What does niacinamide do for my skin?

Niacinamide strengthens the skin barrier, hydrates, reduces redness, regulates sebum, refines pores, evens out the complexion, and helps fade pigmentation spots. A true all-rounder.

Can I combine niacinamide with other active ingredients such as retinol or vitamin C?

Yes, niacinamide combines excellently with other ingredients. Use them in succession or at different times of the day to prevent skin irritation.

Is niacinamide suitable for sensitive skin?

Sure. Niacinamide is actually very mild and soothing. Start with a low concentration (around 5%) if your skin reacts quickly.

How often should I use niacinamide?

Daily, preferably in the morning and in the evening on cleansed skin. It can be safely used long-term for visible results.

When will I see results from niacinamide?

Your skin may feel calmer within a few days, but visible improvements such as a more even complexion or smaller pores are usually seen after 4 to 8 weeks of consistent use.

Beauty

This is the ingredient against sun damage and mosquito bites

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woman in bathroom looks at her own face with towel

Of the ingredients that need a bit more explanation, so we all know what they are for and you can assess whether they suit your skin or not. Retinol, glycerin, and today: niacinamide. Because this ingredient is really a multitasker: it repairs your skin after sun damage and soothes itchy mosquito bites. Yes, really! Niacinamide absolutely deserves a place in your beauty routine. My friend has been using it recently and his skin has never looked so good. Curious why? Let's take a good look at this wonder product.

What exactly is niacinamide?

Niacinamide, also known as vitamin B3, is a water-soluble vitamin that strengthens your skin barrier. You can find it in serums, creams, and even in sunscreen. It is mild, yet powerful enough to tackle various skin issues, and that's why you want to start using it from now on (if you haven't already).

Why you should use niacinamide

Because it does almost everything your skin needs: hydrates, soothes, mattifies, evens out, brightens, and protects. The best news: it is suitable for all skin types. From super-sensitive skin to oily variants, niacinamide helps everyone.

Niacinamide helps with mosquito bites

Itch. Scratch. Even more itch. Mosquito bites can really ruin your summer, right? Fortunately, niacinamide helps relieve this by inhibiting inflammatory reactions and calming your skin. I tried it this morning because a mosquito had a feast last night, and it works. You can feel the irritation and itch slowly decrease, so nice. Just make sure your skin isn't so badly scratched that it bleeds, because then I would really leave it alone and not experiment with serums.

Sun? Then niacinamide is your best friend

Niacinamide acts as an antioxidant and neutralizes free radicals caused by UV radiation. It calms your skin, helps repair damage, and prevents pigmentation spots. Some studies even suggest that it may protect against harmful effects of the sun. Impressive, right?

Fewer pores, more glow

Who doesn't dream of less visible pores and a beautiful glow? Niacinamide regulates sebum production, prevents clogged pores, and simultaneously improves skin texture.

Ideal for pigmentation spots

If your skin is prone to pigmentation, niacinamide is your go-to. It prevents new spots but also reduces the visibility of spots you may already have. Products with 10% to even 20% niacinamide, such as those from Paula’s Choice or The Ordinary, work super well.

Well combinable with other products

Does your skincare routine already have about eight steps with different serums and boosters? Niacinamide easily combines with other ingredients like retinol, vitamin C, or other acids. So no worries if niacinamide is added now as well. I sometimes use it in my body lotion, a few drops and you have a nice booster for your whole skin.

How do you use niacinamide?

Use it both in the morning and in the evening on cleansed skin. Start with a serum and then your moisturizer and SPF. With higher concentrations, your skin may need to adjust, so try it a few times a week first, especially if your skin is sensitive.

Shopping time:
The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
Budget favorite, mattifies and reduces pores.

Paula’s Choice Clinical Niacinamide 20% Treatment
Highly concentrated, ideal for spots and rough skin.

La Roche-Posay Mela B3 Serum
Specially for pigmentation spots.

Dr. Jetske Ultee Repair Cream
Calms and repairs, also for mosquito bites.

CeraVe Face Cream
Combines niacinamide with ceramides and hyaluronic acid for extra hydration.

Sunday Riley B3 Nice 10% Niacinamide Serum
Helps to even out pigmentation and reduces redness.

Source: dr. Jetske Ultee, Paula’s Choice