A skincare all-rounder, Niacinamide works on multiple fronts like improving hydration, fading dark spots, and strengthening the lipid barrier. But what is really understated is the role of the active ingredient in acne care and prevention.   

If you’re someone who grapples with oiliness or acne, scroll ahead to learn the many benefits of Niacinamide. But before we get to this cheat sheet, here’s a look at the ingredient’s basics. 

What Is Niacinamide? 

Niacinamide is a form of Vitamin B3, abundantly found in eggs, fish, poultry, veggies, and nuts. The water-soluble active plays an important role in maintaining overall skin health. The best part? Niacinamide has little to no side effects and works on most skin types. You can also layer Niacinamide with Salicylic Acid to double down on acne control, with Vitamin C, for brightening, with Hyaluronic Acid for multi-level skin hydration. 

How Does Niacinamide Work To Clear Acne? 

Niacinamide helps clear acne by working on multiple factors -

1. Alleviates inflammation: One of the best anti-inflammatory ingredients, Niacinamide soothes redness and irritation often accompanied by an acne breakout.

2. Reduces the severity of acne: While Niacinamide is not exactly antimicrobial, it ensures a skin microbiome which is less conducive to bacteria growth.  

3. Skin barrier repair with Niacinamide: Topical application of Niacinamide strengthens the lipid barrier. A strong and sturdy barrier prevents pollutants, allergens, and other aggressors from irritating the skin, preventing acne breakout/spread. 

The Benefits Of Niacinamide For Acne-Prone Skin 

Keep acne at bay with these Niacinamide benefits for acne-prone and oily skin.

1. Sebum Control with Niacinamide: The main culprit behind pesky acne breakouts – overactive sebaceous glands. The overproduction of oil along with dead cells, debris, and other impurities clogs the pores, leading to bumps and inflammation. Luckily, Niacinamide in your daily skincare blots this excess sebum on your face for healthy skin. 

2. Prevents clogged pores: Niacinamide also prevents clogged pores that reduce the risk of whiteheads, blackheads, and acne. 

3. Minimizes the pores: We know that acne-prone skin is characterized by overzealous sebaceous glands. This overproduction of oil (a.k.a. sebum) makes the pores glaringly visible, a common complaint of the skin type. Enter Niacinamide. Use it regularly to blur the pores for a smooth, even surface. 

How To Incorporate Niacinamide In Your Skincare Routine 

Niacinamide is mostly a safe active ingredient for all skin types. It pairs exceptionally with other actives like Salicylic Acid and Retinol for acne control. You can use it in your morning or nighttime routine for best results. But before applying Niacinamide -

1. Thoroughly cleanse: Use a gentle, pH-balancing cleanser to remove the dirt, grime, and other impurities from the pores. This step ensures better absorption of your Niacinamide serum. For acne-prone skin, we recommend Foxtale’s Acne Control Cleanser with Salicylic Acid.   

2. Now, apply Niacinamide: To curb oiliness, minimize pores, and tackle different signs of acne, use our 12% Niacinamide Serum. Formulated with double-encapsulated technology, the lightweight formula gives your bright and smooth skin in only 14 days.  

3. Follow with moisturizer: Once the serum sinks into your skin, apply a layer of moisturizer. A generous slather of our Oil-Free Moisturizer seals the hydration and Niacinamide treatment into the skin for prolonged periods. It doesn’t feel greasy and clog pores even in the slightest.   

4. SPF in the morning, without fail: If you’re using Niacinamide for acne in the morning, remember to apply sunscreen. Active ingredients can make your skin photosensitive and to avoid any flareups you need 2 fingers’ worth of matte sunscreen. 

Research And Evidence: Does Niacinamide Really Help Acne? 

According to a research paper published on the National Library of Medicine, 6 out of the 10 subjects observed a substantial reduction in acne with Niacinamide – oral and topical treatments. Additionally, no major side effects were noted.   

To learn more about the benefits of Niacinamide for acne, refer to this research paper on MDPI. 

Other Skin Benefits Of Niacinamide 

Apart from combating acne-related concerns, Niacinamide works on several skin concerns – as seen briefly in the introduction. In this section, we delve deeper into the benefits.

1. Fights dark spots and pigmentation: Topical application of Niacinamide reduces dark spots and pigmentation to administer an even skin tone. The ingredient achieves this by controlling the melanin distribution across skin cells. For best results, pair Niacinamide with Vitamin C in your morning/nighttime skincare routine.

2. Maintains skin hydration: Niacinamide forms a seal on the dermis, preventing TEWL or transepidermal water loss. Pair with a Hyaluronic Acid-based serum to maximize hydration for the skin.  

3. Averts aggressors: The skincare workhorse is also replete with antioxidant properties. It shields your skin against pollutants and other environmental aggressors. 

Possible Side Effects Of Niacinamide And How To Avoid Them  

Niacinamide is generally well-tolerated amongst most individuals, a handful of folks may experience-

1. Allergic reactions: First time users may experience rashes, redness, and other types of flareups. Counter this problem by discontinuing the product and speaking to a board-certified dermatologist. 

2. Dryness, bumps or uncomfortable tightness: Rarely, a handful of people may experience dryness or an uncomfortable dryness to their skin. This usually happens due to the skin’s unfamiliarity with the active ingredient. To curb these episodes, conduct a patch test beforehand. Start with a low concentration of Niacinamide 2 to 3 times a week. If your skin reacts well to it, amp up the frequency. 

Conclusion

Niacinamide is a skincare all-rounder that addresses multiple concerns, but its role in acne control is underrated. Topical application of the active ingredient soothes inflammation, curbs acne-causing bacteria and maintains a healthy skin microbiome. Use it in your morning and nighttime rituals for best results. 

FAQs

1. Can Niacinamide replace other acne treatments? 

You can pair Niacinamide with other acne treatments like Salicylic Acid for best results.

2. How long does it take to see results from Niacinamide? 

While it may vary from person to person, you should see results of Niacinamide within 4 to 6 weeks.

3. Is Niacinamide safe for sensitive skin? 

Most definitely. Niacinamide soothes inflammation, boosts barrier health, and preserves hydration – making it a good fit for sensitive skin.

4. Can I use Niacinamide with other acne treatments? 

Yes! You can pair Niacinamide with acne treatments like Salicylic Acid and Retinol. Niacinamide helps counter any accidental inflammation that may occur from the latter ingredients’ use.