From serum to supplement: How niacinamide supports healthier skin

Niacinamide is emerging in popularity in skin care products, and for good reason. Its benefits as part of an overall skin care routine are numerous, and niacinamide also can be taken as an oral supplement for skin cancer prevention. Baylor dermatologist Dr. Ida Orengo provides an overview of who may benefit from this vitamin and in which form.

“Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3 and is important for cell function, skin health and energy metabolism. It is used topically for cosmetic skin benefits, while an oral supplement is best for systemic health, such as skin cancer prevention and in people with type 1 diabetes and osteoarthritis,” said Orengo, professor and chair of the Department of Dermatology at Baylor.

Topically, Orengo recommends using niacinamide at a concentration of less than 5% to treat skin inflammation due to acne and other skin conditions, reduce the signs of aging, minimize pores, brighten skin and reduce hyperpigmentation.

It can be combined with other products that contain retinol and vitamin C, and, in fact, should be to achieve the best results, Orengo said. Niacinamide often is in the form of a serum, which should be applied after cleansing and toning, and before moisturizer and sunscreen.

“With any new topical, it is always best to apply to a small area on the inside of the arm to make sure you are not allergic to it,” Orengo cautions.

Orally, niacinamide has its value as well. A 2024 study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology found that oral niacinamide showed a favorable preventive effect in high-risk patients with a prior history of non-melanoma skin cancer. Orengo reminds, however, that the very best way to prevent skin cancer is to minimize sun exposure, including wearing protective clothing, avoiding the sun during its daytime peak and daily use of a sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher.

Niacinamide oral supplements should be limited to 1 gram per day and should not be used by people with severe liver disease or active peptic ulcers. In addition, people with diabetes who take niacinamide should monitor their blood sugar levels closely. Orengo also warned not to confuse niacinamide with niacin, another form of vitamin B3 used in people with high cholesterol. This can cause flushing and is not used for skin health.

With all the products on the market these days, it is hard to know which to incorporate into a daily routine, but Orengo says adults who want to improve the signs of aging and reverse damage from the sun may want to introduce niacinamide.

Learn more about Baylor Medicine Dermatology.

By Dana Benson