Niacinamide is a powerhouse ingredient in skincare. Also called Nicotinamide, it's a lab-stabilized form of Vitamin B3 (niacin). It's popular as an active ingredient in skincare serums, cleansers, and more. But you can also consume this Vitamin B3 form via food. It's naturally found in meat, fish, eggs, avocados, and more.
Niacinamide is popular in skincare routines for good reason. It's a versatile active that reduces pigmentation, dark spots, tanning, and also gives a brightening effect. Its oil-balancing properties are effective for oily skin types as it reduces acne. A study in the National Library of Medicine confirmed its efficacy in controlling skin aging and pigmentation.
Its gentle yet effective properties suit even sensitive and combination skin. Hence, it's a foundational ingredient in several Deconstruct products.
In this blog, we answer your most burning questions about this viral skincare active, such as: Can I use niacinamide in sunlight? How to use Niacinamide serum for the best results? And more.
Can I Use Niacinamide Serum Every Day?
Yes, it's safe to use Niacinamide every day. Both your morning and/or night skincare routines can include Niacinamide.
Unlike Vitamin C and Alpha Arbutin, Niacinamide is gentle on the skin. It's non-irritating and anti-inflammatory, making it safe for both sensitive and oily skin types.
Niacinamide strengthens your skin’s natural barrier. It boosts ceramides and lipids that keep your skin hydrated from the inside out. Given its light-weight texture, it absorbs easily into both sensitive and oily skin. Its oil-balancing properties prevent pores from clogging, thus preventing acne.
For beginners, it's advisable to start by using Niacinamide in your skincare routine every other day, gradually increasing the frequency as your skin adjusts.
Check how niacinamide suits different skin types and seasons her
How Many Times Should I Use Niacinamide Serum Per Day?
If you’re wondering, “Is Niacinamide good for daily use?” The simple answer is yes. However, if you have delicate skin, you can start with alternate-day usage.
If you opt to use Niacinamide serum every day, you can apply it twice daily. Whether it's morning or night routine, Niacinamide is safe to use at both times. It's safe to layer before sunscreen and amplifies its sun protection properties.
To boost Niacinamide’s benefits, pair it with other actives. Combine it with vitamin C, and you can maximize its skin-brightening benefits. With Alpha Arbutin, you can boost sun protection. Use it with Retinol to make your skin look plump and healthy in the long run.
However, it's important not to overlay multiple actives in one single routine. This tip especially applies to skincare beginners.
How Many Niacinamide Serum Drops Should I Use at a Time?
It's key to know “how to use niacinamide serum” to get the most out of it.
Apply 2-3 drops for full face coverage. Also, apply 1-2 drops on your neck and chest.
However, applying too much of it won’t give faster results. Instead, it could cause products to clump together and form greyish balls on the skin, also known as pilling.
Whether it's morning or night routine, Niacinamide works best on clean and slightly damp skin. Follow up with a hydrating moisturizer to lock in the active’s benefits.
What Happens If I Stop Using Niacinamide?
There are no harmful effects if you stop using Niacinamide, per se. But know that its results, like improved skin tone, oil control, and reduced pigmentation, may gradually fade over time.
Niacinamide is not addictive. Discontinuing its use will not cause any adverse reactions. But for long-term improvements, consistency is key.
Here’s how niacinamide helps fade tan, acne scars, and uneven skin tone
It’ll take between 4 to 8 weeks of consistent use for Niacinamide to show results in your skincare routine
Can I Use Niacinamide in Sunlight?
Niacinamide remains stable when exposed to sunlight. It protects against UV rays, making it ideal for daytime use. But it works best with sunscreen.
Sunscreen blocks the UV damage, and Niacinamide strengthens the skin barrier. It blocks UV rays from triggering melanin production. This reduces sun-caused tanning.
Its antioxidant properties help defend the skin against environmental damage. To maximize the benefits, incorporate niacinamide into your morning routine and finish with a broad-spectrum sunscreen for comprehensive protection.
Can I Use Niacinamide at Night?
Niacinamide is especially beneficial for nighttime usage. It helps your skin’s recovery and repair. If you’re wondering how to use Niacinamide serum at night, simply apply 2-3 drops right after cleansing and finish with a moisturizer.
