If you have been even remotely interested in skincare lately, you’ve seen niacinamide everywhere – it’s in serums, moisturizers, toners, and I have even seen it in sunscreen (see Elta MD skincare)

But what does it actually do for your skin?

Niacinamide  is a form of Vitamin B3. This is a water-soluble nutrient supporting your skin’s moisture barrier, balancing oil, and repairing visible skin damage.

Basically, it keeps your skin balanced. 

(Everything is so hectic, we NEED balance.) 

Niacinamide is so pervasive because it works for almost every skin type for example,

For combination skin or acne-prone skin types it balances excess oil and reduces inflammation and sebum, 

For aging skin types it fades dark spots by evening skin tone, or 

For sensitive skin types it calms redness and irritation since it is soothing and non-irritating.

Ok, cool. So, it’s a game-changer. And how do we use it?


How to Use Niacinamide

Frequency: Once or twice daily

Order: Apply after cleansing and before moisturizer

Concentration: Start with 5% (10% if your skin already tolerates actives well)

Pairing: Hyaluronic acid, peptides, ceramides

Avoid:  Super high % Vitamin C in the same layer (use one in AM and the other in the PM)


TL;DR Niacinamide is a low-maintenance ingredient to add to your skincare routine and is used before moisturizer but not with high % Vitamin C.