Most skin care products contain 5% niacinamide or less, but amounts can vary. Start slowly with a low concentration if you have sensitive skin. And talk to your healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns about how to use it or potential side effects. Pair it with other products in your routine Nothing has been proven to reduce the actual size of your pores. But niacinamide may help minimize their appearance by helping keep your skin smooth and clear. It also may help regulate the amount of oil your glands produce, which can prevent breakouts and clogged pores. 4. Possibly protect against skin cancer verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ Niacinamide is a close relative of another B vitamin called nicotinamide. Oral nicotinamide supplements may help prevent new skin canceror precancerous spotsfrom developing in some people. But more studiesare needed to confirm this benefit. A recent studyalso shows nicotinamide, the cousin of niacinamide, may increase the risk of triple-negative breast cancer in those who take the dietary supplement in high levels.

This vitamin’s antioxidant properties may help protect your skin and aid its recovery from damage due to factors like aging, sun and stress. Some research has shown topical niacinamide can improve fine lines and wrinkles, as well as skin sallowness. How do I use niacinamide in my skin care routine? Niacinamide is used to treat acne and can help nourish and protect your skin, especially when it’s used with other products like retinol,” says Dr. Vij. “It’s a potent nutrient that rarely has side effects.” It’s often helpful to pair niacinamide with other skin care products to maximize its benefits. These include anti-aging formulas with antioxidant vitamin C or moisturizers with ceramides (fat molecules), as well as: But using niacinamide in a skin care product and applying it topically is generally regarded as safe.Niacinamide is dermatologist-approved for brightening skin tone. Some research suggests skin care formulas with 5% niacinamide can also help lighten dark spots. Niacinamide is a multipurpose skin care ingredient. It helps build keratin, a protein that maintains skin health. It’s also been shown to make your skin stronger, smoother and brighter. You can even find niacinamide in some sunscreens these days,” notes Dr. Vij. “Just make sure you’re not using too many skin care products with it at once.” 5. Treat dark spots Niacinamide is a type of vitamin B3, one of eight B vitamins that support many aspects of your health. Your body makes niacinamide when you have too much niacin in your body. Your body can also change an amino acid called tryptophan into niacinamide. What does niacinamide do for my skin?

Niacinamide is one of those ingredients found in many skin care products to brighten skin, prevent signs of aging and treat conditions like eczema or acne,” says dermatologist Alok Vij, MD. “Niacinamide may be the ‘it’ product of the moment, but it’s been around for years and has staying power given its positive impacts on many skin conditions.” What is niacinamide?