Can you overdo niacinamide? (2023)

What happens if I use too much niacinamide?

"When used in high concentrations, it can cause skin irritation and redness," Talakoub says. "Especially in sensitive areas such as around the eyes." Exactly how much niacinamide is too much depends on your genes and the sensitivity of your skin, explains cosmetic chemist Perry Romanowski.

How do you know if you are using too much niacinamide?

You may experience some redness and irritation when you start using niacinamide products. Some of this may be normal and lessen over time, but lasting irritation may be a sign you're using too much or a product with too high of a concentration of niacinamide for your skin type.

How much niacinamide is too much for skin?

Prescription products containing niacinamide are safe when taken as directed. Niacinamide-containing foods or supplements are safe when taken in doses lower than 35 mg daily. Niacinamide is possibly safe when taken in doses up to 900-1500 mg daily.

Can you have too much niacinamide in skincare routine?

You're more likely to irritate your skin with ultrahigh concentrations than anything else." While the B vitamin is beloved for strengthening the skin barrier, too much of it can actually lead to sensitivity, skin irritation, and redness—but if you stick to a 2% to 5% concentration, you should be set.

Is 10% niacinamide too strong for skin?

Shirazi says that higher concentrations of niacinamide—“particularly those at 10% or higher—“can potentially cause irritation such as redness and rebound oil production.” On that note, Dr. Green recommends that sensitive-skinned folks start with a lower concentration to avoid potential irritation and redness.

How much niacinamide is too much serum?

3% to 6%: Improving tone, texture, and overall skin barrier, including hyperpigmentation and dull skin. Higher than 7%: This is too high and may lead to irritation, especially if you have sensitive skin.

How long does niacinamide take to clear skin?

How long will it take to see the results of niacinamide? While some niacinamide-containing products start to show initial benefits in two weeks, most results will show in four weeks or more.

How many days a week should you use niacinamide?

Generally speaking, niacinamide can be used at any time of day—one to two times daily depending on the formulation—and generally in combination with other products without issue.

How often should I use niacinamide to see results?

How long does niacinamide take to work? Generally speaking, you should start to see results after 2-4 weeks of twice daily usage (depending on the severity of your skin concerns and how concentrated your niacinamide product is). Ongoing use is required for continued improvement.

Can too much niacinamide clog pores?

Niacinamide skincare products can sometimes cause breakouts in people who are acne-prone. If you start to experience more breakouts while using niacinamide products, discontinue use immediately.

What not to use with niacinamide?

Don't Mix: Niacinamide and vitamin C. Although they're both antioxidants, vitamin C is one ingredient that's not compatible with niacinamide. "Both are very common antioxidants used in a variety of skincare products, but they should not be used one right after the other," says Dr. Marchbein.

What percentage of niacinamide is best?

"An effective product should have between 2 and 10 percent niacinamide," she explains. Dr. Allenby adds that products with niacinamide concentrations under 5 percent are especially well-tolerated.

Which is better 5% or 10% niacinamide?

Dr. Li explains that "the scientific literature suggests 5% as optimal for achieving desired effects" and she goes further to caution that higher concentrations may cause skin irritation.

How long does purging last niacinamide?

A typical purge lasts about as long as one skin cycle, which is four to six weeks, depending on your skin. Once that first skin cycle is over, your purge pimples should ease up, and you should start to notice the clarifying and brightening benefits of your new product.

Does niacinamide brighten skin?

In the clinical studies, niacinamide significantly decreased hyperpigmentation and increased skin lightness compared with vehicle alone after 4 weeks of use. Conclusions: The data suggest niacinamide is an effective skin lightening compound that works by inhibiting melanosome transfer from melanocytes to keratinocytes.

How do you use niacinamide for best results?

Apply your serum after cleansing (and toning, if you're a fan), and before heavier or oil-based serums, moisturiser and sunscreen. Applying oil-based serums first can impair the efficacy of your niacinamide serum, which will typically be water-based. So, use your Vitamin B3 first.

Does niacinamide fade dark spots?

Because Niacinamide helps visibly fade age spots and dark spots, it does lighten the appearance of skin and is effective at managing discoloration.

What happens to your skin when you start using niacinamide?

