Coming Soon: I will be replacing the Licorice Root in Acne.org AHA+ (Glycolic Acid – 10%) with 2% Niacinamide in the coming months.
It has a slightly thinner viscosity, but other than that, you probably will not notice any change when you dispense it or apply it. However, over time you should notice your skin improving from the power of Niacinamide.
Over the past few years, we have seen mounting research on Niacinamide’s positive effects on acne-prone skin. Here are some of Niacinamide’s benefits:
Reduces skin oil (sebum) production: The less skin oil, the less acne, so anything that can reduce skin oil is welcome.
Reduces inflammation: Acne is an inflammatory disease. Reducing inflammation can prevent future breakouts.
Lighten red/dark marks (hyperpigmentation): Niacinamide can speed the fading of marks that remain after acne lesions heal.
Speeds wound healing: Medically speaking, acne lesions are small wounds. Proper wound healing can help pimples heal faster and might help reduce scarring.
Improve skin barrier (stratum corneum) function: The stratum corneum keeps water inside the skin. Niacinamide will strengthen the ability of the stratum corneum to keep the skin hydrated.
Fight skin aging and prevent skin cancer: Two nice extra bonuses.
I will be including it at a full 2% so it will really work.
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References
Leonita, E., Setyaningrum, T., Qorib, M. F., Mohammad & Damayanti, D. Comparison of the Efficacy of Topical Clindamycin versus Niacinamide in the Treatment of Mild to Moderate Acne Vulgaris: a Systematic Review. Periodical of Dermatology and Venerology, 34 (2023).
Kaewsanit, T., Chakkavittumrong, P. & Waranuch, N. Clinical Comparison of Topical 2.5% Benzoyl Peroxide plus 5% Niacinamide to 2.5% Benzoyl Peroxide Alone in the Treatment of Mild to Moderate Facial Acne Vulgaris. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol 14, 35-41 (2021).
Nair, N., Dutta, M., Karu, J., Lim, F. L., Damodaran, A. & Van-der-Logt, P. Regulation of postinflammatory hyperpigmentation by niacinamide through potential modulation of the protease inhibitor, SERPINB3. JAAD 85 (2021).
Khodaeiani, E., Fouladi, R. F., Amirnia, M., Saeidi, M. & Karimi, E. R. Topical 4% nicotinamide vs. 1% clindamycin in moderate inflammatory acne vulgaris. Int J Dermatol 52, 999–1004 (2013).
Grange, P. A., Raingeaud, J., Calvez, V. & Dupin, N. Nicotinamide inhibits Propionibacterium acnes-induced IL-8 production in keratinocytes through the NF-kappaB and MAPK pathways. J Dermatol Sci 56, 106–112 (2009).
Kaymak, Y. & Önder, M. An Investigation of Efficacy of Topical Niacinamide for the Treatment of Mild and Moderate Acne Vulgaris. Journal of the Turkish Academy of Dermatology 2, 4–7 (2008).
Draelos, Z. D., Matsubara, A. & Smiles, K. The effect of 2% niacinamide on facial sebum production. J Cosmet Laser Ther 8, 96–101 (2006).
Shalita, A. R., Smith, J. G., Parish, L. C., Sofman, M. S. & Chalker, D. K. Topical nicotinamide compared with clindamycin gel in the treatment of inflammatory acne vulgaris. Int J Dermatol 34, 434–437 (1995).
