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Niacinamide, a form of Vitamin B3, has been widely accepted as an essential nutrient for the body and skin in particular, so you will likely find it in many skincare products. Niacinamide helps produce ceramides, compounds that help improve skin moisture and protect the skin barrier against environmental damage.
Its anti-aging and inflammation-reduction properties also make it an accepted treatment for acne, scars, and fine line reduction. Besides these benefits, niacinamide helps regulate oil production, making it easier to prevent skin clogging and acne.
With the various benefits of niacinamide for acne scars and eczema, the question is, how does it work, and where else can you get it apart from in your skincare products?
Difference between Niacin and Niacinamide
If you have ever confused Niacin and Niacinamide, you are not alone. In fact, the similarities in their names cause most people to mistake them as one and the same at first glance. However, they differ greatly, and you need to look closely to avoid selecting the wrong compound for various tasks.
We have a table below detailing the differences in the structure, uses, and effects of Niacin and Niacinamide.
|
Niacin |
Niacinamide |
|
|
Other Name |
Nicotinic Acid |
Nicotinamide |
|
Chemical Structures |
It has a carboxyl group attached to its ring structure. |
It lacks a carboxyl group and instead has an amide group. |
|
Primary Uses |
It is commonly used to lower cholesterol and improve heart health. |
Used in skincare to improve skin health by reducing inflammation, hyperpigmentation, and signs of aging. |
|
Effects on Body |
It converts into niacinamide in the body, but in high doses, it works directly to lower LDL (bad cholesterol) and raise HDL (good cholesterol). |
Does not have the same cholesterol-lowering effects as niacin but is more focused on energy metabolism and maintaining healthy cells, especially in the skin and immune system. |
|
Side Effects |
High doses can lead to side effects like flushing, liver toxicity, and stomach upset. |
Generally well-tolerated, with fewer side effects, even at high doses. |
Essentially, niacinamide is derived from niacin, and they both have different uses, side effects, and components.
Niacinamide Benefits for Acne
Niacinamide is a common treatment for acne because of its several benefits for acne treatment. They include:
- It reduces inflammation related to acne.
- It regulates sebum production.
- It minimizes pore appearance after clearing acne.
- It straightens the skin barrier to protect the skin from environmental stressors that can flare up acne.
- It reduces post-acne hyperpigmentation and scarring.
- It boosts collagen production, which in turn enhances acne healing.
Are Skin Products Better than Food and Supplements?
You may be familiar with skincare products that contain niacinamide. However, skin products are not the only sources of niacinamide. Like every other vitamin, you can get niacinamides from food and supplements.
There is an ongoing debate regarding whether skin products, foods, or supplements are the best sources of niacinamide for acne scars. No one answer fits all. So, we will discuss each and list their pros and cons for easier comparison.
Skin Products
Skin products like creams and balms are common sources of niacinamides. They must be applied topically and are better for targeted skin benefits like acne removal and improving skin texture.
Pros
- Targets specific skin concerns (e.g., acne, hyperpigmentation, fine lines).
- Quick, localized effects on the skin’s surface.
- It is easily absorbed into the skin with minimal side effects.
- Works well in combination with other skincare actives (e.g., retinoids).
Cons
- Limited to skin benefits; no systemic effects.
- It may irritate sensitive skin if combined with other active ingredients.
- Effectiveness depends on product formulation and concentration.
- It is expensive compared to dietary sources for long-term use.
Foods and Supplements
You can also get niacinamide from foods since it is a form of vitamin B. Foods like eggs, beans, fish, etc. are good sources of niacinamide.
Pros
- Provides systemic benefits, including energy metabolism and brain function.
- Helps maintain overall body health, not just skin.
- Accessible through a balanced diet (e.g., meats, fish, seeds, and legumes).
- Affordable and convenient for long-term health maintenance.
Cons
- Takes longer to show effects on the skin.
- Overuse of niacin supplements can lead to side effects (e.g., niacin flush).
- Some individuals may have dietary restrictions or difficulty absorbing nutrients.
- It may not address specific skin concerns as effectively as topical treatments.
So, for maximum benefits, consider combining skin products containing niacinamide with foods and supplements. Check your intake to ensure you are not exceeding the compound’s RDA.
Natural Sources of Vitamin B3
Like every other vitamin, you can get Vitamin B3 from various food sources. These include:
Eggs
Eggs contain around 2% of the recommended daily intake of niacin. It also provides other nutrients like protein, vitamins B12 and D, and minerals like selenium and choline.
Cereals
Cereals, particularly whole grains, are essential sources of Vitamin B3. For instance, a cooked cup of oatmeal can contain about 12% of the RDA for niacin. Therefore, you can maintain an optimal level of Vitamin B3 by consuming enough cereals.
