Overwhelmed by all the moisturizer options out there? Youβre not alone. Aloe vera, shea butter, vitamin Eβwith so many options, itβs hard to separate the skin care fads from the skin care essentials. If youβre trying to smooth out uneven texture, brighten dull skin, or strengthen your skinβs barrier, niacinamide can do it allβand itβs backed by solid science. In this article, weβll explore 7 of its top benefits in detail and give you practical tips on how to seamlessly incorporate it into your daily routine. Trust us, your skin will thank you.
Overwhelmed by all the moisturizer options out there? Youβre not alone. Aloe vera, shea butter, vitamin Eβwith so many options, itβs hard to separate the skin care fads from the skin care essentials. If youβre trying to smooth out uneven texture, brighten dull skin, or strengthen your skinβs barrier, niacinamide can do it allβand itβs backed by solid science. In this article, weβll explore 7 of its top benefits in detail and give you practical tips on how to seamlessly incorporate it into your daily routine. Trust us, your skin will thank you.
01
What is Niacinamide?
Niacinamide, sometimes called nicotinamide, is a water-soluble form of Vitamin B3 and a powerhouse for your skin, aiding in energy production and DNA repair to keep your complexion healthy and radiant. Whatβs even better? It works well with all skin types and is super gentle in lower concentrations, so you can use it without worrying about irritation.[1] Whether in your serum, moisturizer, or cleanser, niacinamide is a skincare multitasker that fits seamlessly into any routine.
01
What is Niacinamide?
Niacinamide, sometimes called nicotinamide, is a water-soluble form of Vitamin B3 and a powerhouse for your skin, aiding in energy production and DNA repair to keep your complexion healthy and radiant. Whatβs even better? It works well with all skin types and is super gentle in lower concentrations, so you can use it without worrying about irritation.[1] Whether in your serum, moisturizer, or cleanser, niacinamide is a skincare multitasker that fits seamlessly into any routine.
02
How Does Niacinamide Benefit Your Skin?
What makes niacinamide such a superstar in skincare? Itβs all about balance. This multitasking ingredient helps prevent skin aging by regulating oil production, calming visible inflammation, and even fighting oxidative stress. Letβs break down niacinamide's 7 most significant benefits and see what makes it so unique:
1. Improves Skin Barrier Function
The skinβs barrier is vital for maintaining hydration and protecting against external aggressors, but its integrity naturally declines with age. Niacinamide has been shown to upregulate the production of essential barrier components, including ceramides, sphingolipid fractions, free fatty acids, and proteins like involucrin and filaggrin that fortify skin cells. Clinical studies have demonstrated that even a 2% niacinamide formulation can significantly improve barrier function in conditions such as rosacea.[2,3]This all helps to encourage the growth of healthy skin cells and helps repair damage caused by aging, UV exposure, and oxidative stress. If youβre dealing with dryness or sensitivity, niacinamide helps you build a resilient, hydrated barrier for healthier, happier skin.[1]
02
How Does Niacinamide Benefit Your Skin?
What makes niacinamide such a superstar in skincare? Itβs all about balance. This multitasking ingredient helps prevent skin aging by regulating oil production, calming visible inflammation, and even fighting oxidative stress. Letβs break down niacinamide's 7 most significant benefits and see what makes it so unique:
1. Improves Skin Barrier Function
The skinβs barrier is vital for maintaining hydration and protecting against external aggressors, but its integrity naturally declines with age. Niacinamide has been shown to upregulate the production of essential barrier components, including ceramides, sphingolipid fractions, free fatty acids, and proteins like involucrin and filaggrin that fortify skin cells. Clinical studies have demonstrated that even a 2% niacinamide formulation can significantly improve barrier function in conditions such as rosacea.[2,3]This all helps to encourage the growth of healthy skin cells and helps repair damage caused by aging, UV exposure, and oxidative stress. If youβre dealing with dryness or sensitivity, niacinamide helps you build a resilient, hydrated barrier for healthier, happier skin.[1]
2. Reduces Inflammation
Niacinamide is a true multitasker, but its anti-inflammatory properties are where it really shines. When dealing with inflammatory skin conditions like acne, eczema, rosacea, or even UV irritation, this skincare hero may help by reducing inflammatory signals and oxidative stress that can worsen redness and swelling. Specifically, niacinamide suppresses the expression of key inflammatory biomarkers, such as IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, and TNF-Ξ±.[1]This inflammation in the skin contributes to sending keratinocytes, the most common cells in your epidermis, into premature senescence. By lowering the levels of these inflammatory factors, niacinamide not only soothes irritation but can also help keep your skin healthy by combating a significant source of skin aging.[1,2]
