What Is Niacinamide & Why Should You Be Using It?

Niacinamide is another name for Vitamin B3. Vitamin B is a powerful antioxidant with brightening, hydrating and anti-inflammatory properties for your skin. What makes it truly special, though, is its ability to soothe sensitive skin. The most potent form of Vitamin B is Vitamin B3, Niacinamide, which may also be labelled as Niacin or Nicotinamide.

What can Niacinamide do for your skin?

Niacinamide is not only the strongest form of Vitamin B, it’s also one of the most powerful antioxidants available. It helps to reverse damage caused by free radicals and to protect the skin from damage caused by inflammation and external pollutants.

Niacinamide can also protect the skin from some UV damage, but not enough to replace your sunscreen

There is evidence to suggest that Niacinamide helps restore the skin’s natural barrier, which helps prevent trans-epidermal water loss and regulate your skin’s natural self-hydrating mechanisms.

It can also regulate pigment distribution in your skin cells by blocking the PAR 2 receptors, which are proteins in your skin cells that enable the transfer of melanin.

Naturally, you might think that such a multipurpose skincare ingredient might be too strong for sensitive skin, but Niacinamide is also an incredible anti-inflammatory.

It can work its magic while also soothing the skin. It’s sometimes even used to treat atopic skin conditions like dermatitis and eczema.

Some rosacea patients find that Niacinamide helps reduce redness, but rosacea can be a very sensitive condition, so you should consult a Doctor or Dermal Clinician first.

As Niacinamide is so soothing on the skin, it can be used in higher concentrations, and it’s safe to combine with most active ingredients. In fact, if you’re using Vitamin A, it’s recommended that you use it with Vitamin B.

When you first introduce your skin to Vitamin A, it may take a couple of weeks for your skin to get used to it. Niacinamide’s skin-soothing properties can help reduce any sensitivity during this period.

They also make a dynamic acne-fighting duo. Vitamin A helps accelerate cell turnover and regulate your natural oils. Niacinamide helps to bring down inflammation and regulate hydration. Together, they help balance and heal your complexion.

It’s best to use a serum because the thick consistency in creams can prevent the vitamin molecules from penetrating your skin.

Dr Garry Cussell

Dr. Garry Cussell strongly believes everyone's skin can look beautiful at any age regardless of their history, and that lasting beauty comes from within. We enable anyone to achieve professional results safely and easily in the comfort of their own homes.

Dr Cussell is the founder of Rejuvaus Skincare and Rejuvenation Clinics of Australia. He is a member of the Australasian Society of Cosmetic Medicine and has been a qualified cosmetic practitioner for over 37 years.

He is a leading cosmetic medicine expert in a wide range of non-surgical skin procedures such as skin tightening and strengthening, stem cell and growth factor skin, and skin repair lasers.