Over the past year, Niacinamide has sprung up as the It skin-care ingredient. Not for nothing, it’s largely-considered a holy-grail solution for many of the most common skin issues—ones that have only been exacerbated by an influx of maskne and pandemic stress.
“Niacinamide is well-loved by those in the know for good reason,” says Blair Murphy-Rose, MD, FAAD, dermatologist and Clinical Assistant Professor at New York Presbyterian Hospital-Weill Cornell Medical Center. Among its many benefits, it’s been shown to reverse and prevent signs of skin aging, brighten and smooth skin, calm inflammation and redness, reduce hyperpigmentation, decrease the appearance of pores, and hydrate and support the skin barrier, she says. Here, a breakdown of what niacinamide is, the multitude of ways it benefits the skin, and the most effective ways to build it into your regimen.
What Is Niacinamide, and How Does it Benefit the Skin?
Niacinamide, also known as nicotinamide, is a form of Vitamin B3 that is water-soluble, which means that it is not stored in the body and is important to replenish. “We can get niacinamides orally through the foods we eat, but they are also ingredients found in skin-care products as they are known to have anti-inflammatory, anti-aging, antioxidant, and skin brightening benefits,” explains New York dermatologist Dendy Engelman. Because niacinamides nourish while calming redness and inflammation, Engelman likens its benefits to that of retinol. “It has similar effects by strengthening the skin barrier, however it fortifies from the get go without sensitivity or irritation,” she explains, adding that it also acts like an antioxidant by limiting free radical damage. What’s more, it boosts hydration. “It prevents transepidermal water loss and actually boosts the ability of other moisturizing ingredients to do so as well,” says Murphy-Rose.
What Is the Best Way to Deliver Niacinamide to the Skin?
To reap the most skincare benefits, apply niacinamide topically in the form of a cream, lotion, or serum—anything that will stay in contact with your skin for plenty of time, unlike a facial cleanser that goes on and off quickly, instructs Murphy-Rose. “Studies have demonstrated that niacinamide penetrates well into the skin and is readily absorbed, so you want your skin to have time to absorb the niacinamide and put it to work,” she explains. Generally speaking, niacinamide can be used at any time of day—one to two times daily depending on the formulation—and generally in combination with other products without issue. Typically, serums are the most potent and have the highest concentrations of actives. “Make sure to use low concentrations of niacinamide as high concentrations can actually cause skin irritation,” cautions Murphy-Rose. She often recommends Pause Well-Aging Detox Serum, which blends niacinamide with willow bark (a natural source of salicylic acid), bromelain from pineapples, and other antioxidants to “help clear pores and reverse signs of aging,” and dermatologist favorite SkinBetter Science’s AlphaRet Overnight Cream, which blends niacinamide with a proprietary mix of a retinoid and alpha hydroxyl acids, advising that you start with one pump every other night for 1-2 weeks and increase to nightly use as tolerated.
What Should Niacinamide Be Paired With for Maximal Results?
In treating dark spots and hyperpigmentation, Murphy-Rose recommends using niacinamide with other skin brightening ingredients, such as kojic acid, which is naturally derived from mushrooms and is a byproduct of the fermentation of rice, and transexamic acid, a synthetic derivative of the amino acid lysine. One of her go-tos is SkinCeuticals Discoloration Defense, a dark spot corrector that fights hyperpigmentation with an effective combination of niacinamide, kojic acid, and transexamic acid, while Engelman loves treating sunspots, hyperpigmentation, discoloration, and post-blemish marks with First Aid Beauty’s Facial Radiance Niacinamide Dark Spot Serum, which contains licorice root for added brightening benefits and golden kiwi fruit for a dose of vitamin C. “Always pair with a mineral sunscreen in the morning,” instructs Murphy-Rose. And on the sun protection front, she recommends pairing with a mineral sunblock containing zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide, such as beloved favorite EltaMD UV Clear.
To support skin’s overall health, peptides, ceramides, and hyaluronic acid all help to “build a barrier for the skin, so pairing niacinamides with these actives will only enhance effects,” says Engelman, breaking down each below:
- Peptides: “Peptides are short chains of amino acids that build proteins that make up the skin. When applied topically to the skin, peptides send cellular signals instruction cell function—one of which is to create more collagen.”
- Ceramides: “Ceramides are waxy lipid molecules that are found in between skin cells. Environmental factors can disrupt the lipid layer of the skin, which locks in moisture and acts as a barrier against pollution, bacteria, and assailants.”
- Hyaluronic Acid: “Hyaluronic acid can hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water, meaning it does wonders in hydrating the skin. When applied, it creates a barrier for the skin, locking in moisture and improving texture. Skin loses water and moisture as we age, this ingredient will help store hydration and can be used daily.”
How Long Will It Take to See the Results of Niacinamide?
While some niacinamide-containing products start to show initial benefits in two weeks, most results will show in four weeks or more. “You have to remember that it doesn’t take two days for spots to form so you can’t expect them to be removed in two days either,” explains Engelman. She also adds that if you see immediate results, it’s likely due to a complementary ingredient that is designed to give a temporary immediate effect, which is also desirable. “For most people the little bit of difference is motivation for them to continue using the product, which is what we want anyway.”