2. Reduces Inflammation
Niacinamide is a true multitasker, but its anti-inflammatory properties are where it really shines. When dealing with inflammatory skin conditions like acne, eczema, rosacea, or even UV irritation, this skincare hero may help by reducing inflammatory signals and oxidative stress that can worsen redness and swelling. Specifically, niacinamide suppresses the expression of key inflammatory biomarkers, such as IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, and TNF-Ξ±.[1]This inflammation in the skin contributes to sending keratinocytes, the most common cells in your epidermis, into premature senescence. By lowering the levels of these inflammatory factors, niacinamide not only soothes irritation but can also help keep your skin healthy by combating a significant source of skin aging.[1,2]
3. Minimizes Pore Appearance
Enlarged pores are often the result of excessive sebum production and a decline in skin elasticity. Niacinamide minimizes their appearance by regulating oil production and strengthening the skinβs structural integrity. Consistency is key, as clinical trials have shown noticeable improvements in pore size and skin texture after 8 weeks of use.[1,4]Moreover, its ability to balance oil production and reduce inflammation makes niacinamide a powerful tool for managing acne. By preventing clogged pores and soothing irritated skin, it minimizes breakouts and promotes post-inflammatory healing, helping to fade acne scars and hyperpigmentation over time.[1]
3. Minimizes Pore Appearance
Enlarged pores are often the result of excessive sebum production and a decline in skin elasticity. Niacinamide minimizes their appearance by regulating oil production and strengthening the skinβs structural integrity. Consistency is key, as clinical trials have shown noticeable improvements in pore size and skin texture after 8 weeks of use.[1,4]Moreover, its ability to balance oil production and reduce inflammation makes niacinamide a powerful tool for managing acne. By preventing clogged pores and soothing irritated skin, it minimizes breakouts and promotes post-inflammatory healing, helping to fade acne scars and hyperpigmentation over time.[1]
4. Evens Skin Tone
Hyperpigmentation and uneven skin tone often result from an overproduction and transfer of melanin to the skinβs surface. Niacinamide works at the cellular level, stopping melanin transfer in its tracks while calming visible inflammation that contributes to discoloration. Studies have shown that niacinamide is highly effective for treating hyperpigmentation and conditions like melasma.[5,6]
4. Evens Skin Tone
Hyperpigmentation and uneven skin tone often result from an overproduction and transfer of melanin to the skinβs surface. Niacinamide works at the cellular level, stopping melanin transfer in its tracks while calming visible inflammation that contributes to discoloration. Studies have shown that niacinamide is highly effective for treating hyperpigmentation and conditions like melasma.[5,6]
5. Fights Signs of Aging
As your skin ages, it becomes prone to the visible signs of aging, wrinkles, sagging, and dryness due to declining collagen levels and oxidative stress. Niacinamide helps combat the signs of aging in several ways:
- Promotes Collagen Production: By preventing keratinocyte and fibroblast senescence, niacinamide supports the synthesis of collagen and elastin, which are critical for maintaining skin firmness and reducing the appearance of wrinkles.[1]
- Neutralizes Oxidative Stress: Acting as a powerful antioxidant, niacinamide reduces oxidative damage caused by free radicalsβone of the leading causes of skin aging. [1]
- Improves Cellular Energy: As a precursor to NAD+, niacinamide helps regulate cellular energy levels and balances the redox status, promoting cellular homeostasis.[1]
- Restores and Protects from UV Damage: Niacinamide reverses cellular damage caused by oxidative stress and UV damage. At the same time, niacinamide shields the skin from UV-induced immune suppression, reducing the risk of nonmelanoma and melanoma skin cancers.[1]
5. Fights Signs of Aging
As your skin ages, it becomes prone to the visible signs of aging, wrinkles, sagging, and dryness due to declining collagen levels and oxidative stress. Niacinamide helps combat the signs of aging in several ways:
- Promotes Collagen Production: By preventing keratinocyte and fibroblast senescence, niacinamide supports the synthesis of collagen and elastin, which are critical for maintaining skin firmness and reducing the appearance of wrinkles.[1]
- Neutralizes Oxidative Stress: Acting as a powerful antioxidant, niacinamide reduces oxidative damage caused by free radicalsβone of the leading causes of skin aging. [1]
