5 mistakes to avoid while using superstar skincare ingredient niacinamide

By Medha ChawlaHey there, skincare enthusiast! You must have heard about the superstar ingredient, niacinamide, which has taken the beauty world by storm. Owing to oodles of benefits it brings along for every skin type, chances are high it is already a key part of your skincare routine. If it is not, you must consider doing so! For, niacinamide aka Vitamin B3 is packed with an array of skin-loving benefits ranging from reducing inflammation to improving skin’s overall texture and making it look more youthful. This skincare ingredient also helps hydrate and repair the skin and also supports the skin barrier by promoting ceramide production.

It is also a favourite among people dealing with acne issues as it helps regulate oil and unclog pores. An effective antioxidant, niacinamide also helps lighten the dark spots and reduce the visibility of pores. Jack of all, you see! Apart from being a great skin-routine addition for people with oily skin, this gentle multi-tasker has also proven to be effective on sensitive skin. That’s not all. It also gels well with other skincare ingredients – including everything from retinol to vitamin C, Hyaluronic acid, AHAs and BHAs – another reason why everyone is keen to add it to their skin routines. While you must consider doing so, what you should not do is indulge in common niacinamide mistakes.

Your stint with niacinamide can go wrong if you do not use it properly. Here are 5 common mistakes you must avoid while using it, as shared by dermatologist Aanchal Panth.

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A post shared by Dr. Aanchal Panth I Dermatologist (@dr.aanchal.md)

USING AS A SOLO AGENT FOR ACNE

According to Dr Aanchal Panth, you should not solely rely on niacinamide to control active acne. It sure controls sebum production and has anti-inflammatory properties, but using it for active and persistent acne might not be the best route. “It may work for mild occasional acne but for others, you will require stinger agents like benzoyl peroxide or adapalene,” wrote the dermatologist in the caption of her Instagram reel. It is best to consult a dermatologist.

NOT APPLYING ON DAMP SKIN

“Niacinamide is best absorbed on damp skin,” the dermatologist suggested. If you are using it in combination with other active skincare ingredients, you can apply it on dry skin. “Otherwise, as a solo agent, application on damp skin gives best results,” dermatologist Aanchal Panth added.

A STRONG START

Though niacinamide is a soothing and non-irritating ingredient, applying products with a higher concentration (10 percent or more) can irritate the skin, especially if you have sensitive skin. “Stick to 5-10 percent, and not more. As a beginner, use products with 5 percent concentration,” the doctor added.

USING IT AS SOLO AGENT FOR DARK SPOTS

Want to get rid of dark spots? Solely relying on niacinamide may not be the best bet. “Niacinamide does help in reducing dark spots by causing redistribution of melanosomes. It is a mild skin-lightening agent. It may work for faint dark spots, but for more pronounced dark spots use arbutin or kojic acid,” said Dr Aanchal Panth.

NOT BEING CONSISTENT

Consistency is the key when it comes to niacinamide. To see improvement in your skin tone and texture, you should regularly apply it for at least 4-6 weeks.