Does Niacinamide Help with Oily Skin? Also recognized as Vitamin B3, Niacinamide is a water-soluble vitamin that offers a plethora of benefits for the skin. Its notable ability to improve the appearance and health of oily skin is particularly impressive. Oily skin typically arises from excessive production of sebum, which can lead to clogged pores, acne, and an overall greasy appearance.
However, incorporating niacinamide into your skincare routine can help to reduce the appearance of oily skin, minimize the appearance of pores, and improve the overall health of the skin.
In this article, we will explore the benefits of niacinamide for oily skin, how to use it, and whether or not it is a good fit for your skincare routine.
Table of Contents
Is Niacinamide Good for Oily Skin?
Yes, niacinamide is good for oily skin. Niacinamide is a water-soluble vitamin that can help to reduce sebum production, improve skin barrier function, minimize the appearance of pores, and reduce inflammation, all of which can be beneficial for oily skin.
Niacinamide can help to control oil production, which can lead to a reduction in the appearance of oily skin, clogged pores, and acne. It can also help to strengthen the skin barrier, which can lead to a reduction in the appearance of redness, dryness, and sensitivity. Additionally, it can help to minimize the appearance of pores and reduce the appearance of blemishes and acne.
Benefits of Niacinamide for Oily Skin
Niacinamide has been shown to have several benefits for oily skin, including:
- Reducing sebum production: Niacinamide has been shown to reduce the production of sebum, the oily substance that can lead to clogged pores and acne. By reducing the amount of sebum produced by the skin, niacinamide can help to prevent the formation of acne and improve the overall appearance of oily skin.
- Improving skin barrier function: Niacinamide can also help to strengthen the skin barrier, which can help to prevent the loss of moisture and protect the skin from environmental stressors. A strong skin barrier can also help to reduce inflammation, which can be a common issue for those with oily skin.
- Minimizing the appearance of pores: Niacinamide can also help to minimize the appearance of pores, which can become enlarged and more visible due to the overproduction of sebum. By reducing the size of pores, niacinamide can help to improve the overall appearance of the skin.
- Helping to reduce inflammation: Niacinamide also has anti-inflammatory properties which can help to reduce redness and inflammation associated with oily skin. It can also help to reduce the appearance of blemishes and acne.
It’s worth noting that these benefits are not exclusive to oily skin, they can also be beneficial to other skin types, but the oily skin in particular tends to benefit more from these effects.
How to Use Niacinamide for Oily Skin
- Incorporating niacinamide into skincare routine: Niacinamide can be found in various forms, such as serums, creams, and moisturizers. To incorporate niacinamide into your skincare routine, it is recommended to start by using a product that contains a concentration of at least 5% niacinamide. It’s best to apply the product after cleaning your face and before moisturizing.
- Recommended concentration and frequency of use: The recommended concentration of niacinamide for oily skin is 5-10%. It is recommended to use niacinamide twice a day, once in the morning and once at night for best results. It’s also important to note that it may take several weeks to see the full benefits of niacinamide on the skin.
- Possible side effects: Niacinamide is generally considered safe for most people, but some may experience mild side effects such as skin irritation or dryness. If you have sensitive skin, I would recommend you start with a lower concentration of niacinamide and use it less frequently. Also, it’s important to patch-test the product before applying it to your face.
FAQ
Is niacinamide good for acne and oily skin?
Niacinamide has been shown to be beneficial for both acne and oily skin. The benefits that niacinamide can provide for oily skin, such as reducing sebum production, improving skin barrier function, minimizing the appearance of pores, and reducing inflammation, can also help to reduce the appearance of acne.
Niacinamide has been shown to help reduce the severity of acne by decreasing inflammation and reducing the amount of sebum production. Additionally, by improving the overall health of the skin and strengthening the skin barrier, niacinamide can help to prevent future breakouts.
It’s important to note that niacinamide is not a cure for acne, but it can be a helpful addition to a skincare routine for those with acne-prone and oily skin. It’s best to use niacinamide in conjunction with other acne-fighting ingredients, such as salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide, and under the guidance of a dermatologist.
Which niacinamide is best for oily skin?
The Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% from The Ordinary is a popular choice for those with oily skin. This product is formulated with a high concentration of niacinamide (10%) and a small amount of zinc (1%), which work together to help reduce the appearance of oily skin and improve the overall health of the skin.
Niacinamide is known to help reduce sebum production, minimize the appearance of pores, and reduce inflammation, which can all be beneficial for oily skin. The zinc in the formula helps to control sebum production, reduce inflammation and also provides antioxidant properties.
The product is a lightweight serum that can be applied to the skin after cleansing and before moisturizing. It is recommended to use it twice a day, once in the morning and once at night.
Is niacinamide good for oily skin or salicylic acid?
Both niacinamide and salicylic acid can be beneficial for oily skin, but they have different mechanisms of action.
Niacinamide is a water-soluble vitamin that helps to improve the overall health of the skin by reducing sebum production, improving skin barrier function, minimizing the appearance of pores, and reducing inflammation. It is also known to help reduce the appearance of blemishes and acne, but it’s not as powerful as salicylic acid.
Salicylic acid, on the other hand, is a beta hydroxy acid (BHA) that helps to exfoliate the skin, unclog pores, and reduce the appearance of acne. Salicylic acid is a great ingredient for oily skin, as it helps to break down the buildup of oil and dead skin cells that can clog pores, leading to acne.
In conclusion, while Niacinamide is great for improving the overall health of the skin, Salicylic acid is more effective at treating and preventing acne. It’s recommendable to use them together to get the best results.
Who should not use niacinamide?
