Is Niacinamide the right skincare ingredient for dry skin?
| 6 minutes
Dry skin can be a persistent challenge, often leaving your face feeling tight, flaky and uncomfortable.
Finding the right skincare ingredient is essential to keeping your skin hydrated and healthy.
Among the various skincare ingredients available, Niacinamidehas gained popularity for its versatility and effectiveness.
But is Niacinamide good for dry skin?
Let's explore the benefits of Niacinamide for dry skin, how to pair it with other products, potential side effects, and tips on incorporating it into your skincare routine.
What are the benefits of Niacinamide for dry skin?
1. Strengthens the skin barrier function
A key benefit of Niacinamide is its ability to strengthen the skin’s protective barrier. The skin barrier plays an essential role in retaining moisture and protecting against external irritants.
When this barrier is compromised, it can lead to dryness and sensitivity. Niacinamide enhances the production of ceramides, which are lipids that help maintain a healthy skin barrier.
This results in better moisture retention and reduced dryness, making Niacinamide good for dry skin.
2. Improves Hydration
Hydration is critical for dry skin, and Niacinamide is particularly effective at enhancing the skin’s moisture levels.
By boosting the production of natural moisturising factors (NMFs), Niacinamide helps the skin retain water, making it more hydrated and supple. This improved hydration is a key reason why Niacinamide is good for dry skin.
3. Reduces skin inflammation
Dry skin often comes with redness and irritation.
Niacinamide is known for its anti-inflammatory properties, which can soothe and calm the skin.
This makes Niacinamide an effective topical skincare ingredient for dry skin that is prone to sensitivity or conditions like eczema and rosacea.
4. Reduces skin ageing and hyperpigmentation
Niacinamide boosts collagen production, which helps maintain skin elasticity and reduces the appearance of fine lines, acne lesions and wrinkles.
Additionally, Niacinamide inhibits the transfer of melanosomes (pigment-containing cells) to the skin's surface, thereby reducing dark spots and evening out skin tone.
5. Improves skin texture
Dry skin is often associated with uneven texture and dull appearance.
Star ingredient, Niacinamide, helps to improve skin texture by promoting cell turnover and reducing the appearance of fine lines.
It also brightens the skin, evening out tone and enhances overall radiance.
What skincare ingredients can you combine with Niacinamide for enhanced skin hydration?
To maximise the benefits of Niacinamide for dry skin, pairing it with complementary ingredients can enhance its effectiveness.
Here are some ideal combinations:
1. Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic acid is a deeply hydrating ingredient that pairs perfectly with niacinamide. As a potent humectant, it draws moisture into the skin, amplifying niacinamide’s hydrating benefits.
When used together, these ingredients help keep the skin moisturised, supple and youthful whilst effectively combating signs of ageing.
READ - This is why you should start using Niacinamide and Hyaluronic Acid together
2. Vitamin C
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant, but it can be unstable and lose its effectiveness when exposed to light or high temperatures.
Niacinamide helps maintain the stability of vitamin C, ensuring that it remains effective over time.
This combination targets a wider range of skin issues because vitamin C brightens the skin and reduces pigmentation, while niacinamide improves skin texture, reduces dullness and evens out the skin tone.
Together, they offer a comprehensive approach to achieving a more radiant and even complexion.
To use them together:
- Layering: Apply vitamin C first (as it typically has a lower pH), followed by Niacinamide.
- Combination Products: Some formulations already combine these ingredients in a single product, simplifying the routine.
- Morning Use: Consider using them in your morning routine, followed by sunscreen, to protect against oxidative stress from UV exposure.
Here Is What Dermatologists Say About Using Vitamin C And Niacinamide Together
3. Ceramides
Since Niacinamide boosts Ceramide production, combining it with products that also contain ceramides can enhance the skin’s moisture retention.
The combination of Niacinamide and Ceramides helps reduce free radicals, which are responsible for breaking down collagen and elastin. As a result, your skin stays hydrated and maintains its elasticity and firmness.
