Does niacinamide help with acne?

Yes, but as with all skin concerns, the answer is more complex than that. Acne can be distressing and when trying to find an effective treatment, there is often a temptation to throw the kitchen sink at it.
When it comes to clearing acne breakouts or treating acne scarring, our experts always recommend getting personalised advice on which active ingredients are right for your skin from an expert – especially if your acne is more severe. However, niacinamide can help repair damage and reduce inflammation associated with acne, and is available over the counter so it’s easy to access. Read on to discover why it should be an addition to your skincare arsenal when caring for acne-prone skin.

What Causes Acne?

Most people will encounter acne as teenagers. However, around 3 in 10 of us will experience it as adults. [1] Acne is an inflammatory skin condition affecting the face and/or body. In adulthood, people often notice it on the cheeks and jawline. It appears as comedones (blackheads and whiteheads), papules (raised spots), nodules, or cysts. Acne is caused by excess sebum production, which along with dead skin cells, is what causes clogged and inflamed pores.
This provides the perfect environment for acne-causing bacteria to grow. Other factors like stress and hormonal changes can also trigger outbreaks. [2] Over the counter and prescription topical treatments, as well oral antibiotics, can be used to treat acne. The severity of your acne and l skin type will determine which treatment is right for you.

What is Niacinamide?

Niacinamide, also called nicotinamide, is a form of Vitamin B3 and one of our hero ingredients at Dermatica. Because it is a water-soluble vitamin, the body cannot produce it on its own, so we usually need to get it through our diet or skincare. Niacinamide is a key component in many skin treatments as it can help a wide range of skin concerns, from acne to ageing and everything in between.

Benefits of Niacinamide for Acne

What’s interesting about niacinamide is that although it has many skin benefits, it is rarely used on its own. Evidence has shown that 4% topical niacinamide (applied to the skin) can be a powerful anti-inflammatory for treating acne vulgaris. However, for the most part, niacinamide produces better results when combined with other active ingredients like adapalene – a retinoid – and benzoyl peroxide. [4], [5]

Niacinamide Helps Soothe Acne Inflammation

Because of its anti-inflammatory properties, topical niacinamide (applied to the skin) is particularly effective at reducing the sensitivity, redness, pain or swelling associated with acne. [4]

Niacinamide Helps Improve Skin Barrier Function

Supporting your skin’s protective barrier is key as your skin will respond better and recover faster from acne treatment compared to when your skin is irritated or compromised. Niacinamide tells the skin to produce ceramides, which essentially act like the glue between our skin cells, helping our skin to retain moisture. [7]

Niacinamide Helps Reduce Sebum Production

Despite being better known for its hydration and skin barrier benefits, niacinamide also regulates sebum (or oil) production which helps decrease the likeliness of clogged pores. This can also reduce the appearance of visible pores. [6]

Potential Side Effects of Niacinamide

Niacinamide is generally well-tolerated by most skin types. However, possible side effects include skin irritation, such as redness or itching. Sometimes it may lead to sensitivity, particularly when used at high concentrations (more than 10%) or combined with other exfoliating actives like AHAs or BHAs.
Very rarely, it can cause allergic reactions like hives or swelling in some people. Using too much can also lead to sensitivity. To minimise risks, we always recommended a patch test before using your product on the rest of your face. Start with a low concentration, and gradually increase as your skin gets used to it.
If you’re experiencing acne – or any other conditions that you’d like to address – you can find out what formulas are suitable for your skin by visiting our website.

Dermatica Products Containing Niacinamide

Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid + Vit B5 Serum
Nourishing Ceramide + Peptide Moisturiser
Soothing Centella Gel Moisturiser

References
1. Tanghetti EA, Kawata AK, Daniels SR, Yeomans K, Burk CT, Callender VD. Understanding the Burden of Adult Female Acne. The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology [Internet]. 2014 Feb 1 [cited 2024 Jul 10];7(2):22–30. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3935648/
2..Kraft J, Freiman A. Management of acne. Canadian Medical Association Journal [Internet]. 2011 Feb 28;183(7):E430–5. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3080563/
3.Wohlrab J, Kreft D. Niacinamide – Mechanisms of Action and Its Topical Use in Dermatology. Skin Pharmacology and Physiology. 2014;27(6):311–5.
4. Hakozaki T, Minwalla L, Zhuang J, Chhoa M, Matsubara A, Miyamoto K, et al. The effect of niacinamide on reducing cutaneous pigmentation and suppression of melanosome transfer. The British Journal of Dermatology [Internet]. 2002 Jul 1;147(1):20–31. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12100180
5. Levin J, Momin SB. How Much Do We Really Know About Our Favorite Cosmeceutical Ingredients? The Journal of clinical and aesthetic dermatology [Internet]. 2010 Feb 1;3(2):22–41. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2921764/
6. Boo YC. Mechanistic Basis and Clinical Evidence for the Applications of Nicotinamide (Niacinamide) to Control Skin Aging and Pigmentation. Antioxidants [Internet]. 2021 Aug 21;10(8):1315. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8389214/
7. Marques C, Hadjab F, Porcello A, Lourenço K, Scaletta C, Abdel-Sayed P, et al. Mechanistic Insights into the Multiple Functions of Niacinamide: Therapeutic Implications and Cosmeceutical Applications in Functional Skincare Products. Antioxidants [Internet]. 2024 Apr 1;13(4):425. Available from: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3921/13/4/425