What are the effects of Niacinamide on facial blemishes?

From the Guidelines

Niacinamide's effectiveness for treating facial blemishes is uncertain due to insufficient evidence, and its use should be approached with caution. The most recent and highest quality study, 1, published in 2024 in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, states that available evidence is insufficient to develop a recommendation on the use of topical niacinamide for acne treatment.

Key Points to Consider

• The study 1 examined various complementary and alternative therapies, including niacinamide, but found insufficient evidence to support its use for acne treatment.
• Another study, 1, published in 2017 in the British Journal of Dermatology, discussed the use of nicotinamide (a form of vitamin B3) for chemoprevention of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma, but its findings are not directly applicable to the treatment of facial blemishes.
• When considering the use of niacinamide for facial blemishes, it is essential to weigh the potential benefits against the lack of strong evidence supporting its effectiveness.
• If you still want to try niacinamide, start with a lower concentration (around 5%) and use it consistently for at least 4-8 weeks, as this may help minimize potential side effects and allow you to assess its effectiveness.
• As with any skincare product, it's crucial to monitor your skin's response and adjust your usage accordingly, and consider consulting a dermatologist for personalized advice on treating facial blemishes.

From the Research

Effects of Niacinamide on Facial Blemishes

• Niacinamide has been shown to have various benefits for the skin, including reducing facial blemishes such as acne and hyperpigmentation 2, 3, 4.
• A study published in 2006 found that topical 2% niacinamide can lower sebum excretion rates in Japanese individuals and casual sebum levels in Caucasian individuals, which can help reduce the formation of comedonal and inflammatory acne lesions 5.
• Niacinamide has also been found to have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce redness and irritation associated with acne and other skin conditions 3, 4.
• Additionally, niacinamide has been shown to improve skin hyperpigmentation by inhibiting the transfer of melanin to keratinocytes, resulting in a brighter and more even skin tone 2, 3.
• The use of niacinamide in skincare products has been found to be safe and effective, with minimal side effects reported 6, 4.

Mechanisms of Action

• Niacinamide works by influencing human DNA repair and cellular stress responses, which can help prevent and reverse skin damage caused by environmental stressors and aging 3.
• Niacinamide also plays a role in NAD+ synthesis, which is essential for energy production in cutaneous cells and can help improve skin health and appearance 3.
• The antioxidant properties of niacinamide can help reduce cutaneous oxidative stress and inflammation, which can contribute to the development of facial blemishes and other skin conditions 3.

Clinical Applications

• Niacinamide has been used to treat various skin conditions, including acne vulgaris, melasma, atopic dermatitis, and rosacea 2, 4.
• Topical niacinamide has been found to be effective in reducing facial blemishes and improving skin appearance, making it a popular ingredient in skincare products 2, 3, 5.
• Niacinamide has also been used as an adjunctive treatment for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and mitigating the damaging effects of blue light on the skin 2.