4. Esculenta Fruit Extract (Contains Vitamin B5)
Niacinamide and Esculenta Fruit Extract, when combined, creates a powerful synergythat offers rich antioxidant properties, which help protect the skin from environmental stressors like UV radiation and pollution.
This protection is crucial in preventing premature ageing and reducing the risk of hyperpigmentation, especially for dry skin.
5. Occlusive Moisturisers with bioactive agents
After applying Niacinamide, using an occlusive moisturiser containing ingredients like shea butter, squalane, and Althaea Officinalis extract can help seal in moisture.
These moisturisers form a protective layer on the skin's surface, which prevents moisture from escaping.
Combining niacinamide with an occlusive moisturiser is particularly beneficial for dry skin, as it enhances hydration and maintains moisture effectively.
Are there any side effects of Niacinamide for dry skin?
While Niacinamide is generally well-tolerated, especially by dry skin, there are some possible side effects to be aware of:
1. Mild Irritation
Some users might experience mild irritation when first using Niacinamide, particularly if they start with a high concentration.
Symptoms may include redness, itching or a slight burning sensation.
If this happens, starting with a lower concentration and gradually increasing it can help.
2. Breakouts
Though Niacinamide is non-comedogenic, some people may experience breakouts when they first start using it.
This reaction is usually temporary as the skin adjusts. Still, it does not negate that Niacinamide is good for dry skin overall.
READ - 4 Reasons Why Niacinamide May Cause Breakouts
3. Allergic Reactions
In rare cases, Niacinamide may cause an allergic reaction, leading to symptoms like swelling, severe redness or hives.
If this happens, it is essential to discontinue use and consult a dermatologist. However, for most people, Niacinamide does not cause severe reactions.
Conclusion
Niacinamide is a versatile and beneficial ingredient for those with dry skin. From strengthening the skin barrier to improving hydration and soothing inflammation, there are many reasons why Niacinamide is good for dry skin.
Pairing Niacinamide with complementary ingredients can further enhance its benefits, helping you achieve smoother, more hydrated skin.
While Niacinamide is generally safe and effective, starting with a lower concentration can help minimise any potential side effects.
With the right approach, Niacinamide can be a valuable addition to your skincare regimen, offering lasting benefits for dry skin.
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Dry vs Dehydrated Skin - Here Is The Actual Difference
Dry and dehydrated skin—two different terms—are often thought of as the same. But, how can you really differentiate between the two? Both are rough to touch, feel itchy, and dull at sight. And you know what this misconception typically results in? Wrong selection of skincare products—basically running the risk of making the skin condition worse rather than better. But don’t worry, we will help you out. Ahead we’ll explain the actual difference between dry and dehydrated skin. What is dry skin? The word ‘dry’ is used to define a skin type that produces less sebum than normal skin. Due to the lack of sebum production, dry skin naturally lacks a strong lipid barrier. Lipids are present in several layers of our skin—including the epidermis—where their primary job is to act as a protective barrier and prevent the absorption of environmental pollutants such as impurities and dirt. Lipids also prevent sun damage and promote moisture retention. And since dry skin has a weaker lipid barrier, the skin lacks hydration—and can appear dull or even flaky at times—depending on the severity of dryness. Confused about whether you have dry skin? Here are some signs - People with dry skin have: Almost impalpable pores Dull, flaky and rough skin complexion Occasional red patches Here is a small test you can do to confirm whether you have dry skin. Wash your face with a gentle cleanser. Do not apply any skincare product. After an hour, take a clean tissue and blot your t-zone (forehead and nose) and u-zone (cheeks and chin). If none of the tissues have oil stains on them—and if on top of that—your skin feels dry, rough and flaky—you have dry skin. What is dehydrated skin? Dehydrated skin is a condition caused by less dietary water intake. It is a temporary state which can be easily resolved by maintaining proper hydration levels in the body. See it this way: dehydration usually happens when our body is unable to find essential fluids to perform all its functions. Because of this, the body channels its remaining fluids—which include water—to the organs in order