Niacinamide is generally considered safe for most people to use. However, there are a few groups of people who should not use niacinamide or should use it with caution:
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women: As with most skincare ingredients, there is not enough research to determine the safety of niacinamide for pregnant or breastfeeding women. It’s best to consult a healthcare professional before using niacinamide or any other skincare product during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
- People with sensitive skin: Niacinamide is generally well-tolerated, but some people with sensitive skin may experience mild side effects such as skin irritation or dryness. If you have sensitive skin, it is recommended to start with a lower concentration of niacinamide and use it less frequently. It’s also important to patch test the product before applying it to your face.
- People taking high doses of niacin supplements: Niacinamide is a form of Vitamin B3 and if you are taking high doses of niacin supplements, it may cause flushing, itching and other symptoms. It’s always a good idea to consult a healthcare professional before taking any new supplements.
- People with an allergy to vitamin B3 or its derivatives: if you have an allergy to Vitamin B3 or any of its derivatives, it’s best to avoid niacinamide.
Which is better for oily skin hyaluronic acid or niacinamide?
Hyaluronic acid and niacinamide are both beneficial for oily skin, but they have different mechanisms of action.
Hyaluronic acid is a humectant that helps to attract and retain moisture in the skin. It can help to plump and hydrate the skin, which can be beneficial for oily skin as it can help to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, without leaving a greasy feeling.
Niacinamide, on the other hand, is a water-soluble vitamin that helps to improve the overall health of the skin by reducing sebum production, improving skin barrier function, minimizing the appearance of pores, and reducing inflammation. It also helps to reduce the appearance of blemishes and acne.
Both ingredients are safe to use and can be beneficial for oily skin, and they work well together. Niacinamide can help to control sebum production and reduce the appearance of blemishes, while hyaluronic acid can help to hydrate the skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Why does my skin look worse after using niacinamide?
There can be several reasons why your skin may look worse after using niacinamide:
- Overuse: Using too much niacinamide, or using it too frequently, can lead to irritation and dryness, which can cause your skin to look worse. It’s important to follow the recommended concentration and frequency of use for the product you are using.
- Sensitivity: Some people may be sensitive to niacinamide and may experience mild side effects such as skin irritation or dryness. If you have sensitive skin, it is recommended to start with a lower concentration of niacinamide and use it less frequently.
- Incorrect product pairing: Niacinamide can be beneficial when used in conjunction with other skincare products, but when combined with certain ingredients it can cause irritation. For example, some people may experience sensitivity when used with Vitamin C or AHAs/BHAs. If you’re experiencing irritation, it’s best to discontinue use and consult a dermatologist.
- Lack of patience: Niacinamide takes time to work and the full benefits can take several weeks to be seen. It’s important to be patient and give the product time to work. So-called “purging” can also occur, i.e. initial worsening. So have some patience and wait if it gets better after several weeks.
- Underlying skin conditions: Some underlying skin conditions such as rosacea, eczema, or psoriasis can cause flare-ups when using niacinamide. If your skin looks worse after using niacinamide and you have an underlying skin condition, it’s best to consult a dermatologist.
If you’re experiencing any irritation or your skin looks worse after using niacinamide, it’s best to discontinue use and consult a dermatologist for further advice.
Is it OK to use niacinamide everyday?
Niacinamide is generally considered safe for daily use. Most skincare products that contain niacinamide recommend for using twice a day, once in the morning and once at night for best results.
It’s worth noting that the frequency of use and the concentration of niacinamide that works best for you may vary depending on your individual skin type and concerns, so it’s always a good idea to consult a dermatologist if you have any concerns or questions about using niacinamide.
Can niacinamide cause oily skin?
In some cases, niacinamide may cause an initial increase in oil production. This is because, when applied topically, niacinamide can help to balance the skin’s oil production, but it may take some time for the skin to adjust. This could lead to an initial increase in oil production, but it should balance out over time.
How do I know if niacinamide is working?
The following are some signs that niacinamide may be working:
- Reduced sebum production: Niacinamide can help to reduce the amount of sebum produced by the skin, leading to a reduction in the appearance of oily skin, clogged pores, and acne.
- Improved skin barrier function: Niacinamide can help to strengthen the skin barrier, which can lead to a reduction in the appearance of redness, dryness and sensitivity.
- Minimized the appearance of pores: Niacinamide can also help to minimize the appearance of pores, which can become enlarged and more visible due to the overproduction of sebum.
- Reduced inflammation: Niacinamide also has anti-inflammatory properties which can help to reduce redness and inflammation associated with oily skin. It can also help to reduce the appearance of blemishes and acne.
- Improved overall skin health: You may notice that your skin appears more even-toned, hydrated, and smoother.
What are the side effects of using niacinamide on face?
Niacinamide is generally considered safe for most people to use. However, there are some possible side effects that may occur when using niacinamide on the face, these include:
- Skin irritation: Some people may experience mild skin irritation or dryness when using niacinamide. This can manifest as redness, itching, or flaking. If you experience any irritation, it’s best to discontinue use and consult a dermatologist.
- Breakouts: Niacinamide is known to help reduce the appearance of acne, but in rare cases, it may cause breakouts, particularly if the skin becomes too dry. If you notice an increase in breakouts, it’s best to discontinue use and consult a dermatologist.
- Flushing: Niacinamide is a form of Vitamin B3, and some people may experience flushing, itching, or a warm sensation when using it. This is not harmful and usually goes away after a short period of time.
- Allergic reactions: Niacinamide is generally well-tolerated, but some people may experience an allergic reaction. Symptoms include itching, redness, and hives. If you experience an allergic reaction, it’s best to discontinue use and consult a dermatologist.
