Niacinamide for Great Skin

Used by dermatologists to treat a variety of skin conditions, this nourishing form of vitamin B3 can also work wonders in your at-home beauty regimen.

- SHERRIE STRAUSFOGEL

Check the ingredients in your face serums, moisturizers, masks, and eye creams, and you may be surprised to find “niacinamide” listed. Not to be confused with niacin, this is a different form of vitamin B3 that has the versatile ability to improve hyperpigmentation, visible signs of aging, and acne.

Niacinamide helps support the skin barrier, allowing it to fight off free radical damage. It also increases skin’s resiliency, improves texture by making pores appear smaller, helps balance oil production, brightens the complexion, improves elasticity, and can be used by all skin types.

Topical niacinamide has been shown to reduce skin inflammation, which is why dermatologists use it to treat acne and rosacea. Niacinamide can also inhibit oil production, which is beneficial to those dealing with acne. And new research points toward the potential of niacinamide to protect against skin damage caused by UV radiation, which can decrease the risk of developing skin cancers.