Ingredient Deep Dive: Niacinamide 

In the active ingredients hall of fame (otherwise known as our bathrooms), shelf space is always held for the dermatologist-favourite, niacinamide.

Why? It’s an all-round skincare hero, working hard to reveal a clearer, brighter complexion whatever your age or skin type. 

Want in on the action? We’ve rounded up everything you need to know about niacinamide 

What is niacinamide?

Niacinamide is a form of Vitamin B3. It can be found in food and used as a dietary supplement, in medication or topically on the skin. Think of it as a vitamin that’s beneficial for our bodies inside as part of a healthy diet (niacin is found in foods such as grains, fish, meat and beans and converts to niacinamide when eaten) and keeps our skin healthy on the outside when applied topically. 

If you’re on a personalised treatment plan at Skin + Me, you may have niacinamide as an ingredient in your Daily Doser. It supports a healthy, more radiant complexion and tackles a myriad of skin concerns, from oil regulation to boosting cell rejuvenation and more.

What does niacinamide do and why should I use it?

Skin hero niacinamide can be found in multiple products off the shelf and mixes well with other, more potent ingredients. 

What does niacinamide do? Take a deep breath:

• It’s an antioxidant that protects from environmental damage and soothes UV-exposed skin
• Regulates oil production, which can in turn prevent acne and lessens the appearance of enlarged pores
• Supports production of (naturally-occurring) ceramides, collagen and hyaluronic acid in the skin
• Penetrates skin well to improves hydration
• Fades signs of ageing like fine lines and wrinkles
• Reduces skin discoloration and hyperpigmentation
• Fights signs of rosacea
• Barrier strengthening and repairing
• Can soothe and negate the side effects of other active ingredients

Dr Malvina Cunningham, Consultant Dermatologist at Skin + Me sums it up, “Niacinamide is a great ingredient to improve the visible appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Helps tackle pigmentation, regulates oil production and acts as a great moisturiser.”

How do I use niacinamide and in what frequency?

One of the first things to know about niacinamide is that because it works on all ages and skin types, it’s probably a good idea to incorporate it into your routine. Alongside hyaluronic acid (shout out to this hydration-booster too) and of course, your daily sunscreen, niacinamide is a top derm-recommended skincare must-have.

If it’s in your Daily Doser, you’ll use niacinamide every evening as part of your routine. If you use other supporting products (check out Skin + Me’s Cleansers and Moisturisers) then doubling-up on niacinamide shouldn’t create any issues. Just be mindful of overloading on active ingredients. You want to support your skin barrier, not compromise it, so keep your routine stripped back and simple.

Niacinamide in pregnancy

Niacinamide is more gentle than retinol and retinoids like tretinoin in terms of its skin-ageing benefits and unlike these ingredients, safe to use during pregnancy. 

If you’re using your Daily Doser and have any questions about using active ingredients in relation to your pregnancy status then you can reach out for support from your Prescriber at any time or check out our FAQs. 

Combining niacinamide with other active ingredients and side effects

Niacinamide is an incredibly amenable ingredient – it gets on with most other actives. Because it’s such a multi-tasker, it can be combined with spot-clearing additions like salicylic acid or (in the case of a personalised treatment) cell-rejuvenating retinoids like tretinoin.

Great news, niacinamide also has a low risk of side effects. In rare instances, it has been known to cause mild stinging, slight redness or irritation but most people should tolerate it well and enjoy its benefits.

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