What Does Niacinamide Do for Skin? 6 Key Benefits

What is
niacinamide?

Niacinamide, also known as vitamin B3, is a versatile, water-soluble ingredient widely used in skincare for its ability to help skin tone, skin texture, and hydration while strengthening the skin barrier. Regular use of products containing niacinamide may help address concerns such as skin pigmentation, dryness , uneven skin tone and complexion, and signs of ageing , making it a valuable addition to many skincare routines.

6 niacinamide
benefits for skin

With regular use, niacinamide (vitamin B3) can help promote a healthier looking, more balanced complexion. Here is how it may benefit the skin:

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1
Brightens and evens skin tone
Niacinamide may help reduce the appearance of dark spots and discoloration by acting on melanin distribution in the skin. This can lead to a visibly brighter, more uniform complexion over time.

2
Calms and soothes irritated skin
Thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties, niacinamide can help relieve redness, sensitivity, and discomfort, making it ideal for those with sensitive, reactive or blemish-prone skin.

3
Strengthens the skin barrier
By boosting the production of ceramides, niacinamide helps reinforce the skin's protective barrier. This not only improves resilience but also aids in retaining moisture and shielding skin from environmental aggressors.

4
Regulates sebum, improves skin texture and pore appearance
Regular use may help regulate sebum production, refining the look of skin texture and reducing the appearance of enlarged pores, for a smoother, more even surface.

5
Boosts hydration and moisture retention
Niacinamide enhances the skin's ability to hold onto moisture, promoting a plumper, more hydrated look without clogging pores.

6
Supports anti-ageing benefits
By encouraging collagen production and improving skin elasticity, niacinamide can help soften the look of fine lines and wrinkles, contributing to a firmer, more youthful appearance.

Caution: Even if a product includes niacinamide in its formula, it doesn't imply that the product exhibits all the benefits listed above – these will depend on various factors such as the formulation and the concentration of niacinamide. Please see the packaging instructions to know the effects of the specific product that you use.

Niacinamide and
other ingredients

Besides niacinamide’s versatility and gentle nature, it is compatible with a wide range of skincare ingredients, such as:

Niacinamide and vitamin C:

Both ingredients can work together to brighten the skin. While vitamin C provides antioxidant protection, niacinamide can help even out skin tone and reduce irritation that could be caused by vitamin C, making them a suitable pairing for some individuals.

Niacinamide and retinol:

Combining niacinamide and retinol can offer benefits for those looking to target signs of ageing. Niacinamide may help soothe and hydrate the skin, reducing irritation caused by retinol, while retinol could encourage skin renewal. Using both ingredients together can lead to smoother skin with continued use.

Niacinamide and hyaluronic acid:

Niacinamide and hyaluronic acid are an excellent pairing for hydration. While hyaluronic acid draws moisture into the skin, niacinamide may help strengthen the skin barrier and lock in that moisture. Together, they can provide intense hydration and improve the skin texture, leaving the skin plump and smooth.

Niacinamide and salicylic acid:

This combination can be especially helpful for oily skin or blemish-prone skin. Salicylic Acid works to unclog pores and reduce excess oil, while niacinamide can help refine pores, calm the skin and support the skin barrier. Using both may help manage breakouts and minimise the appearance of pores without overly drying the skin.

Niacinamide and thiamidol:

Niacinamide and thiamidol work together to target hyperpigmentation and uneven skin tone. Niacinamide could help regulate sebum production and maintain hydration, while thiamidol helps fade dark spots for a more even, radiant complexion.

Experience the three powers of glow with three key ingredients in the NIVEA Luminous630 Skin Glow Instant Glow Serum. This serum combines niacinamide, thiamidol, and aloe vera to target dark spots and uneven skin tone, leaving your skin smooth, radiant, and deeply hydrated. Niacinamide, known to help reduce excess oil and refine pores, may contribute to a mattified and more even skin. Thiamidol helps reduce excess pigmentation, brightening the complexion by targeting dark spots. Meanwhile, aloe vera is famous for its soothing and hydrating properties, promoting your skin glow.

With regular use, the NIVEA Luminous630 Skin Glow Instant Glow Serum reveals a luminous, healthy complexion, balancing skin tone and texture for a radiant, glowing look day after day.

NIVEA LUMINOUS630 Skin Glow Instant Glow Serum 30ml

Facts overview

Niacinamide

Benefits: Niacinamide helps support even skin tone, reduces redness and inflammation, strengthens the skin barrier, improves hydration, and may help diminish the appearance of fine lines and hyperpigmentation.

Application: Niacinamide is typically applied after cleansing and toning, either as a serum or within moisturisers.

Special features: Niacinamide is a water-soluble form of vitamin B3, known for its gentleness, versatility and compatibility with most skincare ingredients, making it an ideal ingredient for a wide range of skin types.

Niacinamide
skincare routine with NIVEA

Niacinamide is gentle enough for daily use and can be easily incorporated into your routine with the right products. Here is a step-by-step guide using NIVEA’s Clear Up range with niacinamide to support healthy-looking, hydrated skin.

1. Cleanse

Start by washing your face with a gentle cleanser like the NIVEA Clear Up Wash Gel, which contains both niacinamide and salicylic acid. With this combination, the formula removes excess oil, unclogs pores and reduces blemishes, leaving the skin clear and mattified. This step not only cleanses away impurities but also prepares your skin for the following steps.

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2. Tone

Follow cleansing by gently applying the NIVEA Clear Up Toner to help rebalance your skin and remove any lingering oil or dirt. Formulated with niacinamide, it works to soothe the skin, regulate oil production, and strengthen the skin barrier, helping to reduce blemishes over time.

3. Serum

Follow with a serum, such as the NIVEA Clear Up Rebalance and Clear Serum, which is specially formulated with niacinamide to calm blemish-prone skin and reduce redness. This serum helps rebalance oil levels while keeping skin hydrated and smooth. Gently massage it into clean, dry skin, focusing on areas needing extra care to promote a clearer, calmer, and more radiant complexion over time.

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4. Sunscreen (Morning routine)

Finish your morning routine with the UV FACE SPECIALIST Derma Blemish Control SPF 50+. This broad-spectrum sunscreen with niacinamide protects your skin from UVA/UVB rays and blue light, while helping to prevent blemishes. Including niacinamide and sun protection in your routine supports a clearer, protected and more even complexion over time.

5. Optional: Exfoliate (Night routine)

Exfoliating in the evening helps remove dead skin cells, unclog pores, and enhance the effectiveness of active ingredients like niacinamide – promoting a smoother, clearer complexion over time. Try the NIVEA Clear Up Chemical Exfoliator, formulated with 8% of salicylic acid and glycolic acid mix, plus niacinamide to gently exfoliate and reduce blemishes on the skin. Apply directly on the cleaned face and leave on overnight. It supports skin renewal, refines pores, and helps prevent future breakouts for a visibly clearer complexion.

NIVEA Sun UV Face Specialist Clear Up SPF 50+

NIVEA Clear Up

Discover the NIVEA Clear Up range – a dermatologically tested, vegan-friendly collection formulated with niacinamide, pure sea salt, salicylic acid, and glycolic acid. Designed to prevent breakouts, reduce blemishes, and support healthier-looking skin, this range offers effective care for blemish-prone skin.

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Summary

Niacinamide is a multifunctional skincare ingredient known for its ability to improve skin tone, skin texture, and hydration while strengthening the skin’s natural barrier. It offers a wide range of benefits, including brightening dark spots, calming redness, refining pores, and anti-ageing support. Its gentleness and moisturising properties make it suitable for all skin types, including sensitive and blemish-prone skin.