Niacinamide has been gaining popularity in recent years. A highly effective ingredient that offers a range of skin benefits, Niacinamide is a favorite among skincare experts and fans alike.
With more and more people experiencing frequent breakouts from wearing masks and daily skin stress, Niacinamide is able to step in and help perfect skin clarity, retain moisture, and strengthen the skin’s protective barrier and normal function. If you’re wondering what Niacinamide does for your skin, here’s a quick summary of its benefits before we get into whether or not you can use Niacinamide on open areas.
What is Niacinamide?
Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3 that is naturally produced in the body due to the presence of amino acids in certain forms of protein. In skincare, Niacinamide can provide a hydrating effect to the skin. Fine lines and wrinkles are visibly reduced, and the complexion is plump and full of youthful elasticity. It prevents further damage to the skin from free radicals by keeping the skin barrier healthy and strong.
It’s well known that Niacinamide has similar effects on the skin to hyaluronic acid, but with its own unique properties. It regulates the skin’s sebum production, which reduces the frequency of breakouts and minimizes the appearance of pores, making it a useful ingredient for oily and blemish-prone skin. It is an ingredient that can be easily and effectively incorporated into your daily routine, but be sure to consult your doctor or dermatologist beforehand. If you want to learn more about niacinamide, read our dedicated blog post on using this ingredient on your face.
Now let’s dig a little deeper and learn more about using niacinamide for blemishes.
Can niacinamide be applied on pimples?
Yes, you absolutely can! Niacinamide is an ingredient that is highly effective and gentle on the skin. It is favored by many people, especially those who often experience blemishes, because the moisturizing ingredient can regulate sebum production. Often, people who often experience acne tend to choose ingredients that are sometimes too strong for the skin. This causes the skin to produce too much sebum, leading to more blemishes and a vicious cycle that weakens the protective barrier and causes an imbalance in pH.
You will find that applying topical formulas such as niacinamide-rich serums to the surface of the skin can plump up the complexion while reducing the size and redness of spots. Even after the complexion has improved, you can continue to use these formulas to prevent hyperpigmentation or acne scars that acne and free radicals can cause.
Can I apply niacinamide on open wounds?
Yes, you can definitely apply niacinamide to open wounds. Multiple studies have shown how effective its anti-inflammatory properties are for the skin. Niacinamide speeds up wound healing by increasing fibroblast proliferation and migration. Both are essential for wound healing and speeding up surface healing.
Can you pop a pimple with niacinamide?
Yes, you can apply niacinamide to a popped pimple. The only problem is, pimples shouldn’t be popped in the first place, but we know you’re only human. Here’s an example of how you can treat a popped pimple to ensure it doesn’t grow into a problematic patch of skin. Here’s what you should do after popping a pimple:
Always wash your hands thoroughly with warm water and antibacterial hand soap.
Blot the pimple with a clean cotton swab to collect blood and fluid.
To prevent the area from getting infected, wipe it with a cotton pad soaked in glycolic or salicylic acid toner.
Next, apply an overnight spot treatment directly to the popped pimple to cover the area and keep bacteria out.
Continue with the rest of your evening skincare routine, avoiding the infected area.
When you wake up in the morning, wash your face with a low-salicylic acid cleanser, then apply a vitamin C-rich serum, wait 15 minutes, and then apply another serum containing niacinamide.
Complete your daily routine with an SPF 30 or higher for full protection from UV rays and other free radicals.
Everyone’s skin is different; therefore, it’s important to consult with a doctor or dermatologist to ensure you and your skin can safely incorporate niacinamide into your routine.
Does Niacinamide Cause Acne?
This is not the case, as niacinamide does not affect the skin in a way that could cause breakouts or detoxification. When skin ingredients increase the rate of cell turnover, you will notice that you will get more breakouts before your skin becomes clearer. Since niacinamide moisturizes the skin and does not exfoliate, this ingredient is less likely to cause flaking or breakouts.
When you combine niacinamide with an exfoliator like glycolic acid or salicylic acid, you will find that any signs of irritation, flaking, dryness, redness, or discomfort are resolved.
Is Niacinamide Good for Acne Scars?
Yes, niacinamide is a great ingredient for treating acne scars. With its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, it can help prevent acne scars from settling on the skin. When applied to the skin, niacinamide can reduce the pigmentation of dark spots and acne scars while reducing inflammation caused by active skin blemishes. When you combine niacinamide with acne-fighting ingredients like BHA and salicylic acid, skin stays healthy, balanced, and easier to care for.