In the PM routine, Niacinamide pairs well with Hyaluronic Acid and Retinol. While Hyaluronic acid provides skin with deep hydration, Niacinamide locks it in. The skincare active also balances possible irritation caused by Retinol in new users.
For those targeting concerns like acne or pigmentation, applying niacinamide before bed can accelerate visible improvements due to increased cell turnover overnight. Its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties make it an excellent choice for evening skincare.
Can I Use Niacinamide in the Morning?
Niacinamide is equally effective in the morning, especially for individuals with oily or acne-prone skin.
It controls excess sebum production and reduces the likelihood of breakouts. By blocking UV damage, it also saves the skin from redness and inflammation. Thus, evening out your skintone despite environmental exposure.
It's a perfect pre-makeup serum.
Below is a straightforward AM routine with Niacinamide.
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Cleanse
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Apply niacinamide serum
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Moisturize
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Finish with sunscreen.
Can I Use Niacinamide Serum on My Body?
There’s more than one way of adding Niacinamide to your skincare routine.
You can also use it for body skincare. It is highly effective for addressing body concerns such as acne, pigmentation, or rough texture. Consider applying it to your chest, back, and elbows.
It's simple to integrate into body skincare. After showering, apply it to your damp skin. Then follow up with a moisturizer. Depending on the treatment area, you may need a larger quantity of the product. Regular use on the body can help improve skin texture and tone, offering the same benefits as it does on the face.
Niacinamide Usage Overview: When, How, and With What to Use
Usage Scenario |
Best Practice |
Notes |
Daily Use |
Yes, AM & PM |
Start with alternate days if you're a beginner |
Application Per Day |
1–2 times |
Safe for both AM and PM routines |
Number of Drops |
2–3 for face, 1–2 for neck/chest |
Avoid overuse to prevent pilling |
Skin Prep |
Clean, slightly damp skin |
Follow with moisturizer |
With Sunscreen |
Apply before sunscreen in AM |
Helps enhance sun protection |
Post-Shave |
Safe to use |
Helps reduce redness and irritation |
With Retinol |
Compatible, especially at night |
Helps reduce potential irritation from retinol |
With Vitamin C |
Use cautiously or choose dual serums |
Avoid layering unless formula is designed for both |
Concentration Levels |
2%–5% for most users |
10% only if skin is tolerant |
Final Tips for Best Use of Niacinamide Serums
2% to 5% Niacinamide formulations give the best results for skin. You can gradually increase concentration to 10% if your skin can tolerate it.
The active can be used once or twice a day, depending on your skin’s needs. Avoid layering it with pure vitamin C unless the products are specifically formulated to work together. Besides serums, Niacinamide can also be used in moisturizers. Once again, a 5% formulation with Kojic Acid works well.
It takes 4 to 8 weeks to see significant improvements with Niacinamide. Hence, patience and consistency are essential. Remember, skincare is a long-term commitment.
Conclusion
Niacinamide is a multi-use skin supporting active. Looking to reduce pigmentation, control excess oil on your face, or brighten your skin, it serves all three purposes and more.
Although Niacinamide is good for daily use in skincare, beginners can start by using it on alternate days. You can slowly increase the frequency once your skin adapts to it. However, if you plan to ditch Niacinamide after a few months or years of use, you won’t face any adverse reactions.
Its versatility also makes it easy to remove from your skincare routine. Unlike Vitamin C, which can only be used in the AM routine, Niacinamide can be used both in the morning and at night. With patience and consistent use, the ingredient makes your skin healthy and plump in the long run.
FAQs
1. How many drops of niacinamide serum should I use?
Use 2–3 drops for your face and 1–2 drops for your neck. Applying more than needed can lead to product pilling and won’t improve results.
2. How long does it take for niacinamide to show results?
With consistent use, you can start seeing visible improvements in 4–8 weeks, including reduced pigmentation, smoother texture, and fewer breakouts.
3. Is 10% niacinamide too strong for beginners?
Yes, 10% concentration can be too strong for new users. It’s best to start with a 2% to 5% serum and gradually increase if your skin tolerates it well.
4. Can niacinamide cause purging or irritation?
Niacinamide is a non-irritating, anti-inflammatory active. It typically does not cause purging or breakouts, making it suitable for most skin types, including sensitive skin.