to support necessary processes, leaving the skin with less water. But, less water intake is not the only cause of dehydrated skin, it may also result from: Sunburn Fever Excessive sweating Weather Hot showers Lack of sleep What does dehydrated skin look like? Dehydrated skin looks dry and rough and has a dull or uneven complexion. Here are 4 signs your skin is lacking water, thus dehydrated: Your skin looks dull and lacks its natural glow. Dullness is the common cause of dehydrated skin. In this condition, the skin lacks natural moisture and appears tired and sunken. Your skin appears dry—irrespective of your skin type. All skin types can be susceptible to dehydrated skin. In this condition, the skin lacks moisture due to less water intake. Dehydrated skin, therefore, can even affect an individual with oily skin; however, those with combination and dry skin are more likely to experience it. Your skin feels itchy and scaly. Itching, scaliness, and roughness are the most common causes of dehydrated skin. Especially, the area near your eyes, nose, and mouth is more likely to feel itchy and tight. Fine lines on your face are now more noticeable. Dehydrated skin can hasten the appearance of fine lines. But wait—lines that you think have become prominent lately—could also be dehydrated lines. Lifestyle choices including drinking excessive amounts of alcohol and drinking less water can dehydrate the skin, resulting in dull complexion and producing wrinkle-like lines. Dry vs dehydrated skin, what’s the actual difference? The terms dry and dehydrated skin are often used interchangeably, however, they are largely different. Here are two ways you can differentiate between them both. Dry skin lacks natural oil (sebum), whereas dehydrated skin lacks water. The sebaceous glands attached to follicles in our skin produce sebum, an oily substance that protects your skin from drying out. In dry skin, naturally, the sebaceous glands produce less sebum and are unable to moisturise the skin—leaving the skin rough and tight. On the other hand, dehydrated skin is caused by less water intake. A body becomes dehydrated when an individual uses or loses more water than they take in. Dry skin is a skin type and is non-treatable. Dehydrated skin, on the other hand, is a temporary skin condition that can be cured easily. Dry skin is a permanent condition that can be managed with the right skincare products—but not cured. It is identified by tightness and roughness on the skin due to abnormality in the skin barrier. Whereas, dehydrated skin is categorised by occasional tightness and dryness on the face due to insufficient water level in the body. By drinking adequate water and applying skincare products containing hydrating ingredients—you can find a cure for dehydrated skin. How do I know if my skin is dehydrated? A pinch test is the easiest way to determine whether you have dehydrated skin. Pinch the skin on the back of your hand, this is to test the skin’s elasticity. If your skin is taking time to return to its normal state—you have dehydrated skin. Moreover, if your natural skin type is oily and combination, but still your skin feels rough and tight, your skin may be lacking water and is dehydrated.
What to mix with Niacinamide and what to avoid
Skincare ingredients that don’t pair well with Niacinamide Niacinamide is easy to add to your skincare routine. It is less likely to cause any adverse effects—and fortunately—pairs well with other active skincare ingredients—potent ones too. Moreover, it is suitable for all skin types—even sensitive and acne-prone (with the right concentration obviously). But, there is one area you need to be careful about—that is AHAs and BHAs Niacinamide might not reach its full effectiveness when mixed with AHAs or BHAs. Moreover, this combination could be overwhelming for your skin, leading to adverse effects such as skin peeling, redness, and itchiness. It is all about the pH level A skin’s ideal pH level is somewhere from 4.8 to 5.75. If the skin’s pH level is below this parameter—it is considered acidic. And, above it, alkaline. A study shows that individuals with acne had a pH level of 5.9 or above. AHAs and BHAs, in most topical products, have a pH level of around 3 to 4. On the other hand, Niacinamide has a slightly higher—pH of 5 or above. Mixing Niacinamide with AHAs or BHAs can result in - Increased pH level of the acids (AHAs and BHAs) And, decreased pH level of the Niacinamide. This can result in reduced efficacy of both Niacinamide and the two acids. Imagine using some of the best chemical exfoliants (AHAs or BHAs) and one of the most renowned treatments (Niacinamide) for hyperpigmentation—and not seeing any results. Not only that, AHAs are absorbed quickly