Niacinamide reduces inflammation , which may help ease redness from eczema, acne, and other inflammatory skin conditions. Minimizes pore appearance. Keeping skin smooth and moisturized may have a secondary benefit — a natural reduction in pore size over time.

Should niacinamide be applied on damp skin?

Moisturizing ingredients: damp skin

If your facial routine is simple and you're just applying a moisturizer after you cleanse, you'll want to do this ASAP, while your skin is still wet. The same goes for any moisturizing serums you may layer into your routine, like hyaluronic acid, squalene, or niacinamide.

What to pair with niacinamide?

You can combine niacinamide with all other serums and creams. You can use it with retinol, Hyaluronic acid, Vitamin C, BHAs, or AHAs. Niacinamide and retinol work well together.

How many days does niacinamide serum take to work?

7. How long does Niacinamide take to work? Using 5% or 10% Niacinamide-containing products show better effects with no skin problems like irritation. Most studies show that even though you may find improvement immediately after starting Niacinamide, it usually takes anywhere between 8-12 weeks for a visible change.

Can niacinamide damage your skin?

Topical niacinamide is generally considered safe to use. People who have preexisting allergies may be more likely to experience an allergic reaction. This is because niacinamide can cause your body to release histamine.

Can I use 10% niacinamide twice a day?

Absolutely, in fact, you can use niacinamide twice a day. This is because the ingredient is mild and stable enough to work effectively on the skin within a routine containing different actives.

How much amount of niacinamide should I use?

Drop 2 drops of Niacinamide 10% Zinc 1% in your hands.

If you use too much of the product, you could cause irritation, especially if you have sensitive skin.

How long does it take for skin to adjust to niacinamide?

While some niacinamide-containing products start to show initial benefits in two weeks, most results will show in four weeks or more. "You have to remember that it doesn't take two days for spots to form so you can't expect them to be removed in two days either," explains Engelman.

Is niacinamide anti aging?

In addition, niacinamide helps prevent premature signs of skin aging, including boosting collagen production to smooth wrinkles and reduce discolorations, says Nazarian. She recommends the ingredient for people with dry, sensitive, aging, or acne-prone skin.

Is there anything you shouldn't use with niacinamide?

Don't Mix: Niacinamide and vitamin C. Although they're both antioxidants, vitamin C is one ingredient that's not compatible with niacinamide. "Both are very common antioxidants used in a variety of skincare products, but they should not be used one right after the other," says Dr. Marchbein.

Does niacinamide lighten skin permanently?

Researchers found Niacinamide is an important ingredient in skin lightening, which works to stop the transfer of melanin pigment (responsible for the darkening of the skin) to skin cells (keratinocyte). Niacinamide decreases hyperpigmentation and lightens skin gradually after using it for a long duration.

How many days does it take for niacinamide to work?

How long will it take to see the results of niacinamide? While some niacinamide-containing products start to show initial benefits in two weeks, most results will show in four weeks or more.

Can niacinamide dry out skin?

Niacinamide can also cause you to have excessively dry skin, especially if you're using products that contain other drying ingredients like alcohol or benzoyl peroxide.

What percentage of niacinamide is effective?

"An effective product should have between 2 and 10 percent niacinamide," she explains. Dr. Allenby adds that products with niacinamide concentrations under 5 percent are especially well-tolerated.

Do you apply niacinamide on wet or dry skin?

Moisturizing ingredients: damp skin

If your facial routine is simple and you're just applying a moisturizer after you cleanse, you'll want to do this ASAP, while your skin is still wet. The same goes for any moisturizing serums you may layer into your routine, like hyaluronic acid, squalene, or niacinamide.

How long should I wait to put moisturizer after niacinamide?

But if you're using two distinct products with these ingredients, wait 15 minutes between applications, or save one for morning use and the other for evening use.

Should I moisturize after niacinamide?

Niacinamide Serum – As most niacinamide serums are water-based, it's best to apply them after cleansing and toning and before oil-based serums or moisturizers. This way, you ensure the highest possible absorption and effectiveness.

How long does purging last with niacinamide?

That makes niacinamide a great option for improving acne without having to wait through the purging process—which can take several weeks. If you're experiencing breakouts as a result of a product made with niacinamide, take a look at the formula to see if something else might be triggering your skin.