Best Niacinamide Products For Adult Acne

Niacinamide, or nicotinamide, has quickly become a must-have in skincare, joining other popular ingredients like hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, and retinol. But what exactly is niacinamide? It’s a water-soluble form of vitamin B3 (niacin) with powerful anti-inflammatory and brightening properties that work for all skin types, delivering numerous benefits.

What Does Niacinamide Do?

Niacinamide strengthens the skin's barrier, enhancing moisture retention by stimulating ceramide (lipid) synthesis. It’s well-regarded for its ability to reduce hyperpigmentation, diminish fine lines, and protect against environmental stressors, such as UV rays. Studies even suggest it may reduce skin cancer risk. Niacinamide’s anti-inflammatory properties also make it effective for treating acne, rosacea, and controlling excess oil, which can minimize the appearance of pores.

Niacinamide as an Acne Treatment

Scientific studies show that niacinamide is highly effective for treating acne due to its anti-inflammatory effects. Unlike antimicrobials like clindamycin, niacinamide doesn’t pose a risk for bacterial resistance, making it a safer option. Studies highlight a 4% niacinamide gel as effective for reducing acne lesions and severity. Niacinamide’s ability to control sebum production also helps keep pores clear, reducing breakouts.

Summary of Niacinamide Benefits for Acne-Prone Skin:

• Reduces inflammation, redness, and swelling
• Brightens skin tone and evens texture
• Controls oil production, reducing breakouts

Best Niacinamide Products for Adult Acne

Top Niacinamide Serums

• The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%: Known for its high concentration and affordability, though the 10% concentration may be too strong for some.
• Paula's Choice 10% Niacinamide Booster: Blends niacinamide with vitamin B5 and can be added to a moisturizer.

What are the best niacinamide products for women with adult acne?

Studies show that between 12 and 22% of adult women suffer from adult acne in the US. Acne is generally caused by excess oil and bacteria. Niacinamide's oil-balancing, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties can help fight those problems. But what's the best way to use topical Niacinamide? Because Niacinamide is water-soluble, products with this ingredient are ideal for oily, acne-prone skin since most are water-based and non-comedogenic.

Best Niacinamide Moisturizers

• MDacne Active Moisturizer Trio: Dermatologist-formulated for acne-prone skin; non-comedogenic, soothes redness, reduces pore size, and enhances hydration.
• CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion: A rich, oil-free night cream combining niacinamide with ceramides and hyaluronic acid.
• Elta MD PM Therapy: Fragrance-free and ideal for sensitive skin, combining niacinamide with glycerin for extra moisture.

Best Niacinamide + Retinol treatment System

Best Retinol + Niacinamide Treatment

• MDacne’s Retinol + Niacinamide Cream: Offers Retinol 0.25% for beginners and 0.5% for advanced users, combining the benefits of retinol and niacinamide to improve skin texture, unclog pores, and fade dark spots.

Best Niacinamide Toners

• Paula's Choice Pore-Reducing Toner: Infused with antioxidants, plant extracts, and niacinamide to control oil, reduce redness, and hydrate skin.

Best Sunscreen with Niacinamide

• Elta MD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46: Formulated for acne-prone skin, offering broad-spectrum protection while soothing and refining the skin.
• Olay Total Effects Whip SPF 30: Lightweight, absorbs quickly, and contains vitamins C, E, and green tea for added protection.

Best Niacinamide Masks

• Hanskin Real Complexion Hyaluronic Moisture Mask: This sheet mask is excellent for hydrating and soothing breakouts, combining niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and rose water to brighten and calm the skin.

More info:

How to use Niacinamide (nicotinamide) for acne?

References

1. Gehring W. Nicotinic acid/niacinamide and the skin. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2004 Apr;3(2):88-93.
2. Shalita AR, Smith JG, Parish LC, Sofman MS, Chalker DK. Topical nicotinamide compared with clindamycin gel in the treatment of inflammatory acne vulgaris. Int J Dermatol. 1995 Jun;34(6):434-7.
3. Tanghetti, Emil A et al. "Understanding the burden of adult female acne." The Journal of Clinical and aesthetic dermatology vol. 7,2 (2014): 22-30.
4. Walocko FM, Eber AE, Keri JE, Al-Harbi MA, Nouri K. The role of nicotinamide in acne treatment. Dermatol Ther. 2017 Sep;30(5).
   

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