- Improves Cellular Energy: As a precursor to NAD+, niacinamide helps regulate cellular energy levels and balances the redox status, promoting cellular homeostasis.[1]
- Restores and Protects from UV Damage: Niacinamide reverses cellular damage caused by oxidative stress and UV damage. At the same time, niacinamide shields the skin from UV-induced immune suppression, reducing the risk of nonmelanoma and melanoma skin cancers.[1]
6. Protects Against Environmental Damage
From UV rays to air pollution and even blue light from your screens, environmental stressors can wreak havoc on your skin. They generate harmful reactive oxygen species (ROS) that damage DNA, trigger inflammation, and break down collagen, leading to premature aging. Thatβs where niacinamide comes in. This multitasking ingredient strengthens your skinβs barrier and acts as a powerful antioxidant, neutralizing free radicals before they can cause harm.[1]Niacinamide combats these effects by enhancing the skinβs barrier function and acting as a precursor for NAD+. By regulating NADPH oxidase and nitric oxide synthase (NOS) activity, niacinamide reduces superoxide radicals and nitric oxide production, minimizing oxidative damage.[1] Additionally, it boosts the activity of catalase, an enzyme that neutralizes hydrogen peroxide, preventing the formation of harmful hydroxyl radicals. Together, these mechanisms make niacinamide a powerful defense against environmental stressors, helping to maintain skin integrity and delay aging.[1]
6. Protects Against Environmental Damage
From UV rays to air pollution and even blue light from your screens, environmental stressors can wreak havoc on your skin. They generate harmful reactive oxygen species (ROS) that damage DNA, trigger inflammation, and break down collagen, leading to premature aging. Thatβs where niacinamide comes in. This multitasking ingredient strengthens your skinβs barrier and acts as a powerful antioxidant, neutralizing free radicals before they can cause harm.[1]Niacinamide combats these effects by enhancing the skinβs barrier function and acting as a precursor for NAD+. By regulating NADPH oxidase and nitric oxide synthase (NOS) activity, niacinamide reduces superoxide radicals and nitric oxide production, minimizing oxidative damage.[1] Additionally, it boosts the activity of catalase, an enzyme that neutralizes hydrogen peroxide, preventing the formation of harmful hydroxyl radicals. Together, these mechanisms make niacinamide a powerful defense against environmental stressors, helping to maintain skin integrity and delay aging.[1]
7. Supports Wound Healing
Niacinamide isnβt just great for your daily skincare routineβits reparative properties also make it a stand-out ingredient for wound healing. By boosting collagen synthesis, promoting fibroblast proliferation, and improving blood flow to damaged tissue, niacinamide helps your skin recover faster. Clinical studies confirm that this extends the lifespan of skin cells during healing, ensuring smoother and healthier results.[8] This allows niacinamide to accelerate the healing process, minimizing the risk of scarring and even slowly fading existing scarring. It does this by regulating the inflammation caused by a wound or skin damage.[1] This makes it especially useful for combatting some familiar sources of scarring, like after a laser therapy treatment where the risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation is high.[9]
7. Supports Wound Healing
Niacinamide isnβt just great for your daily skincare routineβits reparative properties also make it a stand-out ingredient for wound healing. By boosting collagen synthesis, promoting fibroblast proliferation, and improving blood flow to damaged tissue, niacinamide helps your skin recover faster. Clinical studies confirm that this extends the lifespan of skin cells during healing, ensuring smoother and healthier results.[8] This allows niacinamide to accelerate the healing process, minimizing the risk of scarring and even slowly fading existing scarring. It does this by regulating the inflammation caused by a wound or skin damage.[1] This makes it especially useful for combatting some familiar sources of scarring, like after a laser therapy treatment where the risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation is high.[9]
03
How to Incorporate Niacinamide Into Your Skin Care With Oneskin
OneSkinβs skin protocol is designed to address bodily aging from head to toe and is scientifically validated to combat skin aging. That's why we included niacinamide in our topical supplements, OS-01 FACE, OS-01 EYE, OS-01 BODY, and our gentle cleanser PREP. These products feature safe, effective concentrations of niacinamide, which can help combat acne, lighten acne scars, and strengthen the skin barrier for improved skin longevity in all skin types.[1]In addition to niacinamide, OS-01 FACE, OS-01 EYE, and OS-01 BODY incorporate our proprietary OS-01 peptide, which is clinically validated to improve skin barrier function, and hydration, and scientifically proven to reverse skin aging. [10, 11, 12] OneSkinβs products combine cutting-edge science with effective ingredients like niacinamide to tackle aging, improve skin health, and ensure the long-term resilience of your skin.[1]