due to their low pH levels. But if you mix it with Niacinamide, the increased pH level of AHAs can make it difficult to absorb into your skin. On the other side of the fence, if the pH level of Niacinamide is decreased, it may convert into Niacin, which is not so suitable for all skin types. And, can cause redness, itching to individuals with sensitive or acne-prone skin. Which skincare ingredients work best with Niacinamide? Except for AHAs and BHAs, Niacinamide can be paired with every other skincare routine. Here are 3 ingredients that can enhance the efficacy of Niacinamide, giving better and quicker results. Retinol Can you believe Retinol made this list? Whenever someone thinks of mixing Retinol with any other skincare ingredient—doubts are bound to arise—reasonably too. But with Niacinamide? You have nothing to worry about. First of all, this combination has no adverse effects. A 2020 study says this combination can increase the efficacy of each other. The findings from the study also say that Using Retinol and Niacinamide together may have enhanced efficacy for treating the appearance of photoaged skin. Another study by the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology says that the combination of 0.5% Retinol with Niacinamide is efficacious and tolerable treatment for skin brightening/anti-ageing. Moreover, as you might know, Retinol can cause several side effects like itchiness, redness, or purging. But using Retinol with Niacinamide can help you mitigate these side effects. A 2008 study says that Niacinamide strengthens the skin’s barrier function, helping the skin counteract irritation and dryness caused by Retinol. How to use Retinol and Niacinamide together - There are two ways you can use this combination: use them together in your nighttime routine or use Niacinamide in the morning and Retinol at night. If you are using them together at night, here is the best way to do it - Wash your face with a gentle cleanser. Pat your skin dry with a clean towel. Apply Niacinamide to your entire face, whether it's a serum or cream/moisturiser. Wait for 25 to 30 minutes. Apply a pea-sized amount of Retinol. The next day, be sure to apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen. READ - Dream Team or Double Trouble? The Truth About Using Niacinamide and Retinol Together Vitamin C Contrary to popular belief, you can use Niacinamide with Vitamin C—best if they are formulated in the same skincare product. This combination can reduce oxidative stress, which is known to be the primary cause of wrinkles and fine lines. Moreover, the combination can reduce free radicals (the primary cause of premature ageing). A 2022 study says using Vitamin C and Niacinamide can be an effective treatment for hyperpigmentation. This is because the combination can help reduce melanogenesis, a process where epidermal units produce and distribute melanin (a natural skin pigment responsible for giving colour to your skin). But make sure to use Vitamin C first and then Niacinamide. Topical Vitamin C can be unstable and might not reach your dermis as easily as Niacinamide. So apply Vitamin C first, wait for a minute to let it absorb into your skin and then apply Niacinamide. READ - Here Is What Dermatologists Say About Using Vitamin C And Niacinamide Together Hyaluronic Acid Among all, the combination of Hyaluronic Acid and Niacinamide is the safest. This combination effectively helps counteract skin concerns like wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, dullness, and sun damage. Primarily, this combination is known for strengthening the skin’s barrier function. Niacinamide boosts ceramide production, improving the skin’s barrier function, while hyaluronic acid hydrates the skin's surface, providing additional barrier support. This helps protect your skin better against environmental damage. READ - This is why you should start using Niacinamide and Hyaluronic Acid together References 1. Park, H. J., Byun, A., Oh, S., Kim, H. M., Chung, M. S., Son, K. H., & Byun, K. (2022). The Combination of Niacinamide, Vitamin C, and PDRN Mitigates Melanogenesis by Modulating Nicotinamide Nucleotide Transhydrogenase. Molecules, 27(15). 2. Prakash, C., Bhargava, P., Tiwari, S., Majumdar, B., & Bhargava, R. K. (2017). Skin Surface pH in Acne Vulgaris: Insights from an Observational Study and Review of the Literature. The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, 10(7), 33-39. 3. Song X, xu A, Pan W, Wallin B, Kivlin R, Lu S, Cao C, Bi Z and Wan Y: Nicotinamide attenuates aquaporin 3 overexpression induced by retinoic acid through inhibition of EGFR/ERK in cultured human skin keratinocytes. Int J Mol Med 22: 229-236, 2008
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