Niacinamide - #17098

Emily

I’ve recently started using a skincare product that contains niacinamide, which I’ve heard is great for brightening the skin and reducing redness or hyperpigmentation. I’ve been struggling with uneven skin tone and some mild acne scars, and I was hoping niacinamide would help improve the overall appearance of my skin. However, after a few weeks of using it, I’ve noticed some slight irritation and redness in certain areas, which makes me wonder if I’m using it too frequently or if it’s reacting with my skin in some way. I’ve read that niacinamide is generally well-tolerated by most people, but I’m still concerned about whether it could be causing more harm than good, especially since my skin is a bit sensitive. I’ve also been wondering if there are any other natural ingredients or Ayurvedic remedies that might work well alongside niacinamide to improve my skin’s health and appearance. Since I’m new to using niacinamide, I’m interested in learning how to incorporate it into my skincare routine more effectively. Are there other ingredients or oils in Ayurveda that complement niacinamide, or should I consider switching to a different product? Has anyone here used niacinamide for skin issues like acne scars or pigmentation? How did you incorporate it into your routine, and did you experience any irritation?

FREE

Question is closed

FREE! Ask an Ayurvedic Doctor — 24/7,
100% Anonymous

Get expert answers anytime,
completely confidential.
No sign-up needed.

Doctors’ responses

Dr Sujal Patil

Experience of 14 years in clinical and research field of Ayurveda. I am a Science based evidence based Ayurveda practitioner and incorporate accurate diet regimen and minimal medication in my practice with faster results sans no side effects.

167 days ago

4.88

It sounds like you’re taking a great approach to improving your skin, but irritation can sometimes occur when introducing new products, especially with active ingredients like niacinamide. It’s generally well-tolerated, but with sensitive skin, it can cause some redness or irritation if used too frequently or in high concentrations. To minimize this, you might want to start with a lower concentration of niacinamide and apply it a few times a week, gradually increasing as your skin builds tolerance. It’s also a good idea to use it alongside a gentle moisturizer to help soothe and protect your skin barrier.
In Ayurveda, there are several natural remedies that can complement niacinamide and help with skin health. Aloe vera is often used to calm irritated skin and promote healing. Turmeric, with its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, can help reduce redness and pigmentation. Sandalwood is also soothing and can promote even skin tone, making it a nice addition to a skincare routine targeting pigmentation or acne scars. Both turmeric and sandalwood can be applied in masks or combined with other oils like rosehip oil (which is rich in vitamin A and essential fatty acids) to help repair skin while keeping it hydrated.
If you are experiencing irritation, it might also help to reduce other active ingredients in your routine temporarily, as niacinamide works best when combined with gentle, soothing products. Avoid harsh exfoliants and consider using a calming product with lavender or chamomile to help reduce any inflammation. Ultimately, listening to your skin and adjusting the frequency of niacinamide use can help you strike the right balance.

11913 answered questions

78% best answers

Accepted response

0 replies

Dr. Harsha Joy

Dr. Harsha Joy is a renowned Ayurvedic practitioner with a wealth of expertise in lifestyle consultation, skin and hair care, gynecology, and infertility treatments. With years of experience, she is dedicated to helping individuals achieve optimal health through a balanced approach rooted in Ayurveda's time-tested principles. Dr. Harsha has a unique ability to connect with her patients, offering personalized care plans that cater to individual needs, whether addressing hormonal imbalances, fertility concerns, or chronic skin and hair conditions. In addition to her clinical practice, Dr. Harsha is a core content creator in the field of Ayurveda, contributing extensively to educational platforms and medical literature. She is passionate about making Ayurvedic wisdom accessible to a broader audience, combining ancient knowledge with modern advancements to empower her clients on their wellness journeys. Her areas of interest include promoting women's health, managing lifestyle disorders, and addressing the root causes of skin and hair issues through natural, non-invasive therapies. Dr. Harsha’s holistic approach focuses on not just treating symptoms but addressing the underlying causes of imbalances, ensuring sustainable and long-lasting results. Her warm and empathetic nature, coupled with her deep expertise, has made her a sought-after consultant for those looking for natural, effective solutions to improve their quality of life. Whether you're seeking to enhance fertility, rejuvenate your skin and hair, or improve overall well-being, Dr. Harsha Joy offers a compassionate and knowledgeable pathway to achieving your health goals.

