What Is Niacinamide & Why Should You Be Using It?

DR GARRY CUSSELL

Redness Skin
How Niacinamide works

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.

Niacinamide Serum
Bright Even Serum Vitamin C

How to add Niacinamide to your skincare routine

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.

Vitamin B3 Serum & Moisturiser (Encapsulated Niacinamide)

Repair & Refine ABC Serum
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Repair & Refine ABC Serum 30ml

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Bright & Correct Niacinamide Serum 30ml
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Bright & Correct Niacinamide Serum 30ml

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Common questions about niacinamide
Clinically reviewed by Dr Garry Cussell · Cosmetic Physician

What does niacinamide actually do for skin?

Niacinamide is a biologically active form of vitamin B3. Applied topically, it works across several skin functions simultaneously. It inhibits the transfer of melanin into surface skin cells, which reduces the appearance of pigmentation over time. It repairs and strengthens the skin barrier by supporting ceramide production, which reduces water loss and sensitivity. It regulates sebum production, which helps with enlarged pores and congestion. It has anti-inflammatory properties that calm redness and reactive skin.

These mechanisms are independent of each other, which means niacinamide addresses multiple concerns at the same time rather than targeting one in isolation.

What percentage of niacinamide is effective?

Clinical studies have demonstrated visible improvements in skin tone, barrier function and pigmentation at concentrations between 2% and 10%. Most well-formulated serums use between 5% and 10%.Higher percentages are not automatically more effective. At concentrations above 10% in conventional free-form delivery, some individuals experience tingling or flushing.

The Rejuvaus Bright & Correct Niacinamide Serum uses 10% encapsulated vitamin B3, slow-release across 8 to 12 hours. Encapsulation allows the higher concentration to deliver without the tingling associated with conventional high-dose niacinamide.

Is niacinamide suitable for sensitive skin?

Yes. Niacinamide is one of the few high-efficacy actives well tolerated across sensitive, rosacea-prone and reactive skin types. It does not lower skin pH, it does not trigger purging, and it does not require a gradual introduction period. Its anti-inflammatory properties mean it often improves tolerance to other actives used alongside it.

For sensitive skin, encapsulated delivery is preferable to free-form at higher concentrations, as the controlled release reduces the risk of surface reactivity.

Can niacinamide be used with vitamin A and vitamin C?

Yes. Niacinamide works well alongside both. With vitamin A, niacinamide supports barrier repair and reduces the redness and dryness that can occur with conventional retinol, making the combination better tolerated than vitamin A alone.

With vitamin C, there is a long-standing and largely unfounded concern about the two forming niacin together and causing flushing. This reaction requires very high concentrations of both ingredients in an unstable formulation. In a well-formulated serum at standard doses, the combination is safe and complementary.

The Rejuvaus Repair & Refine ABC Serum contains both at clinically tested doses and is designed for twice-daily use across all skin types.

How long does niacinamide take to work?

Barrier repair benefits, including reduced sensitivity and improved hydration, are typically noticeable within two to four weeks of twice-daily use.

Visible improvements in skin tone and pigmentation take longer, generally eight to twelve weeks of consistent use. Niacinamide does not produce a dramatic early result. It works progressively, as part of how the skin repairs and renews itself.

The Rejuvaus satisfaction survey of 283 participants found over 90% reported skin looked healthier and more even-toned after consistent use of the Rejuvaus serum range.

Dr Garry Cussell

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.

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