There’s no doubt about it, acne can be one of the most frustrating types of skin issues there are. Countless products exist on the market that claim to help with the problem, but many of them don’t fully deliver the results you’re looking for. However, if you’ve done any kind of research into the subject of acne treatment, you may well have heard of niacinamide for skin.
It’s perhaps best known for its ability to brighten the skin and reduce fine lines and wrinkles, but did you know that it’s also great for controlling breakouts? Well, it can and then some. So, yes, it does help to prevent acne. Let’s look at what it is that makes this special ingredient so special.
What is Niacinamide For Skin?
Also known within the skincare industry as nicotinic acid, niacinamide for skin is a water-soluble form of vitamin B3 that’s something of a multi-tasker. Not only does it help to hydrate the skin, but it also brings down inflammation and minimizes the appearance of pores. It’s also known for being super-gentle, making it suitable for most types of skin – including sensitive complexions and those prone to acne.
So, how does it combat acne? Well, it does so in a variety of ways:
- It Regulates Oil Production – Excess sebum is one of the leading causes of zits, so when there’s more of it around, there’s an increased risk that your pores are going to get clogged. When used in products like repair moisturizers, it helps to regulate oil production. That on its own will do much to stop the regularity of your breakouts.
- It Reduces Inflammation – Anyone who’s ever had zits (and that’s pretty much all of us) will be familiar with the discomfort and redness that comes with them. Niacinamide again helps the situation with its anti-inflammatory properties to calm your inflamed skin and soothe the angry comedones that can make you dread breakouts. This aspect also makes it great for inflammatory acne like pustules and cysts.
- It Strengthens the Skin Barrier – Another benefit that’s provided by niacinamide is its ability to strengthen the skin carrier. It’s when your skin barrier becomes compromised that you get dryness and inflammation, so anything you can do to help it is desirable.
- It Reduces Post-Acne Marks – Acne has a nasty habit of leaving behind dark spots and hyperpigmentation that can give your skin an uneven tone. However, niacinamide prevents melanin from rising to the surface of your skin and allows acne scars and marks to fade more quickly than they otherwise would.
Both anecdotal evidence and studies back up the idea that niacinamide can significantly improve your acne when used regularly, so it’s an ingredient that you should consider including in your day-to-day acne skincare routine.
Yes, Niacinamide for Skin Really Does Help Stop Acne
Niacinamide helps to prevent the symptoms of acne and resoundingly so! A product that can regulate oil, reduce inflammation, minimize pores, strengthen the skin barrier, and fade post-acne marks is naturally going to be of benefit to your complexion.
The fact that it’s gentle is also a game changer. So, if you’re struggling with acne, niacinamide is definitely worth a second look wouldn’t you say?