03
How to Incorporate Niacinamide Into Your Skin Care With Oneskin
OneSkinβs skin protocol is designed to address bodily aging from head to toe and is scientifically validated to combat skin aging. That's why we included niacinamide in our topical supplements, OS-01 FACE, OS-01 EYE, OS-01 BODY, and our gentle cleanser PREP. These products feature safe, effective concentrations of niacinamide, which can help combat acne, lighten acne scars, and strengthen the skin barrier for improved skin longevity in all skin types.[1]In addition to niacinamide, OS-01 FACE, OS-01 EYE, and OS-01 BODY incorporate our proprietary OS-01 peptide, which is clinically validated to improve skin barrier function, and hydration, and scientifically proven to reverse skin aging. [10, 11, 12] OneSkinβs products combine cutting-edge science with effective ingredients like niacinamide to tackle aging, improve skin health, and ensure the long-term resilience of your skin.[1]
Key Takeaways:
- Niacinamide, a water-soluble form of Vitamin B3, supports healthy skin by boosting energy production and DNA repair.
- Niacinamide is a multitasker that improves skin texture, fights signs of aging, and calms inflammationβall without irritation.
- By reinforcing the skin barrier by increasing ceramides and proteins, niacinamide ensures hydrated and resilient skin.
- Niacinamide soothes redness and swelling by lowering inflammatory markers and keeping skin balanced.
- Niacinamide targets hyperpigmentation by halting melanin transfer and calming discoloration.
- Due to its anti-oxidant properties, niacinamide neutralizes free radicals from pollution, UV, and blue light for healthier skin.
- Gentle yet effective, niacinamide suits sensitive, dry, oily, and acne-prone skin alike.
Key Takeaways:
- Niacinamide, a water-soluble form of Vitamin B3, supports healthy skin by boosting energy production and DNA repair.
- Niacinamide is a multitasker that improves skin texture, fights signs of aging, and calms inflammationβall without irritation.
- By reinforcing the skin barrier by increasing ceramides and proteins, niacinamide ensures hydrated and resilient skin.
- Niacinamide soothes redness and swelling by lowering inflammatory markers and keeping skin balanced.
- Niacinamide targets hyperpigmentation by halting melanin transfer and calming discoloration.
- Due to its anti-oxidant properties, niacinamide neutralizes free radicals from pollution, UV, and blue light for healthier skin.
- Gentle yet effective, niacinamide suits sensitive, dry, oily, and acne-prone skin alike.
References
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11047333/
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8389214/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16209160/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18047609/
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3142702/
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3552481/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19017042/
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7950568/
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2921758/
- Based on data from clinical studies and/or lab studies conducted on human skin samples, 3D skin models, and skin cells in the OneSkin lab. Explore more at oneskin.co/claims
- Zonari A., et al. Double-blind, vehicle-controlled clinical investigation of peptide OS-01 for skin rejuvenation. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2024; 23: 2135-2144. doi:10.1111/jocd.16242
- Zonari, A., et al. Senotherapeutic peptide treatment reduces biological age and senescence burden in human skin models. npj Aging, 9(1), 1-15. 2023. doi:10.1038/s41514-023-00109-1
References
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11047333/
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8389214/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16209160/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18047609/
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3142702/
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3552481/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19017042/
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7950568/
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2921758/
- Based on data from clinical studies and/or lab studies conducted on human skin samples, 3D skin models, and skin cells in the OneSkin lab. Explore more at oneskin.co/claims
- Zonari A., et al. Double-blind, vehicle-controlled clinical investigation of peptide OS-01 for skin rejuvenation. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2024; 23: 2135-2144. doi:10.1111/jocd.16242
- Zonari, A., et al. Senotherapeutic peptide treatment reduces biological age and senescence burden in human skin models. npj Aging, 9(1), 1-15. 2023. doi:10.1038/s41514-023-00109-1