Green Veggies
Green veggies like spinach, kale, and broccoli contain niacin in smaller amounts than other sources. For instance, you can only get around 5% of your RDA niacin from a cup of cooked spinach. However, they also reduce inflammation, support the immune system, and provide other essential nutrients.
Beans
Various beans, such as kidney beans, black beans, and chickpeas, contain good Vitamin B3. Up to 6% of the RDA of niacin can be obtained from a cup of cooked black beans. The niacin in beans supports metabolism, energy production, and healthy skin.
Fish acids
Fatty fish is one of the best sources of Vitamin B3. For example, a 3-ounce serving of cooked tuna can give you half the RDA of niacinamide as an adult. These fish also contain Omega-3 fatty acids, which are good for the brain and heart.
Milk
Milk and other dairy products are also good sources of Vitamin B3. A cup of whole milk provides about 2% of your RDA for niacin. Milk also contains other nutrients like calcium, vitamin D, and protein.
What to Look Out for When Selecting Niacinamide for Acne Scars
Getting a suitable and effective niacinamide product involves considering a variety of factors. These include:
Concentration
While you want the niacinamide to work quickly and improve your skin, taking it in larger concentrations can be detrimental. Instead, choose products with 2% to 10% for the best result, depending on your individual needs.
Formulation
Niacinamide skin products come in various formulations, including creams, serums, toners, masks, and moisturizers. Choose the formulation that best suits your needs. For instance, moisturizers are great if you want to incorporate niacinamide into your daily skincare routine.
Ingredient List
Check the ingredient list and make sure you choose a niacinamide product that does not contain ingredients that you are allergic or sensitive to. Also, check for additional ingredients that may be beneficial to your body.
pH Level
Choose niacinamide products with a pH balance of around 5.0 to 7.0 because niacinamide works best in slightly acidic or neutral pH levels.
Skin Type Compatibility
There are various niacinamide requirements for various skin types. If you have oily skin, look for gel-based or lightweight serums. If you have dry or sensitive skin, select products with added hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid or ceramides. A balanced formula works better for combination skin.
While these are major considerations that can directly affect your skin when using a niacinamide product, you should also consider the brand you’re buying from, packaging, price, and value.
Can Niacinamide Be Combined with Other Skin Care Ingredients?
Yes, niacinamide is versatile enough to combine with other active and hydrating ingredients. These include hyaluronic acid, retinol, vitamin C, salicylic acid (BHA), AHAs (glycolic acid, lactic acid), ceramides, and peptides.
How to Avoid Niacinamide’s Side Effects
Although niacinamide is great and has various benefits, it also has some side effects, including nausea and mild irritation. Severe side effects may reduce the overall benefits in the long run, so you must know how to avoid them. Simply do the following to take niacinamide without side effects:
- Start with a lower concentration and introduce it gradually
- Perform a patch test for sensitivity and wait for 24 to 48 hours to confirm the effects
- Stick to recommendations to avoid overuse
- Limit combining it with other compounds like Vitamin C
- Monitor your skin response and adjust your routine as needed
- Choose niacinamide products that are free from harsh ingredients
- Apply to clean, dry skin
- Hydrate with moisturizer after niacinamide application
- Select a product that is compatible with your skin
- Opt for products packed in airless or opaque materials to reduce exposure to light and air
- Seek professional advice before and while using niacinamide products if you have sensitive skin.
What Should You Expect?
You will likely have expectations before you start taking niacinamide. This is great, especially since you may have been told generally that it will improve your skiing and clear your acne.
However, you deserve to know more, so we will spell out the possible effects of niacinamide intake for you. They include:
- Reduction in fine lines and wrinkles
- Enhanced skin texture
- Diminished hyperpigmentation
- Brightened skin tone and even complexion
- Improved moisture retention
- Decreased acne severity
- Mild irritation at the beginning
- Possible interaction with other supplements
- Systemic benefits, especially when taken as a supplement
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, niacinamide is good and safe for sensitive skin. It is gentle on the skin and has hydrating properties. Niacinamide also reduces skin sensitivity by strengthening the skin barrier. Furthermore, when used right, it helps to calm and soothe the skin.
Yes, you should use niacinamide for inflammatory acne. The compound has anti-inflammatory properties that make it suitable for managing such conditions. It can also regulate sebum production, reducing acne flare-ups. To use niacinamide in controlling your acne, you should choose the right quantity and introduce it gradually into your skincare routine.
Yes, you can use niacinamide with eczema. In fact, it can be great for eczema-prone skin due to its soothing, anti-inflammatory, and barrier-strengthening properties. Niacinamide will strengthen your skin barrier, prevent moisture loss, and reduce eczema triggers.
