Niacinamide, a form of vitamin B3, is one of the skincare industry’s choice ingredients, featuring in a range of products from moisturizers to serums.

Because niacinamide doesn’t occur naturally in the body, we are responsible for introducing it into our system via diet, supplements, or skin topicals.

Niacinamide’s Skin-Rejuvenating Benefits

The omnipresence of niacinamide in skin treatments and beauty products is well-earned, as it has an impressive lineup of both preventative and restorative benefits.

Achieve a Brighter Complexion

Niacinamide is perhaps best known for its ability to give you brighten skin and reduce hyperpigmentation by inhibiting pigment cells called melanocytes.

It also helps break down existing melasma and dark spots by increasing cell turnover and is ideal for those with sensitive skin who may have experienced discomfort using stronger products like hydroquinone.

Reduce Inflammation

You can use niacinamide to reduce inflammatory symptoms if you struggle with eczema, acne, or rosacea. It prevents a protein called cytokines from sending signals to your body that trigger the immune system’s inflammation response.

Studies have shown that a 4% niacinamide topical cream has similar results to acne-treatment antibiotics like clindamycin.

Restore and Fortify the Skin Barrier

Your skin barrier does the critical work of blocking toxins and maintaining healthy moisture levels, but it can weaken with age, UV damage, or by using harsh products that strip your skin’s natural oils.

It assists in keratin production, one of your skin matrix’s essential proteins, and helps in healthy skin cell production by repairing damaged DNA.

As a powerful antioxidant, niacinamide protects against free radicals and oxidative stress.

Prevent Breakouts by Reducing Sebum Production

Niacinamide is a must-have ingredient for excessively oily skin, as it helps regulate sebum production and reduce pore clogging, which often leads to breakouts.

That also means that, over time, you’ll notice that your pores look smaller and tighter, your skin texture is more even, and you’ll see fewer inflammatory acne like cysts, papules, pustules, and nodules.

How Can I Add Niacinamide to My Skin Health Routine?

You can reap niacinamide’s benefits through topical skincare products and a well-balanced diet rich in niacin. While it’s generally well-tolerated, as our bodies naturally flush excessive B3, your should still speak with your doctor if you’re concerned about potential side effects.

Choose Skincare Products Enhanced with Niacinamide

Niacinamide plays nicely with other common skincare ingredients, so adding topical treatments to your skincare regime should go swimmingly. It works particularly well when paired with other brightening ingredients like arbutin and hydroquinone, as these dark spot treatments can enhance each other’s effects and lead to better results.

If you’re concerned about skin sensitivity, try a spot test with a 1-2% concentration of niacinamide and watch how the area reacts. Should you notice any side effects, such as itching, redness, or irritation, talk to your providers at AST about alternatives.

Consume a Niacin-Rich Diet

You can give your body a B3 boost by consuming a niacin-rich diet. As your body metabolizes this essential nutrient, it converts some into niacinamide, helping your skin look brighter and more clarified from the inside out.

Foods rich in niacin include:

  • Chicken breast
  • Turkey
  • Salmon
  • Peanuts
  • Avocado
  • Whole wheat
  • Mushrooms
  • Peas
  • Potatoes
  • Niacin-fortified cereal grains

Dermatologist-Approved Niacinamide Skincare is Available at AST!

Not sure where to start with this vitamin B3 derivative?

The skin experts at Advanced Skin Therapeutics can help you target your concerns with niacinamide-enhanced products like Skinceuticals Discoloration Defense,  biopelle Tensage Growth Factor Serum and Elta MD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46.