appearance. Keeping skin smooth and moisturized may have a secondary benefit — a natural reduction in pore size over time.
• Regulates oil. The benefits of moisture retention aren’t just for those with dry skin types. Niacinamide can also help regulate the amount of oil the sebaceous glands produce and prevent your glands from going into overdrive.
• Protects against sun damage. Niacinamide can concurrently rebuild healthy skin cells while also protecting them from damage caused by ultraviolet rays.
• Treats hyperpigmentation. Some research has found 5% niacinamide concentrations can be helpful in lightening dark spots. Benefits were seen after four weeks, but not beyond two months. This benefit may be due to increased collagen production.
• Minimizes fine lines and wrinkles. Research has also found that the same concentration was helpful in reducing some signs of sun damage that come with aging. This includes fine lines and wrinkles.
• Protects against oxidative stress. 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.

Are skin products preferable over food and supplements?

Eating a balanced diet is the best way to get micronutrients like vitamin B-3. You should only take supplements under medical supervision to treat deficiency.

When it comes to general skin health, you may obtain some of the benefits of niacinamide from the foods that you eat.

Vitamin B-3 is found in:

• eggs
• cereals
• green veggies
• beans
• fish
• milk

However, there’s no way to guarantee that the nutrients in your diet are impacting your overall skin health. The only way to ensure that niacinamide is targeting your skin care concerns is to use it topically.

Does the type of skin care product matter or when it’s used in your routine?

Many topical niacinamide products come in the form of serums. Think of serums as extra treatments that address individual skin concerns outside of regular cleansing, toning, and moisturizing.

Your niacinamide serum should be applied after toning but before moisturizing.

Some cleansers and creams also contain niacinamide. This ingredient is also found in some face masks, which are rinsed off after each use.

Read each product label carefully and follow all instructions for use.