Niacinamide for Redness & Barrier Support

Niacinamide is one of the few ingredients that can both calm redness and strengthen the skin barrier – as long as you respect your skin’s limits.

How Niacinamide Helps Sensitive Skin

• Barrier support: encourages production of ceramides and other lipids.
• Water loss: can reduce transepidermal water loss (TEWL).
• Inflammation: has documented anti-inflammatory effects.

Best Practices for Redness-Prone Skin

• Stay at 2–5% niacinamide unless your doctor suggests otherwise.
• Choose formulas that are fragrance-free and alcohol-free.
• Introduce slowly (2–3 nights per week) and monitor for stinging or flushing.
• Keep the rest of the routine minimal and gentle.

Basic Redness-Friendly Routine with Niacinamide

1. Gentle, non-foaming cleanser.
2. Niacinamide serum or moisturiser (low to mid strength).
3. Rich but non-irritating moisturiser.
4. Daily mineral or hybrid sunscreen.

Chronic redness, visible blood vessels and burning sensations can indicate rosacea or other medical conditions. Niacinamide cannot replace a professional diagnosis or treatment.