165 days ago

4.83

Niacinamide is generally beneficial for brightening skin and reducing redness, but it can cause irritation, especially for sensitive skin, if used too frequently or in high concentrations. In Ayurveda, to complement niacinamide, you can use calming and soothing ingredients like aloe vera, sandalwood, or turmeric. These herbs are known for their anti-inflammatory and healing properties, which can help soothe irritation and support skin health. For sensitive skin, it’s best to use niacinamide in moderation and pair it with hydrating oils like rosehip or sesame oil to help maintain the skin’s moisture barrier. Always patch test new products to avoid further irritation, and consider giving your skin some rest between applications of niacinamide to see how it reacts.

13739 answered questions

68% best answers

0 replies

Dr. Ayush Varma

Graduating with an MD in Ayurvedic Medicine from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in 2008, he brings over 15 years of expertise in integrative healthcare. Specializing in complex chronic conditions, including autoimmune disorders, metabolic syndromes, and digestive health, he uses a patient-centered approach that focuses on root causes. Certified in Panchakarma Therapy and Rasayana (rejuvenation), he is known for combining traditional Ayurvedic practices with modern diagnostics. Actively involved in research, he has contributed to studies on Ayurveda’s role in managing diabetes, stress, and immunity. A sought-after speaker at wellness conferences, he practices at a reputable Ayurvedic wellness center, dedicated to advancing Ayurveda’s role in holistic health and preventive care.

76 days ago

4.95

It sounds like you’ve been on quite a skincare journey! Incorporating niacinamide into your routine is a popular choice because of its multiple benefits, but figuring out the balance is key. The good news is niacinamide is generally gentle, but hey, we all have unique skin, right? If you’re noticing irritation, it could be a few things: frequency of use, the overall concentration in your product, or maybe how it’s interacting with other things you’re putting on your skin.
Try using it just once every other night, see if that calms things down a bit. Sensitive skin sometimes needs a slower introduction to new products. Also, pair it with a hydrator, maybe something simple like Aloe Vera gel to soothe and cool the skin while niacinamide does its magic.
Wondering about Ayurvedic companions? Well, turmeric is a pretty awesome partner – it brightens and evens out tone naturally. You can use a very diluted paste or look for creams containing it. Another good one is sandalwood oil; it’s cooling and calming. Ayurveda always emphasizes balance, so gentle touch with plant-based ingredients is the way to go.
And there you might like to explore Manjistha (Rubia cordifolia) – it’s known in Ayurveda for skin purification. You could consider incorporating it as a paste mixed with rose water. Not to forget, a diet that aids in skin health – eating a rainbow, ensuring good hydration, stuff like that, ya know? Oh, and make sure your digestive system is happy; Ayurveda says skin issues can reflect internal imbalances too.
Finally, if mixing modern skincare with Ayurvedic practices, give your treatments time in between – a few hours at least – to see how your skin responds. It’s always a bit of experimenting. Trust your skin’s feedback, and adjust accordingly. If irritation persists, maybe a consult with a pro would ease those worries. Happy skin exploring!

1742 answered questions

27% best answers

0 replies

FREE! Ask an Ayurvedic doctor — 24/7,
100% Anonymous

600+ certified Ayurvedic experts. No sign-up.

About our doctors

Only qualified ayurvedic doctors who have confirmed the availability of medical education and other certificates of medical practice consult on our service. You can check the qualification confirmation in the doctor's profile.