Niacinamide 101 – What It Is and Why It’s Everywhere
Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3. In skincare, it is one of the most studied ingredients with a wide range of benefits at relatively low irritation risk.
What niacinamide can help with
- Regulating sebum (oil) production.
- Reducing redness and blotchiness.
- Improving uneven tone and post-acne marks.
- Supporting the skin barrier and ceramide production.
What niacinamide cannot do alone
- Replace sunscreen or retinoids.
- Erase deep wrinkles or sagging.
- Fix severe acne without other treatments.
How Niacinamide Works in the Skin
Niacinamide influences several cellular pathways related to barrier function, oil production and inflammation. In practical terms, this shows up as:
- More stable barrier: improved production of ceramides and other lipids.
- Calmer skin: reduced inflammatory signals.
- More even tone: interference with pigment transfer pathways.
For a deeper dive, see the dedicated Niacinamide Guide.
How to Build a Niacinamide-Friendly Routine
You don’t need niacinamide in every single step. In most routines, one well-formulated product is enough.
- Cleanser – gentle, low-foam.
- Optional toner or mist.
- Niacinamide serum or moisturiser.
- Moisturiser if needed.
- SPF 30+ every morning.
If you also use strong actives (retinoids, acids, benzoyl peroxide), keep the rest of your routine simple to avoid overwhelming your barrier.
Niacinamide for Acne & Oil
Niacinamide is not a standalone acne medication, but it is an excellent support ingredient for oily and blemish-prone skin.
- Helps normalise sebum output, which can reduce shine.
- Calms redness around active spots.
- Supports the barrier when using drying treatments like benzoyl peroxide.
For details, read Niacinamide for acne & oil control.
Niacinamide for Redness & Barrier Support
At moderate percentages, niacinamide can help reduce general redness and improve tolerance to other products.
- Best kept at 2–5% for very sensitive or rosacea-prone skin.
- Look for fragrance-free, minimal formulas.
- Introduce slowly and watch for any increase in burning or flushing.
See the dedicated article Niacinamide for redness & barrier for more examples.
Niacinamide FAQ
Can niacinamide cause purging?
No. Purging is associated with ingredients that increase cell turnover (like retinoids and some acids). If you see new breakouts from niacinamide, it is more likely irritation or a reaction to the overall formula.
Do I need a separate niacinamide serum if my moisturiser already has it?
Not always. If your moisturiser includes a reasonable percentage of niacinamide and your skin is happy, there is no strict need for a stand-alone serum.
Can teenagers use niacinamide?
In many cases, yes – especially in simple, fragrance-free formulas. For persistent acne or severe redness, it is best to talk to a healthcare professional.
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