Niacinamide can help acne-prone skin in the following ways:
Quick note: Niacinamide cannot treat acne. It can, however, address and fix some of the side effects of acne.
Regulates oil production
Sometimes, oil glands in the skin can produce excess oil.
This excess oil then makes its way to pores. Pores are bowl-like shaped structures in the deeper layers of skin.
Accumulation of excess oil in pores can lead to acne and other breakouts in the skin.
Niacinamide regulates oil production. It reduces the production of excess oil.
By helping keep the oil amount in control, niacinamide reduces the chances of acne formation.
This property of niacinamide is particularly helpful for oily skin because people with oily skin have an excess amount of oil.
Reduces redness
Niacinamide has anti-inflammatory properties. Redness occurs when the skin is inflamed. Niacinamide reduces redness by reducing inflammation.
Acne skin also has inflammation and redness – niacinamide helps reduce this.
But why is it important to reduce inflammation and redness – keep reading…
Reduces pigmentation
Inflammation caused by acne leads to dark spots and pigmentation – this kind of pigmentation is called post-inflammatory pigmentation.
Niacinamide has anti-inflammatory properties. It can reduce the inflammation caused by acne. This is helpful because inflammation will eventually lead to pigmentation.
Reduces the chance of acne and other breakouts from occurring
The top layer of skin acts as a barrier. It acts as a shield and does the following:
Lipids (fatty substances) in the skin help the top layer function as a barrier. If the quantity or quality of these lipids is compromised, the skin’s top layer cannot be an effective shield.
One of the components of these lipids is ceramides. Niacinamide helps in the production of ceramides.
More ceramides = More effective skin barrier = Hydrated skin + Fewer breakouts on the skin
If the skin loses hydration because of an ineffective barrier, the skin becomes dehydrated.
Dehydrated skin is more prone to acne and other breakouts.