One of the most popular actives in skin care products, niacinamide is a form of vitamin B-3 and is vital for multiple processes in the body. Found naturally in food sources like milk, fish, eggs, meat, and green vegetables, it is required by the body to break down food into usable energy, and help cells remain healthy. It was previously used to treat pellagra, caused by a severe niacin deficiency. Now, it’s more commonly used as an added ingredient in skincare because of its rejuvenating and healing properties. 

Niacinamide increases keratin production, which helps with strengthening your skin barrier to prevent external aggressors from irritating the skin. Since the nails and hair are also built up of keratin, niacinamide intake also ensures their growth and health. 

It also helps in maintaining the lipid barrier of the skin, to seal moisture and further safeguard the skin to leave it hydrated and supple. To further balance out moisture and oil levels, niacinamide works with the sebaceous glands to control how much oil is secreted. Along with that, it reduces pore size and is used to reduce the appearance of acne scars, blemishes, and fine lines. A strong anti-inflammatory agent, niacinamide greatly reduces redness and irritation to calm sensitive and acne-prone skin. 

Since niacinamide is naturally occurring, its intake can be managed through your diet, added supplements, or in skin products where it is added as an ingredient. 

If you require niacinamide for treating symptoms related to a vitamin B-3 deficiency, it’s best to ingest. However, if you are looking to deal with specific skin concerns, skincare products with it added as an ingredient are optimal, as they’re more readily absorbed at problem areas to provide faster and more targeted effects.