Your Guide to Niacinamide Benefits for Skin + How to Get the Most Out of It

Key Summary

• Niacinamide (aka vitamin B3) is a multitasking skincare hero.
  

• It helps with dark spots, oily skin, enlarged pores, and sensitivity.
  

• Suitable for most skin types—including acne-prone, dry, or sensitive.
  

• Safe to use morning and night, and pairs well with most actives.
  

• Found in products like KNR Serum and Propaira Moisturising Cream.
  

What is Niacinamide?

Niacinamide, also known as nicotinamide, is a form of vitamin B3. While it might not sound glamorous, it’s one of the most well-researched and versatile skincare ingredients around. Whether you’re dealing with breakouts, pigmentation, or just looking to strengthen your barrier, niacinamide has something to offer.

How Does Niacinamide Work—and How Should You Use It?

Niacinamide works by boosting your skin’s natural functions. It strengthens the barrier, calms inflammation, regulates oil production, and evens out skin tone. You can find it in toners, serums, moisturisers—and even sunscreens.

For best results, apply it after cleansing and before heavy moisturisers or oils. It’s gentle enough to use twice a day and plays well with other actives like hyaluronic acid, peptides, and even retinol (yep, no drama here).

When to Use Niacinamide: Morning or Night?

Both! Niacinamide is non-sensitising, so you can use it morning and night. In the AM, it helps reduce oil and improve tone under makeup or sunscreen. At night, it works on restoring and repairing your skin barrier. Just layer it consistently.

Skin Benefits of Niacinamide

1. Niacinamide for Dark Spots

Niacinamide inhibits melanin transfer—translation: it helps fade hyperpigmentation, melasma, and post-acne marks. Try Biopelle KNR Serum for a powerful combo of niacinamide and bakuchiol designed to brighten without irritation.

Biopelle KNR Serum

🧴 Also helpful: Our guide to hyperpigmentation and melasma

2. Niacinamide for Enlarged Pores

This isn’t magic—it’s science. Niacinamide improves skin elasticity and reduces sebum buildup, both of which help minimise the appearance of large pores. With consistent use, skin texture looks smoother and more refined.

3. Niacinamide for Oily Skin

Niacinamide regulates sebum production, which makes it a go-to for oily and acne-prone skin. It helps balance oil without stripping, unlike some harsh acne treatments.

4. Niacinamide for Dry Skin

Because it boosts ceramide production, niacinamide helps skin hold onto moisture. It’s a must-have if your barrier is compromised or if you're dealing with seasonal dryness. Propaira Moisturising Cream combines niacinamide with probiotics for hydration and calm in one.

Propaira Moisturising Cream

5. Niacinamide for Redness

Got rosacea, flushing, or irritation? Niacinamide is anti-inflammatory and helps calm visible redness while strengthening skin over time.If your skin is prone to redness, sensitivity, or post-treatment inflammation, niacinamide can help calm and strengthen the skin barrier over time. To take it a step further, try a multi-tasking serum like Tensage Daily Serum SCA 15—formulated with both niacinamide and SCA Biorepair Growth Factor Complex. This combination not only soothes irritation but also promotes visible skin recovery, making it an excellent choice for sensitive or reactive skin types.

Tensage Daily Serum SCA 15

Want to learn more about redness triggers? Explore the causes of dull skin—many overlap with redness and sensitivity.

Niacinamide Products We Love

Are There Any Side Effects to Using Niacinamide?

Niacinamide is famously well-tolerated. That said, using too high a percentage (like 10% or more) too soon can occasionally lead to tingling or breakouts. Start with 2–5% if you're sensitive, and don’t overdo it—more isn’t always better.

Conclusion

From smoothing pores to fading pigmentation, the benefits of niacinamide for skin are hard to ignore. It's a gentle multitasker that suits most skin types, works well with other actives, and delivers real results with regular use.

💬 Thinking of Trying Niacinamide?

Start with a formula that fits your skin type. At Skin to Heart, we recommend starting with KNR Serum for brightening, Propaira Moisturising Cream for hydration, and Tensage Daily Serum for calming care. Not sure where to begin? Consult with us and we’ll personalise a skin care and treatment plan just for your skin.

FAQs

Can I use niacinamide every day?

Yes! Most skin types can handle it daily—morning and night.

Which is better: vitamin C or niacinamide?

They do different things—vitamin C brightens and protects, while niacinamide strengthens and soothes. You can use both, just not at the exact same time if your skin is sensitive.

What are the side effects of using niacinamide on your face?

Rare, but some people experience mild flushing or purging if they start too strong. Ease in with a lower concentration.

How to know if niacinamide is working?

Your skin will start looking more even, less red, and your pores may appear smaller. Give it at least 4–6 weeks.

Why is my skin getting darker after using niacinamide?

It shouldn't—this may be due to other ingredients, sun exposure, or purging. Always wear SPF and consult a professional if unsure.

Can niacinamide whiten underarms?

It can help fade discoloration and calm inflammation, which may help with underarm brightness over time.

Does niacinamide remove dark spots permanently?

It fades existing spots, but consistent use and sun protection are key to keeping them away.

Is niacinamide good for sensitive skin?

 Yes! It’s one of the gentlest active ingredients out there.

Is niacinamide an active ingredient?

It is—just a very well-behaved one.

Is nicotinamide the same as niacinamide?

Yes. Different names, same skin-loving ingredient.